Tomorrow we go on a 20 hour driving schedule. By that I mean we will be out for 20 hours straight. As a consequence I am going to retire about eight this evening. But before I did I wanted to drop you a line.
My cold is still with me. The Dr. gave me some very bitter tasting pills but they seem to be doing the work. So you see even here in sunny California we catch colds.
As to my commission I hear that my letter is now in Washington at the MGC’s office and I should hear in about two or three weeks about it.
Haven’t been able to get up to the Whitemans for some time due to the fact that we now only get Liberty every third evening and then only from 4 pm to 7 am the next morning. I am supposed to be on Liberty this evening. Am taking it by writing to you and getting prepared for the big day tomorrow.
I do enjoy hearing from all of you so much and I look forward to hearing from you. But, I am living for the day when we can all be together again and for good.
Sorry you are having all the snow but I surely would like to be back with all of you and believe it or not I would enjoy the snow.
Later on in the week I must write the kids and the Aunts. I also have to write Grandad Shawler & Aunt Mable. Tell all of them that I haven’t forgotten them.
No doubt you are beginning to think that I have entirely forgotten you. I was in the hospital for three days and since then I have been a very busy boy.
I now am the 1st Sgt of Co. “D” of the 2nd Tank Battalion. As yet I haven’t received my warrant but the Major told me I should get it soon. You see the 1st Sgt runs the Company. You have charge of all the men, the pay roll and etc. In matter you are the head man. They have given me the job and I pray to the Lord every evening that I will be able to hold it down. I see no reason why I can’t.
Mother, I got your letter today and the way it looks now I’ll be here in San Diego for some time. It thrills me to think I will soon be seeing all of you again. Golly: what a reunion that will be.
My trip to the hospital was nothing more than a bad cold and a severe run down condition. I am feeling much better now and you need not worry.
Not only am I loosing weight but I also am getting a few gray hairs with all the responsibility they are piling on to me.
My new address is as follows:
1st Sgt (acting) Leo J McLoskey
Company “D” Second Tank Battalion
Second Marine Division, Camp Elliott
San Diego, California
It is now very late and I must retire. Have been working on the division of the company into platoons.
Dear Robert, Elizabeth, Anne, Bobby and Mary Alice:
Well it is now Sgt McLoskey of the U.S. Devil Dogs. Received notice of my promotion today will send the warrant to the folks in a few days.
Now, for further news I am the First Sergeant or the Top Kick of the newly formed Company “D” of the 2nd Tk Bn, 2d Mar Div and what I mean I intend to have a good company.
My commanding officer is a new boot Lieutenant and he even knocks at my office door and waits until I tell him to come in. He by the way is from La Grange, Illinois and tells me I am to run the entire company schools, inspection, liberty and what have you. Well that is the 1st Sgt’s job. I don’t mind telling you that I am one happy lad. I feel it is quite an honor to even be a Sgt in the devil dogs let alone the 1st Sgt of an entire Company. As a matter of fact I would rather have my job at the present time than that of a 1st Lieutenants. Incidentally my pay is now increased from 54 to 60 per month.
Mother tells me that you and your family and Dad are coming out in April. As it now looks we will still be here then. Now you needn’t worry about all that propaganda about all the invasions, bombings and etc. by the Japs that is mainly newspaper propaganda.
The folks will probably have told you about my recent illness when you receive this.
Just finished making my schedule out for tomorrow. The 2nd platoon will have elementary driving, the 1st the same, the 3rd will have guns, compass, maps, etc. Then tomorrow I’ll have to make out my pay roll, muster roll and my schedule for the next day. Oh! Yes I forgot to tell you I have a motorcycle to run around in from my office to the field to check up on things to see how they are going.
Haven’t seen the Whitemans lately as we have been in Condition Yoke which means that you are not allowed more than twenty miles from the bivouac or camp.
Golly! What I wouldn’t give to see al of you. Am planning on having some more pictures taken soon and I will send some to all the family.
Bobby: I hear you like Tanks – take it from your Uncle Leo it is a pretty rugged life and lets hope we will do away with all of them after we kick the pants off of Japan & Germany.
