April 28, 1945
Manila
Philippine Islands

Dear Nancy & Minnie ?
I
fve always wanted to address you by your first names and now I
fm taking the liberty to do so.
First, to clear up an obligation. My brothers address is as follows ?
1st Lt. Harry Siegel -0-1645371
ADG A2 ? APO 149
c/o Postmaster, NY, N.Y.
Now then ? Helen and I did go to Mexico together, and as she guessed, it was only for a very brief moment. I now [1 word, illegible] a lot of this Pacific, and it ain
ft scuttlebutt the dots of islands look like jewels. When I arrived here, I saw what war can do. I know you have seen the pictures of what has become of the Pearl of the Orient ? but we somehow become calloused to these sights after one has seen so many of them via the news papers and newsreels. Its terrible. The people are actually homeless, squatting where they can in the livable ruins. TS enjoyable, however, to see some of the old sights which I remember from planetary geography and National Geographic. What angers me is the way these people can squat for hours on their haunches ? I tried it ? well, you can try it too! Its positively Painful.
The work I am doing is interesting and more important, gives me plenty of free time to meet people and see the sights. I have visited the famous internment camp and have spoken to many natives & internees, listening with all ears to first hand experiences. Its heart breaking & thrilling at the same time. they have been so brave.
Need I tell you that the chow is excellent, fresh cereal + butter ? but alas, none of those juicy Jersey tomatoes or crisp lettuce or fresh milk. The only discomfort I have suffered to date , has been jeepitis ? a common disease caused by hard seats located in the marvel of the 20th century, driven at breakneck speed over shell-torn roads. Some sailor, Mr becoming to be.
Please let me hear from you soon. Its no propaganda about this letter business. It means so much to us.
Best to all of my friends
Yours
Is

P.S. Send some Jap occupation money with this!