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