Well, that’s it. This is the last time we will hear from Lt. (jg) R. S. Yegerlehner for the next three weeks. Presumably on Sunday August 9^th, 1942, he set sail on the S.S. Alcoa Pennant for the south Pacific. For the rest of August 1942, we will hear Mrs. R. S. Yegerlehner’s side of the story. There are also a couple of new guest letter writers in the coming week. By mid August, my grandmother was close to 8 months pregnant. My uncle John was about to have his 12^th birthday on August 22^nd. We are about to get a view of the home front in small town America 1942. So hold on, it’s going to be one heck of a ride!

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Letter transcription:

Sat. nite

Dear Mother,

Riding on a Pullman I wish I could explain the whole details. Helen Washburn is going to write you soon of the details as much as we think fit. This is definitely the last for some time. Our plans have been changed some lately. That is just minor changes.

By chance I ran into Henry Reinhart Jr. today. He has been in the lower part of our barrack since Wed. and by chance I happen to see him today. He was walking along and I thought I recognized him and looked

(page 2) at him pretty straight and he sorta bowed his head and saluted and I kept looking at him and not quite sure it was him then he said “Why Hello Doc”. He took me to Helen’s this P.M. before I had to catch my train. Sure was swell seeing someone from home. But we had such a short time and to think he was downstairs since Wed. Call his Dad if you want and tell him I saw him.

We will ride all night on the train-only 9 of us. I can’t say to where. I thought this A.M. letter would be the last for some time

(page 3) but last minute changes were made.

We are supposed to have good mail connections but don’t know what is meant by good.

Some of the boys had their wives here and it seemed harder that way. Than the way it was for us.

I’ll be think[ing] of you lots.

Love

Daddy