Category Archives: World War II Letters

Report Cards (Gladys)

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-9-43

Dear Daddy – No letter today but have rec’d three this week (Tues). The boys got report cards and they can write you their grades. We can’t work in the yard this eve so they will have time. We raked and tried to clean the back yard but didn’t have time to do it all last evening so will just have to wait now. Had quite a hard rain this morning. Had clothes ready to hang out but they are still in the basket. Everything is beginning to grow and the yard it beginning to recover from the “beating” it took from the weather. The ground was frozen so hard for so long the lawn is bumpy but couldn’t get it tolled at the proper time – Maybe it will smooth out this summer. David is beside me in his high chair trying to turn around and raise a fuss in general. He has one bootee off trying to eat it. I gave him prune juice this a.m. and he kept it down – and he drank it from a cup. It is still rainy looking so won’t get to take him for his afternoon stroll. Had a letter from Jim and he said he might be shipped out any time. Sent me a little memento for our Wedding Anniversary – Floyd Hoover is in charge of the Loan Co. Tommy Thompson did run. Tommy has gone to his father’s farm to help put in crops. The war bond quota for this county is $290,000. Each child is asked to buy three times as many stamps as they had been buying. I have filed a mortgage exemption. It didn’t have to be filed till May 1 but I thought I wouldn’t wait until last minute. D. is beginning to sound a hungry signal so will have to feed him.

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/05/report-cards-gladys/

Air Battle (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: April 8, 1943 envelope

: April 8, 1943, p. 1

: April 8, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Apr. 8, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 224
% Fleet Postmaster
San Francisco Calif.

Dear Mother,

Today is another special day since it makes another month in this here foreign duty – eight months ago today we left the U.S.A. Some long and some short months. Anyway it’s that many behind.

In censoring the mail I ran across several accounts of the boys writing home about an air battle we were able to witness. The news of this has been released so we let the letters pass. I might say in passing the real things has it all over the movies. Even to the thrills given the audience. There is more to the story but I’ll have to stop for obvious reasons.

[page 2] Now if the boys are saving news paper clippings I might be able to recall some of the incidents if there was some little item to help. We of course can’t keep diaries anymore and it’s easy to forget things. News items that have been released to the public can be written although at time those items are incorrect and we just sorta laugh at the incorrectness of the newspapers.

We’ve been shooting the bull this P.M. over a few bottles of beer – got a little beer into camp and after all that helps raise the moral a little. That might sound funny but it’s true. Of course no one gets drunk but just enough to help the appetite, and by the way we had fresh meat for noon chow – got some native cows – a little tough but tasted good.

Well it’s about time for evening chow so solong until tomorrow

Love Daddy

____________________________________

Japs Tell of Air Fight Over Russell Islands

(By the Associated Press)

A Berlin broadcast of an imperial Japanese headquarters communique said today that 47 “enemy chaser planes” were shot down in an air battle over the Russell Islands in the Solomons last Thursday.

The Japanese admitted the loss of nine of their own planes in an action which obviously was the same as that described yesterday by a U.S. navy communique.

The navy said 16 Japanese Zeros were shot down out of a formation of 30 or 40 near Guadalcanal. The Russell islands are about 50 miles north of Guadalcanal. The navy said six United States planes were lost.

“Japs Tell of Air Fight Over Russell Islands,” Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune (Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin), 3 April 1943, p. 1, col. 2; digital image, Newspaper Archive (http://www.newspaperarchive.com : accessed 30 March 2014).

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/04/air-battle-roscoe/

A Grand Spring Day (Gladys)

6 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-8-43

Dear Daddy – No letter today but had three Tues. It is such a grand spring day – just the kind for poets to write about. I think we will work in the yard this evening and if the ground isn’t too wet plant more peas, etc. I took David for a long walk yesterday. He was feeling good and showed off when people talked to him. He seemed to know he was being admired. He took cream of wheat this a.m. without the usual fuss. I gave him some prune juice but he threw it up. He can’t seem to handle fruits of any kind. Ed Johnson asked for your address. He was on his way home to take care of Jimmy Ed so Lucile could finish her ironing. It is about time for J. & M. to come for lunch. They come in with such a bang. I sometimes have to brace myself. The stores are closing now Thurs. afternoons. I thought maybe they wouldn’t do that now but they started last week. The coil factory is working nights to keep up production. If you got my letter mentioning the Stork to visit Bart’s – I think that was just a rumor. The local papers didn’t come today so haven’t any news to add. I saw Ruby Clark and she said Geo (being 38 now) was given his choice of discharge to work in defense work or stay in and he chose the defense work. Is with Allison Indpls. Saw Irene yesterday and she said she would write you. The Dr. at Mayo told her to quit work – but she said that wouldn’t pay the mortgage. It is time for Mark to go to school and take this. We are all fine – John hasn’t had measles and hope he doesn’t.

