“I never charged the cook for portraits, because you always want to get friendly with the cook.” (Interview, 40:50)

Victor Selinsky

Detail from drawing of a soldier running War: World War, 1939-1945 Branch: Army Unit: 174th Engineer Combat Battalion Service Location: Asiatic-Pacific Theater Rank: Technician Five Place of Birth: Cincinnati, OH

As an 18-year-old Army recruit, Victor Selinsky carried a sketchpad wherever he went, from the training camps in his home state of California to outposts in the Pacific Theater. Selinsky was a lowly private in an engineering battalion doing scut work during the retaking of the Philippines and the invasion of Okinawa. Between hauling supplies and helping to build roads, Selinsky captured in bold strokes the beauty of the islands and the leisure pursuits of his fellow soldiers. He even made a little money on the side, drawing for a dollar apiece portraits of wives and girlfriends from photos.