January 29, 1944

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, from the South Seas to Berkeley, CA. This is a V-Mail, as illustrated.)

Dear Paul,

Though I promised the other nite to write you again soon, I can't think of much to say. Everything is OK by me. We were bombed. Can't mention much more

Have you been receiving my mail regularly? Still haven't received the book you mentioned and package it was enclosed in. I certainly hope my civilian glasses arrive soon. Sent home several months ago, having broken a lens in diving for fox-hole during an air at Roviana. Most annoying - those actions. G.I. Spects have too small lenses and the frame corrodes continuously in these climes. My watch - gift of Rudy, Ann, Ed, and Rose - is still in Racine getting overhauled for all appearances.

How's the financial situation with you? Do you find the course very rough? Many students at the University and how many G.I.'s? Did I tell you Yuts sent a letter dated "(censored)? Jake V. and Ray R. haven't replied.

Your brother,
Vic

January 25th, 1944

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, from Bougainville, to Berkeley, CA. Written on American Red Cross writing paper. The photo caption reads 'Harbor scene from Bougainville, looking out towards Parate Island. 1944.)

Dear Paul,

Thanks for writing. Didn't have your Berkeley address on hand and was anxiously awaiting word from you again. Your letter dated 25th Dec. arrived two days ago so you can realize the mail service isn't nearly as prompt as that grom Guadalcanal.

Incidently, we can now mention that we'd come back to that island from Roviana, New Georgia zone. Our present location is still officially secret, tho some U.S. newspapers have printed articles about our operations.

Heard from the folks recently, and also Rudy and one from Gloria G. They're all OK. You should write home to the folks more often, Paul. I guess they must be lonely. Had a letter from Yuts the other day and it appears we might meet up soon 'cause he seemed to be in these waters. I have a good hunch as to his location and hope he can get around further to look me up.

Haven't heard from Bill F. lately, but imagine he's in Racine now. Ray Reed hasn't replied since sailing out of Frisco, and Jake V. hasn't dropped another line 'cause he's probably busy in either the latest New Guinea or New Britain campaigns. Read where Nick Cariello was injured along with quite a few marines in the Gilbert I.

Howie, Ran, and Vernon were said to've joined the Marine Corps lately. People back home should be prepared for heavier war casualties as the war tempo progresses. They should certainly accept any sacrifices in goods to help troops abroad and our Allies.

Some politicians, quite a few in high circles, could easily be gotten along without. Have they taken sufficient measures to stamp out the black marketeers and other illegal profiteering?

I'm doing my best to get a fair collections of pictures over here, but am hampered by lack of a camera of my own, film, and other things. Can't get the prints home until the war is won. They confiscate most photos, leastwise those dealing with personnel or material, and personal negatives and prints aren't much good without decriptive background.

The climate is very severe on photographic materials so don't expect anything like a semi-professional view or scene.

I certainly hope you're doing OK at school and remain in good health. How'd you come to be acquainted with certain parties after such a relatively short time on the West Coast? Good to hear you're active and you getting around much in those parts?

I haven't yet received your book. Have read numerous mysteries, also some war books as "Guadalcanal Diary", "Into the Valley" "Battle of the Solomons" & "South-West Passage". I will try to write again soon; meanwhile please send letters as often as you can.

Your brother,
Vic

January 22, 1944

(Letter from Vic to brother Rudy and wife Ann, written from the South Pacific to Passaic, New Jersey. In the bottom left corner of the envelope is the writing "Censored by (no name) Lt, F.A. Above that is a stamp "Passed by U.S. Army Examiner 25603". The Photo shows a soldier clearing brush in front of a camouflaged outpost on the Solomon Islands.)

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Thanks for your letter of 30th Dec. which I just received today. Guess the mail service isn't as prompt as it was a few months back, eh?

As regards your questions on censorship: the letters sent by service men overseas to people at home are censored at their source of mailing (in my case it's here at the battery) and about (?) ten percent are picked out and investigated by the base censorship offices either somewheres overseas or at U.S. ports; mail sent by people in the States to servicemen overseas is only subject to base censorship en route. How much of it is opened is unknown, but I believe it's a relatively small percentage. Haven't noticed any letters from home that were subjected to censorship but it's been done.

