Letter transcription:

1/25/43

Dear Mother,

We are sweltering again this P.M. but there is a pretty good breeze so we aren’t suffering too much. As I’m writing this I’m sipping on a warm bottle of beer. That seems to hit the spot much better than warm chlorinated water. And even better than warm coke – we have all three. Our beer was all gone for a few days but we were able to beg a little working around. Got a case of 48 bottles for 10¢ per bottle. We have it stored and when a bottle is taken out a dime is put in the fund goes on for another case. Don’t worry we aren’t drunks because 2 or 3 bottles is about the days limit and that is generally in 10-12

[page 2] hours. Just for thirst and not affect. Maybe the beer has caused the extra weight I spoke about and not the food. Anyway that can be cut off when I come home.

The show last night was “Arise My Love” pretty good but another war picture – What we need is more funny – slap stick – Donald Duck or Pop Eye. Or some of those actresses in person – What for? The what for was the last item, but don’t worry on that score either because other than whiskers we are a bunch of hermits – no money either along with the whiskers.

Really it’s hard to write anymore as you can tell from what I’ve written above but maybe some of these days more mail will come and then

[page 3] there will be something to answer and write about.

I’m sending in another letter about the uniform money so if you get it be sure to write me in several of your letters. I’d like to get that and your transportation to and from Norfolk, but those things seem to be very slow. That would make a pretty good size pile and if you see fit pay off the loan on the John Hancock policy and save 6%. I’ll try again later.

We had sardines and crackers tonight with beer. What does that mean? Your box came today. The one with the chewing gum and sardines – we had some crackers left so we are still saving the crackers you sent for a later party. Boy were those sardines good. I can see where 5 boxes won’t last very long.

[page 4] a small atlas came from Uncle W. today. It’s pretty good – has maps large enough to see something.

I printed a few pictures but just got the knack of the thing so will print more in a few days. These are very small but if good they can be enlarged. I’ll print more when I’m in the mood. Seems as if I’m temperamental anymore but I’ll get over that in time I hope.

Well I do hope some late mail will come tomorrow.

Love Daddy

Lt (jg) Yegerlehner MC USNR
Receiving Station
U.S. NAVAL Advanced Base
Noumea, New Caledonia
% Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.

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