First Tank Battalion, First Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, c/o Fleet Office, San Francisco, California.
21 November, 1944.
Mr Jack A. McLoskey
609 Second Avenue, Mannouth, Illinois
Dear Mr. McLoskey:
As the Chaplain of your son’s battalion, I wish to extend my personal sympathy to you in your great sorrow. I realize what this loss must mean to you and my prayers go out to you in your grief. Words seem so inadequate but at such a time the Heavenly Father is gracious to comfort and console. May He sustain you through these days and may His abiding spirit assure you that your son has been raised in honor and shall dwell in His Presence forevermore.
You will be happy to know that every spiritual preparation possible, both Catholic and Protestant was made for our officers and men before the campaign. Holy Communion, Devine Services and counsel were administered each one. Those who made the supreme sacrifice died in the Lord. Rest assured that the life you offered upon the alter of our country was not given in vain. He shall ever be remembered by his comrades for his fine spirit and heroic courage. Knowing him and seeing him face action as I did, I am sure his one wish would be that you now go forward with the same courage and faith in God and country.
Captain McLoskey was given a dignified Christian burial according to the rites of his Faith, and with full military honors, in the presence of his officers and friends. He is buried in the United States Government cemetery over which fly the colors of our beloved country. This sacred spot is receiving the attention and care due these honored men, every attempt being made to permanently beautify their last resting pace in the most fitting manner.
With true interest and sympathy, and soliciting your prayers of those who fight on, I remain –
First Tank Battalion, First Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, c/o Fleet Office, San Francisco, California.
21 November, 1944.
Mr Jack A. McLoskey
609 Second Avenue Mannouth, Illinois
Dear Mr. McLoskey:
You have been informed of the death of your son, Captain Leo J. McLoskey, U. S. Marine Corps Reserve, who was killed in action against Japanese forces at Peleliu Island on September 16, 1944. At the time of his death Captain McLoskey was a company commander serving under my command. In behalf of myself, and the officers and men of the First Tank Battalion, I wish to convey our deepest sympathy in what we feel to be our mutual loss.
Captain McLoskey was a Marine in every sense of the word, admired and respected by everyone who knew him for his courage, devotion to duty, and his unfailing courtesy. He died leading his men, giving his life in the service of the Corps which he loved, to help preserve the ideals and principles of our country. Each officer and man of this battalion feels that he has lost a true friend and comrade, and one who can never be replaced. It is realized that words are inadequate and will not compensate for the loss of a loved one who is dear to us but it is sincerely hoped that the knowledge that your sorrow is shared will alleviate your suffering.
Inasmuch as it is my earnest desire to assist you in every way possible, I will consider it a privilege to be of service to you, so please feel free to write to me at any time. It is deeply regretted that censorship regulations at this time forbid a more detailed and personal account of your son’s service while under my command.
I expect you have been anxiously waiting for more word from us, but I really haven’t had a chance to write. However, I’ll try to get a few lines scrabbled off before we leave this morning for the folks’ and then S.S.
The wire with the bad news came to Robert’s Dad down at the office– we are so glad that it did not go to Mom, home alone. It came about 8:45, and he went right down the hall and got Robert, who was fortunately at Republican headquarters. Then they came home to get me, I had just started to fill the machine to do the weekend washing, but I could stop that instantly, so I changed my dress, grabbed Mary and off we went. Mary wouldn’t stay here with Mildred or Dickie — I guess she knew something was wrong. When we got to the house Mom was still asleep. She had had a club there the night before and hadn’t gone to sleep till nearly daylight. And we had to waken here with that news. She promptly went right to pieces, and leaving Dad and Robert to do the best they could I took Mary right out and we went over to tell the neighbors. Then I had to go to school to get Aunt Ella. I told the other teachers first — Aunt Ella’s room is on the second floor, so she didn’t know I was there till he had arranged for a substitute to come for her, and then a youngster just went up to her room and told her that a lady wanted to see here downstairs. Mary and I took here home with us to the folks. By that time Ev was there, and she persuaded Mary to go down to the office with her, and between her and Marg Jahn, Mary was disposed of for the rest of the day. Most of the rest of the morning I spent running back and forth to the neighbors putting in phone calls. At eleven thirty I went home to be here when the children got here to tell them. We thought that would be easier for them than getting them at school, for they would probably be in a crowd of kids, and it would be harder for them than here alone. While I waited, I started the washing again. It was such as nice day for drying , and I wanted to get the sheets and towels outdoors. I heard Bobby come in and I called up to him and he came racing down, yelling, “I know what you are going to say!” Youngs had said something to him on his way home from school, not realizing that he didn’t know about it yet. He just sobbed and sobbed, and then raced upstairs to the daybed to fight it out alone. Anne came in shortly, and Bobby blurted it out before I had a chance to tell her, but she took it better than he. She has known more about how worried we have been lately anyway, so it wasn’t as much of a shock to her. She helped me with the washing then, and