The on-sale date and volume number are from the publication date and volume number reported to the U.S. Copyright Office found in the Catalog of Copyright Entries, Part 2, Periodicals, 1944, New Series, Volume 39, Number 1. Class B periodical. Copyright registration number B 619545.
Dewey drops a "letter" (in pictograms) from his mother. The General finds it, believes it to be a secret message, and has it translated, only to learn Dewey's mother refers to him as "Old Hog-fat, the General."
This is Leav. He draws large hands, many lively faces, some panels without backgrounds, and a special way of running with high lifted legs. Compare with his signed story in Wanted Comics (Orbit-Wanted, 1947 series) #52 (February 1953).