Anne, how are you getting along at school? Are you still getting all ones on your report card. Well your Uncle Leo got all fives when he was transferred to Company “D” in his service record book and that is perfect. You see we grade 0-1-2-3-4-5.
Am always glad to hear from all of you so drop me a line whenever you have time.
Hope all the colds are much improved in the family. I am feeling much better myself but I still take about 15 pills per day.
It looks to me now as if the war will last a long time. The only reason I can see for the Japs even trying to invade the coast is to draw our navy out of position. I don’t however believe their little plan is going to work.
Wait till the 1st Sgt of CO “D” and his boys get after them.
Love to all,
Leo
PS. Let all the family read this. “Libby” I got a clever valentine from Mary but she can’t discourage me. How is the corn in the crib coming?
I am enclosing herewith my Sgt warrant. It increases my pay $6.00 per month so now my pay is $60.00 per month.
Last evening I worked until midnight and by the looks of everything piled on my desk I’ll be working that late again this evening. But I did want to drop you a line,
Sorry to hear of Uncle John’s death and please give my regards to the family. It is impossible for me to get a card to send Pearl and them or I would get one. So be sure to give Merle and all of them my regards.
I’ll probably be plenty gray by the time I get this company organized. It has all been put on my shoulders. But, I’ll say one thing I’ll have a good company and it will be not one of the best Tank Companies but the best.
My men under me are for me 100% so I have very good cooperation and I must keep it that way.
Thanks for the stamps and the papers. Dad I have missed the Pathfinder and the church magazine. They both are fine papers.
Mother I’ll be so happy to see all of you. I am quite sure we will still be here in April.
I expect by this time you have read the letter I wrote the kids. I got a nice letter from Anne and you tell her that I will drop her a line soon.
I am feeling much better so don’t any of you worry.
Hope all of you are feeling fine. Give my regards to all.
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 1st 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.
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.
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.
Dad I received your letter this morning (I mean card) and I can’t tell you how much I appreciated hearing from you. As yet I haven’t received the other cards.
Never will I forget the visit that we had together out here and I will always cherish it in my heart and memory. I had to leave in the hurry that I did the other day to keep you from seeing the tears roll down my cheek.
I doubt if I come back east to school as the Captain says that I am needed more in my present capacity and that he doesn’t want to let me go. Oh well such is life and if I can do more to help win the war in my present capacity than anything else I am more than glad to do it. One must forget personal gains in a time like this.
I do hope however that I will be able to see all the family before I shove off for parts unknown.
They still are keeping me plenty busy but I would rather be that way than any other. I got a letter from Elizabeth the day that you left. She surely is one swell girl and I must say that Robert has one swell family. How I would like to romp with Bobby and as far as that goes see all the rest of them.
Had a bad accident here today. One of the boys fell out of a truck and broke his back but he is getting along o.k.
Don’t forget to write to me and also send me some of the pictures we took the morning that you left. I have enough of the other pictures that we took out at the park on Sunday afternoon.
Tell all the family and friends hello for me and don’t forget I am thinking of you all the time.
I surely was glad to receive your short note and letting me know that you had arrived safely in Monmouth. I’ll bet all of them were glad to see you. By golly! I surely have missed you.
Am glad that Bobby and the children enjoyed the presents. I only wish I could have gotten them more.
Gordon Winbigler stopped by to see me for a few minutes this evening. He told me his father lost by 22 votes. Surely was a surprise. Dad, I had gotten your card telling me he was defeated. Too bad as he was a fine man. He no doubt will be back in again next time. Was glad Curly Brooks won.
Well Johnnie went back to Quantico and they told me I was needed more in my present capacity. Have been going so hard here lately that I have a cold which jus about has me whipped.
Mother, you needn’t worry when this is all over I’ll be back in Monmouth to live the rest of my life.
Am going to bed about eight this evening and see if I can stop the sniffles.
Tell all the family hello for me and write whenever you have time. Also, tell all the neighbors hello.
Hope you are resting up from your trip.
Dad, I am commencing to feel the same here. I take one thing at a time and finish the rest when I can get to them as I can’t be in the field, office and every other place all at the same time.
How did the pictures turn out we took the day you left at the cabin?
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.
