Month: March 1942

March 21, 1942

Dear Folks:

You no doubt are beginning to think that your son has forgotten you.  Golly: I have been so busy this week I haven’t had but about four hours sleep per evening.  My company is growing.  I now have 150 men to look after and it is no easy task.

This morning we had an inspection and the Major complimented me on the way it went off so I in turn complimented the men.  It makes you feel good when you work hard and know that the work is appreciated.

It is just impossible for me to get a furlough.  You see the Marines especially during times like these have to be ready to move at a moments notice.  But, I am almost sure that I will be here at least during April.  Will I ever be glad to see all of you, and I will plan my work ahead so I can spend more time with you.

Mother, I wrote Leota and expressed my regrets at her mothers illness.  I do hope she has a speedy recovery.

Am enclosing a couple of pictures.  The one without the hat they just sent into Washington for another promotion.  I think it is an awful picture of me but they want a front view and a solemn face.  It probably will scare whoever looks at it.

Dad, I got quite a kick out of you telling me about the camp at Des Moines that is just like the government.  The money they waste is a rime and yet I have a hard time getting ink, pencils and report forms that I have to make out.  Oh:  well it is a great life no matter how you look at it and I know I’ll be glad when I can again return home and to civilian life.  This job has me so I can’t sleep some evenings I have so much on my mind for the next day.

The company looks good though and I have a fine group of boys and they have wonderful spirit and cooperation.

The climate is beginning to warm up considerable.  What I mean you get plenty sunburned when you get out in the sun.  My bald spot on my head really catches it.

This morning I passed my examination for my motorcycle drivers permit.  They really are handy for me to get around in from the field to the office and vice versa.

Tonight I will have to work on my training schedule for next week and that is quite a task.  Also, tomorrow I must write the Aunts.

Let me know when you plan to come.  Hope this finds all of you feeling fine.

Thanks loads for the newspaper and the magazines.

Tell all the family and friends hello for me.

Love to all,

Leo

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March 9, 1942

Dear Folks:

Received your letter today and I am glad to know that you are planning on coming out in April.  Golly: will I ever be glad to see you.

I will be able to get 24 hour leave on Saturday or Sunday or Monday and then another day during the week I’ll be able to get off from noon until seven the next morning.

If you can, come before the end of the month as I have an awful lot of paper work and reports to get out the end of the month.

Now I have 114 men in Company “D” and it keeps me plenty busy.  But, I love my new job and work and it brings me in close contact with all the men.

My letter came back from Washington and I am to old for a commission by attending the Candidates Class so I will have to work my way up through the ranks and I guess that is the better way.  At least I am making my stripes by hard work and that is more than a lot of them can say that get their bars and stripes by pull.

The Major told me I would be better off this way.  As a matter of fact he worked his way up from 1^st Sgt.

You see my next rate is Platoon Sergeant, then First Sergeant.  You see I am now a Sergeant but I am the Acting 1^st Sgt.

In the Marine Corps Manual Chapter 6 Article 24 it has this to say about First Sergeants – Leadership should be the outstanding characteristic of a first sergeant.  He should be in fact as well as in name the first sergeant, capable of maintaining discipline, conducting drills and instructions, and handling the organization either in barracks or in the field.  His clerical qualifications and duties should be given weight and importance, but placed secondary to the qualification of leadership.

It makes me feel quite well when I read that.  I must admit that the job does worry me and I have a hard time sleeping some nights wondering whether I have everything all set for the next days operations.  So far we are getting along fine and the company is whipping into shape fast.

Robert ask why I was only a sergeant and doing a first sergeants work.  Well the reason is you have to be promoted from one rank to the next.  They sent a letter into Washington today for me for Platoon Sergeant.  I will eventually get there.

Mother, wait till I take you and Dad for a ride on the motorcycle and Dad a ride in the tank.

Glad that Mary Alice is better and I also am glad that Drs. Joe and Dan have been deferred.  You civilians need good Doctors as well as the men in the service.

Not much news but a line to say hello and let all of you know I think of you.  Give my regards to all the family and friends.

Love to all,

Leo

Mother, you better quit working so hard.  I know your house is clean enough.

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5 March 42

Dear Folks:

I did get up to see Mrs. Keister and we surely did have a nice visit.  My Bob looked awful.  He will have to watch himself for some time.

What a headache I have on my new job.  Believe me running a company of men is tough.  I have to put in long hours but I guess I will be able to weather the storm.

Heard from Washington.  I am to old to go to the candidates class at Quantico so I have to make it the hard way rank by rank.  From my experience with men I prefer to make it the hard way.  Then I know what I am doing.  As it is now I run Co “D” and all 1^st Sgts run the companies.  I know one thing Co “D” will be the best Tank Company in the Marine Corps.

Received your letters and I am always glad to hear from all of you.  Also, thanks for the stamps.

Have been out in the field all day with the men and tonight I have my executive or office work to do.

You should see me riding a motorcycle.  Not only do I have to know about a Tank but also be able to ride a motorcycle so I can get in and out of the field to the office and vice versa.

It is now 7:30 pm and by eleven I should have my work almost caught up.

Glad to hear that Mary Alice is feeling much better.  Hope she is soon fully recovered.

Tell the Aunts, Grandad and all the relatives and friends I think of them often and I’ll try and write them soon.

Will I ever be glad to see you when you come out.  I won’t be able to get a furlough but I will be able to get some time off.  Let me know as soon as possible when you are coming and then I’ll be able to prepare my work a little in advance.  You see now I have a great deal of work as we are in the stages of organization.  But in another week or so everything should be running smoothly.

Golly, I am sorry the kids can’t come.  Hope all of you are well.

Love to all,

Leo

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