we had it all out and dinner over by 12:45. They both decided they wanted to go back to school “where they would be busy and wouldn’t think about it”, and I thought that was just as well. I couldn’t stay home with them as I was needed at the folks and I couldn’t leave them alone, and I couldn’t take them there, with Mrs. Mac in such as state. When I got back they had gotten some medication for Mrs. Mac but we might as well have given here bread crumbs. She wouldn’t go to bed or quiet down so the medicine would help any. She insisted on being right out on the davenport, and everyone who came in (and there were scores) brought forth a fresh flood of tears and wails. Dad really was swell– better than I had thought he would be, considering the state his health has been, but I guess he was so concerned over Mom and Robert that he didn’t have time to feel sorry for himself. I came back over here a little after five to feed the children and then Mis Jameson stayed with them while I went back. Mrs Mac till refused to go to bed — insisted that she couldn’t possibly sleep, etc. Finally, a eight thirty there was a lull in the rush of callers, and Robert and I just advanced on her and ushered her right out of the room. We marched her into the bathroom where Robert washed her face and I fixed some more medicine. then we plunked her into bed and I walked out. Robert did stay in there with her till after nine, and then, as she seemed quiet he slipped out. He thought he should stay all night, so about nine fifteen I came home. We had most of the lights out, and I thought surely no one else would come, but the next morning Robert reported that three people came just after I left. He didn’t let them in to see Mother, but at eleven fifteen another couple came and that woman just marched right in the bedroom. So then, after they left, there was the job of getting her quiet to do all over again. She finally did get some sleep after one, and Dad and Robert dozed some too.
I went back over yesterday morning as soon as I had the children up and fed. Mary went with me, as Anne had to go over to the Little Theater, but Mom was in bed and seemed quieter, so it didn’t upset Mary so much, and she played around and helped dust and clean. Myrtle was there to get lunch oft he folks so I came back here to feed my tribe agin and then went right back for the afternoon. Mary went over to Jahn’s to play and Anne took Bobby to the football game, so they were disposed of. There weren’t so many callers in the afternoon, but there was some one most of the time, and the flowers were flooding in. Really, that is a hard situation to handle in a home. We have flowers on every possible stand and table– beautiful glads and roses and chrysanthemums, but Mom just barely glances at them, and I knew she has no idea who sent what, tho’ we told her very carefully when each arrived. Food has flooded in, too– salads, cookies, pies, etc. Last night’s donations brought two angel foods, three chickens dressed to fry, a pint of home made salad dressing, a quart and a half of cream, a box of frozen red raspberries and some cured ham slices.
Mom got up and came out to supper and ate a pretty good meal. We stayed there for that meal, as Mrytle had to be gone and I had to get it. Anne brought Bobby there after the football game (we hadn’t been able to get him to go there before), but they both left right after they ate. Mom decided then that she would go out on the davenport again, as she was tired of bed. She had really done pretty well all day, cried some, but not as hard, but people started coming in droves and by a little after eight when Geneva came up, she was all wound up again. Geneva just marched me out to the kitchen and we made plans. She straightened the bed and I fixed a washpan of water, and then we just marched Mom out (practically carried her, really) and put her to bed. Geneva gave her a capsule she had brought up, bathed her and rubbed her, and at 8:30 she came out and shut the doors and said no one was to go in any more. And that was the last we heard out of Mom. Myrtle and I stayed till ten (Robert brought the kids home for baths and bed) so Dad could have his bath in peace, and then we left them. Dad said he thought he could sleep all right, and he didn’t want anyone to stay.
Which brings me up to date, as I must close and get Mary dressed. I told you all we know about the wire. no date was given, and no place, just a flat statement “killed in action defending God and his country”. We’ll let you know as soon as more word gets through.
It is a source of profound regret to me and to his brother officers of the Corps that your son, Captain Leo Jesse McLoskey, United States Marine Corps Reserve, lost his life in action against the enemies of his country and I wish to express my deepest sympathy to you and members of your family in your great loss.
There is little I can say to lessen your grief but it is my earnest hope that the knowledge of your son’s splendid record in the service and the though that he nobly gave his life in the performance of his duty may in some measure comfort you in this sad hour.
WAS KILLED IN ACTION IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTY AND SERVICE OF HIS COUNTRY. NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT PRESENT REGARDING DISPOSITION OF REMAINS. TEMPORARY BURIAL IN LOCALITY WHERE DEATH OCCURRED PROBABLE. YOU WILL BE PROMPTLY FURNISHED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECEIVED, TO PREVENT POSSIBLE AID TO OUR ENEMIES DO NOT DIVULGE THE NAME OF HIS SHIP OR STATION PLEASE ACCEPT MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY LETTER FOLLOWS
My darn nose is acting up again. As a consequence, I have to go through about fifteen minutes of hell each day while they drain the infection out of it. They probably will have to scrape the bone before long as this fungus infection is bad in the tropics. Don’t worry I’ll get along o.k. I now use about ten handkerchiefs per day so it keeps me busy washing them out. Oh! Well it never rains but what it pours.
