Month: May 1942

Sunday Evening

May 24, 1942

Dear Folks:

Got the letters and papers last Friday and I surely was glad to hear from you.  My mail was bouncing around all last week.

Dad, I am enclosing two dollars for you to get something for your birthday.  I am sorry that it is belated but it just couldn’t be helped.  I want to wish you many more happy birthdays and I hope I will be with you and Mother to help celebrate all of them from now on.

My salary on the new position would be $125 per month but I will have to buy my own meals and clothes but I believe they allow us additional for that.  

Boot camp was easy compared to what I am now going through but by keeping my nose to the grind stone I believe I will be able to make the grade.

This week I have six exams coming up so I will have to do a lot of burning of the mid-night oil this week.

Mother, I expect it is getting warm back in good old Illinois this week.  Suppose you will be planting flowers and trying to grow grass in the front lawn again.

I must get to studying.  Be sure to tell all the family and friends hello from me.

What did you think of the picture I sent home-you didn’t mention it.  I hope this finds all of you feeling fine.

Love to all,

Leo

• 

• 

Monday

May 18, 1942

Dear Folks:

Another week gone and what I mean it has been a busy one.  They really are giving us the work but I feel as if I am accomplishing something and I know that I am learning something every day.  

Really am getting a nice sun tan.

Got my paper back on Naval Law and I passed it.  Also, this evening we ordered uniforms.  Total cash for a blouse and two pair of pants $118 but they allow us $150.  I have to buy shoes, kahkis, field scarfs, and etc. Yet.  But, I will come out and I feel I will go right on up the ladder.

Folks this is just like camping out.  Put your bucket of water on the oil stove to heat and then shave and wash with it.

Mother, I am glad you enjoyed the flowers, some day I hope to be able to do more for you and dad.

Got a letter from Elizabeth today and you can tell her she had better forget the pup as she was quite correct the old gang is being split up.

Golly! How I would like to see all of you.  Be sure to tell the Aunts and all the family hello for me..

Am enclosing you a picture of Larry Adams daughter and I.  Tell Bobby & Anne that they have a rival that she calls me Uncle Mac.

All of you write to me when you have time.  I must now study for a map test we have tomorrow.

Love to all,

Leo

• 

• 

May 11, 1942

Dear Folks:

Well here I am moved again and today was my first at Officers Candidates Class.   They started a class here on the west coast and I was one 

of the 75 chosen to attend.  I was interviewed by the General, Colonels, Lt. Colonels, Majors, Captains and Lieutenants who formed the board.

We are situated up in the mountains, living in tents.  I have four blankets so I should be able to keep warm.

It is up to me now if I am successful I will be a 2d Lieutenant one month from today.  What I mean they really are throwing the work at us.

We get up at 5:30 am and have classes until 5:30 pm and again from 7 pm to 9 pm and it is a very intensive course of study.  The only liberty we have will be from 5 pm Saturday to 5 pm Sunday and then one will more than likely have to remain in camp to study.

My Bunkie in the tent is a swell fellow and by the way he was an embalmer before the war.  His home is in Kansas City, Mo.

I won’t be able to be writing all the family while attending school so you will have to be content to pass the letters I write you around.

We eat out of mess gear in the open under a tent fly and the food is excellent.

By the way you still send my mail to Co “D,” 2^nd Tank Battalion at Camp Elliott only address it now to Sgt McLoskey.

I am enclosing my orders and it will give you an idea of what I am doing.  I know it will be tough but I’ll make the grade.

Love to all,

Leo

• 

• 

May 6, 1942

Dear Folks:

I am enjoying a 48 hour leave by visiting the Whitemans.  I got off at 5 pm yesterday (Tuesday) and I don’t have to be back until 5 pm Thursday.  Sara and Bob both acted like they were plenty glad to see me.

Well, Mother this Sunday is Mothers Day and I want you to know I will be thinking of you.  We get paid this Thursday and I will send you a gift at that time.

They still are working me plenty hard but I guess I will be able to survive it.  Anyway it looks as if I am not loosing much weight although I do have some restless nights thinking about what has to be done the following day.

Dad, I see by the paper where you are again chairman of the Memorial Day Committee.  I think it is great of you to be in so many civic activities.

How did Mary Alice and Anne like their gifts?  You never did tell me except about Bobby.  I guess you know he is the favorite of his Uncle Leo.  Golly! How I do miss that boy and all the rest of you.

Are you beginning to get rested up from your trip?  No fooling the weather the pasta few days has been marvelous.  Plenty of sunshine and also plenty hot.

Sara & Bob say they haven’t heard from the kids in some time and I also haven’t heard for quite a spell.  Then I suppose they are quite busy.

I will mail this as I drive down to get Bob this evening. He still is working quite long hours.  The McCulloughs are coming over this evening so if your ears start to burning you will know we are talking about you.

Hope this finds all of you feeling fine and don’t forget I love and miss all of you.

Love to all,

Leo

• 

•