9 December 1941
Dear Folks:
Just a line to let you know that I am O.K. We had a little scare last evening as they sighted 60 Japanese airplanes over San Francisco headed for San Diego. We all were issued 60 rounds of ammunition and had to get out in the open and not be in the barracks. To make matters worse it started raining about midnight.
I haven’t been to bed since Saturday evening and it is now Tuesday morning. We are very busy getting things ready to go. I will keep in touch with you from time to time and let you know how I am getting along.
Am not able to write much now and I have to get busy on the issue of some more equipment and clothes. Surely will say that the Japs took us quite by surprise. But don’t worry we will take care of them.
I can surely sympathize with the British now since we were warned as to an air attack last evening. It really gives one quite a thrill to realize how it could be.
I am enclosing two dollars. One is for Bobby for Christmas and the other one for Mary Alice. That is about all I will be able to do for now as I had to get some extra things in case we do make an Expeditionary Force and I might as well be honest with you it isn’t very far off.
I’ll say one thing the Marines spirit is very high. If the civilians hold up as well as we do we can’t help but win out.
Hope this letter finds you all feeling fine. Dad the reason I am down at the base is I am detached.
Love to all,
Leo
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