Love Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/02/a-grand-spring-day-gladys/

Red instead of white (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: April 7, 1943 envelope

: April 7, 1943, p. 1

: April 7, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Apr. 6, 1943 [Apr. 7, 1943]
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 224
% Postmaster San Fran

Dear Mother,

Had some tough luck today – did my washing and the water I rinsed them in was rusty so now my towels etc are red instead of white. Hope the next deal is better.

I’ve been digging in our fox hole today – making it deep and livable just in case. I think we’ll put in a hot dog stand and a beer Keg. Wish we could.

At chow last night, when I told you I was going out – we had spaghetti and meat balls and a peanut butter dessert.

[page 2] We also had scotch & soda in the beginning which was the best part of the whole deal. It is rumored that we will have beer for evening chow but we don’t know for sure.

We are in a dry spell now hasn’t rained for two days.

News are as scarce as the dickens but I’ll try better next time.

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/02/red-instead-of-white-roscoe

The Garden (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-7-43

Dear Daddy – No letters today but had 3 yesterday & John & Mark each rec’d one with the souvieners. They will thank you. It is still cool and windy. Had some rain last night. Mark and I started our garden yesterday – got peas, spinach & radishes planted. We sowed some grass seed last week and I want to put out more garden this week yet. Lucile came out with Jimmy Ed yesterday. He has allergy so bad his skin is rough and he has the hair worn off the back of his head and his skin is dry & scaly where he hasn’t any hair. He is growing but not any faster than David. I had a struggle again this morning to get his cereal down but when I finished with him he was able to laugh so it doesn’t upset him too much. He certainly has strong tendencies for a 6 mo. old. He has to have cereal or he is hungry so I suppose I’ll just have to keep on struggling to get it down. The gross return came today but I am going to inquire about whether it has to be paid this yr. We are to be refunded for last year’s payments. Let me know the amt taxable with your increase if it has to be filed. I haven’t received all the letters you have sent but maybe they will come in time. Bart told me Clem has been discharged from service. He had some kind of pleurisy. I would hesitate to say whether he is lucky or not. David is awake and is now sitting up in his buggy – can sit alone now. It is about time for J & M to come for lunch. Mark got quite a thrill out of making garden. He is in 4 – H and this garden is his project. I hear Bobby & Jimmy fighting. They certainly can make lots of noise together when they get mad about something.

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/01/the-garden-gladys/

Not in a “writey” mood (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: April 6, 1943 envelope

: April 6, 1943, p. 1

: April 6, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

4/6/43
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 224
% Fleet Postmaster San Fran

Dear Mother

Your letters of 2-23, 2-26, 3-11 and 3-12 came today and also John’s of 2-25. You didn’t say how often my mail was getting there and how long it took. Maybe you said but after all your letters have been very spotty.

Sorry Mark had the measles but the latest letter told of his improvement. Guess by this time you have given D. the Immune Globlin as I noted you suggested in your

[page 2] last letter and by this time you know my feeling on the matter because I suggested it a few days ago.

Maybe I told you before but just in case – Dr. Porterfield wrote me that all my things are stored so don’t expect them at present.

I’m invited out to Lun Dinner this Eve – Yes to another navy camp – won’t that be thrilling – maybe they do have the spam cooked in a different way. Who knows – it may taste like chicken!

Well, I’m not very “writey” today – So solong until tomorrow

Love Daddy

The Banika airfield under construction in March 1943 on the Russell islands (Image via http://www.ibibilio.org)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/31/not-in-a-writey-mood/

