4/8/43
Dear folks & all:
Dad, when I saw that letter postmarked Savannah, Missouri I couldn’t imagine what you were doing there. My first thought was that Mother and you were on a little recreation trip. Thanks a great deal for the stamps. I surely can use them.
Mother, I received two letters from you this morning. The one was postmarked 15 March 43 and I couldn’t make out the other one. Oh: yes I also got a letter from Robert and I was glad to hear from him. They surely have had quite a spell of it this winter as well as several others.
Don’t you think I have forgotten about your wedding anniversary being this month because I haven’t. Congratulations and may you have many more.
The last group of mail seemed to have nothing but bad news in it for my men and I have busy all day giving advice. I hope that the Lord guided over me while I was giving it and that he will always guide over me.
Mother, perhaps I did make a mistake in not getting married. But, there is a lot worse things in this world than a bachelor. As to saving my money, I now have more money in the bank than I ever did and I believe I am doing a pretty good job of it.
You see my food and clothes cost me as it does all officers. I also have helped some of my men financially which I know I’ll get back some day.
Yesterday I took my men on an eight mile hike through the jungle. I must keep them in good shape physically as you have to be in order to be in the type outfit we are in.
I was sorry to hear about Algie. As I told Roberts in a letter I wrote to them – what he needs is a good tough Marine officer over him for awhile.
I got a cute Easter greeting card from Leota and also a letter. She has been grand about writing to me.
We had a little excitement around noon today but it didn’t last very long.
Robert told me Herbert Merillat was due home. You see he is a Marine correspondent and they get quite a few breaks. I am hoping that I will be able to get home before all of this is over. I am afraid this war will last for a long time yet and there isn’t any use of us building up false hopes.
I will drop Mintie Shawler a line and thank her for her kindness.
My dog and pups are doing fine. Leota said she hadn’t seen the last pictures I sent so show them to her.
This evening I am invited out to dinner to one of the other islands. It is about four miles from where I am located so I will jump in my jeep in a few minutes and go on out.
I wrote Robert and told him I got the cigars but just in case he didn’t get it relay the message on for me.
Hope this finds all of you feeling fine.
All my love,
Leo
1st Lt. L.J. McLoskey
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