Where we forward negatives or prints home we must mark the envelope which then goes direct to the base censors after leaving here. Negatives are often liable to be confiscated and perhaps to be returned after the war. Photos not dealing with military equipment, and a thousand-and-one seemingly related subjects, will eventually reach the address indicated after being detained. Does that clear up the situation?

I wish to thank you for your thoughtfullness in sending film, flash-light, and cigerette lighter, etc. Haven't received them as yet but they'll be along. Incidentally some items have been long enroute but they should eventually arrive. Some Xmas packages still aren't here and I believe they were said to have some sort of priority. We always appreciate reading material and it really keeps in circulation.

In writing you the other day I asked that you sent your camera (or any camera). Perhaps it isn't necessary if you can't spare yours, haven't or cannot obtain another one, or will put you to any inconvenience. However, if the older (longest overseas service record) fellows should ever get to go home under the proposed (?) servicemen's relief (shifting) plan I can't guarantee to have a camera available for us. It's those fellows who are mostly fortunate enough to have one. There's a possibility I can purchase one should I ever get into civilized and populated parts in the Pacific.

The Gulbankians said Howie, Ran and Vernon joined the Marine Corps. Can't quite see that. Would've done better somewhere else.

Once heard from Bill F. They wanted him to go with them out to the West Coast for either war work or Merchant Marine Service. Ted Kraynik wasn't commissioned (he's in either the Navy or C.B.'s. I believe). Write soon and often!

Best regards,
Vic

January 19, 1944

(Letter from Vic to brother Rudy and wife Ann, written from the South Pacific to Passaic, New Jersey. In the bottom left corner of the envelope is the writing "Censored by (no name). Above that is a stamp "Passed by U.S. Army Examiner 25603". The photo shows a picture of a soldier posing with several Solomon Island children, all of them smoking.)

Dear Ann and Rudy,

I've long been waiting your overdue reply to my last letters. Have you been answering promptly? I'm well aware the mail services isn't as speedy as it formerly was at my last location, but had you replied within a reasonable period it surely would be here before now.

Which reminds me, we can now say that prior to the present location we were situated in that super-delux (!) area, Guadalcanal. Yes, that's the place we went back to from Roviana (New Georgia). Presumably it was a 'rest period' but there were plenty of details. In some respects the Canal beats all the other Solomon Islands and in others it doesn't. Tho the thermometer may almost set maximum records there, the humidity is far more comfortable than that encountered in the New Georgia group. Then too, traveling up to the equator from the Canal one enters zones of heavier precipitation.

Actually, nothing suits the humane environment in so far as I'm able to judge. The closer to the equator one gets, it seems the natives are of less sturdy physical proportions. There should be several reasons for this.

The Solomons were practically isolated from the outside world due to their position in the Pacific. Being off the trade route to either the orient or Australia and New Zealand, very few whites got to see these coral and volcanic islands. British and Australians craft of trade schooner tuypes sailed through the Solomons, taking out cargos of copra and other coconut products. Can't see what else they might have taken on. Surely it wasn't pearls as I never heard of any being found in the waters.

One hears so much phoney romance and adventure concerning the South Sea Islands. After twenty-four hours under average conditions, I'll bet most tourists would do anything to get out. Down in either New Caledonia, the New Hebrides, the Fijis, Tonga group or over around Tahiti way, conditions don't constitute your idea of a paradise.

Would like to know how many, if any, of the authors and commentators who write and speak praises of the South Seas were ever down here. Also - why did they ever leave? Aboard a ship or any kind of craft where one's exposed to breezes, one could spend a fairly comfortable short sojourn in these waters provided you don't come ashore.

On land the heat humidity and really becomes noticable. Here too, one encounters the malarial mosquito and a million other varieties of insects and reptiles. The sea is of a deep blue in deep water and in the channels and reefbound inlets gives way to brilliant greens. Frequent squalls come up on the open water but they serve as a relief from the torrid sun.

When a new moon comes up it's swell, but that invariably bids welcome to Jap bombers. The natives aren't as populous as one might expect, but they're always friendly to Americans. They had a rotton deal during the few months the japs dominated. The Nips had them almost starving in several places and took advantage of their helplessness. However some of these boys have cleaned out individuals and small groups of the enemy with maschettes and crude clubs. They can't be beat when it comes to jungle traveling, hunting and tracking. We should give them credit for their part in aiding us to defeat the enemy.

