Victor Wade (Vic) McKenzie

March 18, 1943

V. W. McKENZIE. JR., who used to live here but lately lived at New Smyrna, working for a life insurance company, has joined the army at Camp Blanding He went in this week.

April 29, 1943

V. W. McKENZIE, JR. has been, transferred to Riverside, Calif. He is in the army, you know.

August 26, 1943

Also, a letter from Pvt. Leonard Moody in Camp Haan Calif. He is making it fine and must be getting plenty to eat. He told his father that he has gained several pounds on army chow. He weighed around 180 when he went in. Incidentally, a couple of his old football team mates are in California also. Shelton Brooks is at Oceanside and V. W. McKENZIE, JR. is in Los Angeles - - taking some kind of course at some college.

September 16, 1943

Army Privates Leonard Moody at Riverside California, and V. W. McKENZIE, at Los Angeles, got together out there the other day. They are old schoolmates and football teammates.

September 23, 1943

Pvt. Leonard Moody at Riverside Calif. writes that 'he is "going to the dessert" for a spell. He also sent some pictures of himself and V. W. McKENZIE, JR. and a couple of very nice looking dames which, we suppose, is the usual California product, eh?

November 2, 1944

Pvt. V. W. McKENZIE, now stationed in Carolina, is spending a furlough with his parents in St. Augustine and also visited in Bunnell.

May10, 1945

From Pfc. VIC McKENZIE a letter dated April 18 in Germany. Vic writes:

"I just received the second copy of The Tribune, dated Feb. 22. I received the first copy, dated March 1, just a few days ago but have just found time, to write to thank you for sending them to me.

We have been moving fast since Easter, two and three different positions a day and one day, we moved up, four times within 24 hours. These movements and a little rainy weather have cut my outgoing correspondence down to two short notes to my mother and none to anyone else since Easter, so you can understand why I haven't written to thank you for the paper.

I have read every word, every letter, on these pages of The Tribune and I really enjoyed catching up with the news, although my grandmother keeps me pretty well posted. I wore the first copy out sticking it in and out of my pocket between 'March Orders!' and 'Prepare for Actions!' But I finally read it through.

I had a letter from Leonard not long ago. He hasn't said which army he is in but I'm almost positive he's in the Seventh. I'm in Patton's Third which is north of the Seventh but it still takes several days to get mail from him and vice - versa.

We are now in a town where some of the boys captured in the Belgian Bulge were held until we came in. Let me change that - until our infantry came in. We came in a few hours later. I don't want to take any credit which is due our dough feet. When one of them says he respects us for our barrages and supporting fire, I answer by saying that I respect them for being the courageous, unsung heroes that they have proved themselves to be.

But to get back to the liberated captives. They were very glad to see us. They said the best sight they have ever seen was the sight of the infantry as they came over the hill just at the edge of town. I went down to where they were imprisoned to see if I could find any of the boys I knew but I had no luck, although some of the men in my battery did.

Thanks again for The Tribune. I'm looking forward to receiving my next copy."

July 12, 1945

A letter from Pfc. Leonard C. Moody who is with the 13th armored division that was stationed at Camp Atlanta, France, at the time he wrote.

He said that he had heard from V. W. McKENZIE, and that V. W. was stationed nearer the port than he was, but that V. W. was apparently stationed there for some time.

Leonard can't seem to get away from the thirteens. He was born on the 13th day of the month, is with the 13th armored division, and is scheduled to sail for the states on Friday the 13th.

December 6, 1945

Pfc. V. W. McKENZIE, JR., was here a few, days this week visiting his grandparents and friends while on furlough. He arrived recently in New York from the ETO, and expects to be discharged soon.

February 14, 1946

Discharged from the service this week......... V. W. McKENZIE, JR