I trust that all of you are feeling o.k. Now don ‘t send me anything for Christmas as I just have a hunch that I will be home. At least I pray I will as it has been way too long since we have all been together. Not much news – just the same old stuff out here. I’ll be glad when it is all over.
I have been hearing from Geneva Simmons quite frequently lately and I think she is one swell woman. I have sent Danny, Beckey and Molly a little money now and then as Dr. Dan was so wonderful to all of us.
Now don’t worry about e as I will be o.k. Just wanted to let you know I am o.k. and thinking of you constantly.
Another Sunday and my thoughts turn to home and I recall all the pleasant Sabbaths we spent with each other and they will return I am confident.
Received a couple of letters from you yesterday and also a couple from Geneva Simmons. She wants a picture of me but I have none. Mother, she mentioned that you offered her one but said she hated to ask you for it. If it is one you really don’t mind giving up I would appreciate it if you would give it to her. She wrote that she was happy as the devil to see you the other evening. She also remarked how well you looked.
After all these years I have started smoking a few cigarettes. They are much easier to purchase out here and besides the cigars are two for a quarter and I’ll be damned if I will purchase many at that price.
Tell Aunt Ella I received her letters and I will answer them before long. I was glad to hear that Wilfred MacDill made Major. I just pray the war won’t last that long for me.
I was sorry to hear of the death of Allan McCaslin’s wife. Send me his address so I can write to him.
My Dr. Sherrick wasn’t a very old man was he? Mother, I wish you would go see some other Dr. besides Frymire. Will you do this for me?
By the sound of Elizabeths letter she has been as busy as a bee as usual. My I just don’t quite see how she stands up under it.
Tell Grandfather Shawler and Mae hello for me and I will try and write to them before long. I think it was swell of you have one of Algie’s children over. I surely do feel sorry for those children.
Not much news except I miss all of you and I am o.k.
I haven’t been able to write to you for a few day’s. However don’t worry I am well and o.k. Trust you are the same.
Also I haven’t had any mail from you for quite a spell but I know it will all catch up with me some of these day’s so you see I have something to look forward to.
Another month has passed. Just think it has been over three years since I have seen Robert and his family. My how I do miss those children and as far as that goes how I miss all of you.
Mother, you should see my moustache. Before long I will be able o twirl it on the ends. How would you like me with that? Don’t worry I’ll have it off by the time I get home.
We had a pretty good movie last evening for a change. It was “Bob” Hope and Paulette Goddard in “Nothing But the Truth.” That Bob Hope is a scream and Paulette Goddard well the men really shouted when she appeared in the movie.
It won’t be long now until the leaves start to turn and then fall. Boy! Oh boy! How I would love to see that. Also, with fall the hunting season comes along. I guess I don’t need to tell you how I love to fish and hunt and be outdoors. I hope Bobby will be the same way. No fooling I have seen grown men that don’t know the first thing about nature.
Well the seat is rolling off of me so bad now that I will stop for this time. I trust this finds all of you well and may God Bless all of you.
Another letter to let you know that I am o.k. and that I pray all of you are the same.
Would I ever enjoy a game of croquet with all of you. That back yard of ours surely is cool and I could use a little cooling off. My blood will be so thin that I probably will freeze when I first return. I can stand it, I can stand anything as long as I get home.
Last evening we had a movie and it really was a stinker. Most generally it rains whenever we have a show. We just set in it and watch the movie as that is all the relaxation we get.
This evening the chaplain is having communion and I am going to attend. I will say a prayer for all of you.
I’ll bet the children will have a grand time visiting Grandmother Dickson. Does Bobby and Anne still love to ride? I would like to see them swim and ride both.
Will close for this time as I don’t have much to write. Write often and I will try and do the same. Mother you take care of yourself and don’t work too hard.
Mother, I really know why you were always so tired after wash day. Heavens! I don’t have one tenth the scrubbing to do that you used to but it even makes me weary. Then when I think how you also ironed the next day I often wonder how you did it. By golly I surely do hope that I can repay you and dad both for all that you have done for me.
We had a movie last evening. I don’t know where they get them but they surely are lousy. It rained but we sat in it because a bad as it was at least it gave our minds a little diversion.
I received a letter from Geneva Simmons the other day. She surely does miss Dan and is awful lonesome. If possible why don’t you have her and the children in to dinner some evening. She always speaks so well of you and mentions how the children like you.
On the next blitz I will try and get something to send Danny and of course something for Bobby. I suppose that the children are making preparation’s for school. How I would love to see all of them. Then as far as that goes how I would love to see all of you.
I will write to you as often as I can and tell you all I am allowed to.
In your letter of 6 August you asked me if I worked in an office. I would say 2/3 of my work is in the field and that 1/3 of it was paper work. We also have a heck of a lot of red tape. At times you feel as if you would go mad.
Did you ever receive the scroll my old outfit presented me?
I am o.k. and pray that this finds you the same. Incidentally, we have a wonderful chaplain in our battalion.