Most natives had seen white men before as the English had this as a protectrate. However, it was only a few years ago when most of them were savages and some cannibals. A few speak fair English. Twuice I've met native fellows who spoke exceptionally well and both had had close association with the British authorities. An English Resident is the official in charge and were located on major islands. The natives are good at handicraft. Most of them were Christians I believe, and I've seen several of their odd chapels. Some missionarys settled here long ago.

On the Canal the Lever Bros., of that well-known soap company, cleared and planted the coconut palms and you probably associate that island with. Fact is, one only finds groves near the sea or on comparatively level ground nearby. Inland the heavy jungle growth or grassy plains stretch. On the latter this coarse grass is chest and even head or greater in height. I guess I misled you when I gave Lever Bros. credit for their plantation work. Actually the natives did all the laboring.

Well, I imagine I won't have to say of these parts in future letters 'cause I seem to've exhausted the subject. Maybe (?) I can dig up some more dope, however, 'case you're interested. Ruts, I'd like to have you send me some (mostly) 120 or 629 film, if that's possible, and any spare paper to make positives of that you might have or can possibly dig up. Send same in small packages via air mail. Kindly let Ed, Rose and gloria read these lines as I have time at present to write them.

Best regards to you all,
Vic

December 17th, 1943

(Letter from Vic to brother Rudy and wife Ann, written from the South Pacific to Passaic, New Jersey. In the bottom left corner of the envelope is the writing "Censored by (no name). Above that is a stamp "Passed by U.S. Army Examiner 25603". Picture is of Torokina Airstrip at Bougaineville, Solomon Island - where Vic was stationed with the 135th Field Artillery Battalion of the 37th Army Divison.)

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Many thanks for your package which I received yesterday. Have you received my other letter? If I neglected to mention what little we're able to say perhaps you'd best read the one I mailed Ed and Rose yesterday.

Whenever you have any recent novels or non-fictions books and magazines that you've no further use for, please forward them on to me. I'm reading the newspapers you wrapped some of the articles in that package this afternoons. Seems we never have enough reading material. That knife and stone will have many uses and the gum will be readily consumed. After short exposure to this climate chewing gum has some peculiar tendencies. Its surface become very oily and sticky, and when chewed it disentegrates to a sugary, lumpy solution and shortly is intirely disolved. Chocolates and caramels come to us in a rather sticky condition, but after cooling underground in the dampness and shade are in fair shape.

Yes that article I mentioned in that letter to Ed was by a veteran commander dated November 12, I believe. I recall refering to its test (the first Paragraph or so) but've forgotten what the discussion was as to merits. Don't belive I have your letter of Nov. 30th on hand anymore. Concerning the election clippings you'd enclosed, I'm happy about the gains registered and the editorial comment.

Ruts, are you informed as to the political set-up in Wis.? I thought Loomis (Prog.) was elected and now I seem to recall and article that mentioned Goodland as filling the guberanatorial capacity. Wasn't he the old Reb. from Racine who was Lt.-Gov. under Heil? How'd he ever sneak into office anyway? Are the Hague boys still in office in Jersey? What's their platform as regards the war effort? Which political party holds sway in the Paterson area? Is the Parlamee racy syndicate still operating in Jersey?

Haven't heard from the folks in a long time. However, they did send me two letters of J-T clippings but neglected to enclose written messages. Had one letter from Paul since he started University of Calif. Ed and Rose haven't written in a long time, but I did receive a package from them several days ago. Perhaps all of you have several letters enroute.

Hear from quite a few home town fellows in the service and from some Army buddies I was with back in the States. Heard from someone in Racine that Alice and Donny Shugar were divorced. Say, did Ran DeFaut enter the merchant marine? Have you seen him recently and do you have his address? Imagine he went in as a radio operator. Is Howie sailing salt water again and do you ever see him and Hank Larsen? Please write soon.

