Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016 to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond John Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated December 6, 1943. Leonard writes he has received three letters, after not receiving any for a week. He jokes that Susan must have told someone about washing the windows, because he has been on window washing detail at the barracks. He mentioned that he is doing okay in school. He expresses disappointment that the work is not more in depth but it is more of a overview of what the job will be like. The only marching they do is to and from school, but they do have "physical hardening" five days a week; three days of physical exercise; one day is a 5 mile hike; and one day of swimming. He boxed and got his nose got hit couple times. Leonard thanks Susan for the update on his photo. He wishes he could be home for Christmas. However, he feels that even if they got more time off they would restrict the distance the men are allowed to travel. He thinks it is funny that Daisy looks aged, states that it must be something in their blood that makes both he and Susan look younger. He writes that he has his license. He heard from Robert Winemiller and gave him his address. He explains his address for Raymond; F3C means fireman third class; BAR 303 U.P. Section M11-15 means barracks 303, upper port; section M means Metalsmith; 11 equals the month he started; 15 means his section. The term fireman means that he would be on duty below deck in the engine room. Leonard tells Susan not to send him money for Christmas as he would waste it. He hints that he would like black leather gloves and some jars of jelly and cookies. He asks for hints on what she and Raymond would like.