Best regards to you all,
Vic

December 15, 1943

(Letter from Vic to brother Rudy and wife Ann, written from the South Pacific to Passaic, New Jersey. In the bottom left corner of the envelope is the writing "Censored by (no name) Lt, F.A. Above that is a stamp "Passed by U.S. Army Examiner 25603". On the back of the picture at right is written "December 1943, Solomon Islands - month before had been enemy held...)

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Thanks for your letter of Nov. 21st which I received the other day. Haven't received the pakcage you mention sending me but two others arrived to-day. One from the folks and a book, "The Fall of Paris" from Eva Reed. Ray is at sea on a Dutch ship somewhere on the pacific as part of a Navy crew.

Can't mention much about this place but it time may have some somewhat of a story 'case you're interested. How your letter arrived so rapidly I can't understand when others with it are two and three weeks older. Is Ann's brother Nick still in the south western part of the States?

Am scribbling these lines down in our dug-out where we've slung our jungle hammocks. My 'shelter-mate" is another radio man. It's very hot outside just now but the rains were terrific. With shelter-hals as a roof its fairly comfortable in a crude sort of way. We've been bombed and straved. Beyond that I won't venture, and let me know how much the censors are clipping.

The good ole Navy came through and did a swell job in the Gilberts and now the Marshalls according to the radio news. We pick up Frisco short-wave fair and Australia good. They give us a good idea of the situation on the other fighting fronts. The Russians are doing some swell work. Guess the Germans are quite desperate now and seem to be fighting stubornly in Italy. They're certainly taken an awful aerial beating at home but those Nazis deserve every bit of it.

Looks like the nip Imperial Fleet won't be for long at the rate they're going down. News bulletins list their sinkings most accurately and according to the commentators they're really alarmed at ship and air losses. They've good cause to be and are really in for it. Hope they get a good dose of blasting on their homeland.

Jake Valentine said he's left Australia and is now "somewhere in the S-W Pacific". Well write soon and very lengthly.

Best regards to you all,
Vic

P.S. - The knife will come in handy and more so the stone. Have a hard time keeping my own sharp and free from rust. The sheath has deteriorated due to rusting and molding. Can't do much about these things in this humidity except oil and polish ssteel and wip leather. The Marines and Army infantry are issued knifes for close-combat work but not most other branches. Notice the Navy issues one but don't think the C.B.'s carry them. They're handy in numerous ways.

Did you know any fellows who were released in that recent batch from the Army Understand the services will cut down on conscriptment come Spring. How do you like this income tax pay-as-you-go plan? Write!

December 15, 1943

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, from the South Seas to Oakland, CA.)

Dear Paul,

Just a few supplementary lines to yesterday's line.

Will enclose a photo of Elmer Balzer that he sent recently. Send it on home to the folks unless you wish to keep it. The humidity is very bad on such stuff over here so I usually send all photos home eventually. Jacke V asked for some pictures the other day but as I didn't have any of myself I sent him the one you recently sent. Do you write Jake or Elmer and have you heard from them?

Certainly hope the bulk of my Xmas packages arrive soon. Some of them were mailed way back in Oct.

Can't understand the gifts some people persist in sending. I've gotten some face soap and sugar lumps and now Rudy said he'd mailed V-Mail stationery, socks, and tooth powder. Though we appreciate these items, I've said again and again they're issue.

The hunting knife and stone Ruts is sending will be appreciated greatly and the socks, provided they're wool, and tooth power, Ipana paste is better, can readily be used. V-mail is out with me at least and one can have loads of it here for free. Most guys dislike receiving it so naturally refrain from sending it.

The ammunition I asked about should have read 9mm Luger. I stated that correction immediately to Karl G. 'cause I didn't think you could get it. I appreciate your efforts. Karl had sold his Woodsman to Gerieke and neglected to mention the one Bill Mc Coy had. He may have been drafted so it would be difficult if not hopeless. Had you gotten one and sent it then I doubt whether I'd have received it by now and if you mailed one, say now, I might be back home after victory is won before it might possibly catch up.

Some packages travel none too swiftly and you can readily uinderstand war materials must always have utmost priorities to insure prompt delivery to the fighting fronts.

Bill Fiala should be home now for the winter season. He thinks you disliked sailing the Great Lakes. Do you write him frequently?

Your Brother
Vic