Your Dad was so pleased (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA

4-6-43

Dear Daddy – Three letters today but I think some are still missing. J. & M. got theirs today with the gifts. They will write and thank you. Uncle Wes & Aunt J. stopped this a.m. enroute to C. C. We have about recovered from our trip. We were all tired Mon. but went to bed early and this morning all felt better. Mark and I are going to work in the garden when he comes home from school. Want to plant some peas & onions etc. It isn’t warm enough yet to put out everything. Our garden is directly north over by the corn field. Dr. M. called me today to tell me he had a letter form you about receiving the box. He sent that out early in Jan. Got an announcement from Wilma for her graduation. Will send her something. She is going to enter nurses training. Her boy friend has to go to the army this week. The last box of shells you mentioned with the necklace hasn’t come yet – Neither has the uniform or travel money. It is about time to feed D. his vegetables & milk. He still cries every time I feed him cereal but is hungry if he doesn’t get it and it digests good – so what should I do. I still give him Vit C – he can’t retain orange juice. He was so cute while we were visiting. He is just beginning to imitate. Everyone (almost) agreed he looks like you. Your Dad was so pleased about his name being the same as his grandfather’s. Will send more pictures later. Can’t get film so easily now. Mrs. Roberts called and thinks Joe is being moved. He had written for his other blue uniform then she got a cable not to send it.

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/25/your-dad-was-so-pleased-gladys/

Shrubbery Business (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: April 5, 1943 envelope

: April 5, 1943, p. 1

: April 5, 1943, p. 2

: April 5, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Apr. 5, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 224
% Fleet P.O. San Fran Calif.

Dear Mother,

Just in case you didn’t or won’t get yesterday’s letter I’ll repeat – Use the above address entirely for I believe it will be better. As I stated yesterday our mail has been rather regular. Today a letter came form Dr. Porterfield and all my clothes etc – have been stored at the last station so don’t expect them home at least for the time being. However, I’ve heard that the storage place there is being moved and the stuff might be sent anyway.

[page 2] We had to put our home address on also. So if the storage place is being moved it might be sent home.

I’ll also repeat what you asked about the shrubbery but since I’ve been away some time my suggestions might not be so good but as we previously planned – real uniform small shrubbery especially like Lloyd’s in scattered locations and not directly set in front of the house would be idea but you use your own Judgment because things are different than when I left.

You can let me know how

[page 3] you make out on that shrubbery business and after it is in take a picture and send it.

If at any time, I should write you information please keep it to yourself because too much talk isn’t good but I’ll not write anything unless it’s a slip.

I don’t believe I ever did say definitely but the promotion is definitely right but I still don’t have two bars to wear. In fact I haven’t worn any insignia for some time.

Well, hope mail mail is getting thru to you and I see no reason why it shouldn’t

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

Home Again (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-5-43

Dear Daddy – Monday and home again. We stopped in Brazil on the way home to see Dave & Marie. It was a grand day – we were home about 6:30. We can’t drive so fast now so can’t make it in 2 hrs. Ruth & Romaine stayed here last night then took a bus into Chi [Chicago] this a.m. Romaine wanted to shop in the Loop today. They can get a train out of Chi this evening. We had a very nice visit but no family dinner. Faye having just come home from the hospital and then Fri Ralph had a back injury and was unable to be up so we just visited with everyone and dispensed with the usual dinner. Ruth & Floyd were down for the week-end and they were with us for Sunday dinner, but none of the rest. We went into Town. Sat and saw several people. Everyone was anxious to see David and he had a nap just before we started out and was at his best. He stood the trip fine and seems none the worse for the long ride today. So far John hasn’t taken measles so will hope he won’t. Was afraid he would take them before we could go to C.C. or while there. Mr. Zell told us when we came home we missed a show – a troop of colored soldiers camped Sat. nite in the pasture across the road – I said I was glad I was away but I know Mark would have enjoyed seeing them. It is very sunny today but windy. Mother is going to visit in T. H. a while then come back to stay. We got to see Dolores while home. She goes back Thurs this week. No mail from you today.

Love – Mother

2 letters came Fri.

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

To Begin With (Roscoe)

6 Replies

: April 4, 1943 envelope

: April 4, 1943, p. 1

: April 4, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Apr. 4, 1943

Dear Mother,

To begin with address my mail to Navy 224 % Fleet Postmaster for really I believe that will be better and as you might say – make up your mind. This has been a damp, hot Sunday with work going on at all times and no Sunday let down. In fact while everybody else was working I built a small end table to keep my pipe tobacco etc. We are gradually getting squared away and living conditions will really be on the up and up.

In your letter of sometime ago you asked me about the lawn subbery [shrubbery] and as I see it and as previously planned – Really uniform small shrubbery especially like Lloyd’s In scattered locations and not directly set in front of the house should be most desirable but you can use your own judgment since

[page 2] things might look different since I left and the shrubbery we have planted may influence the arrangement of the new, anyway use your own judgment.

As usual I’ve written the Folk today their usual Sunday letter and now it is getting just a little dark and raining slightly. In fact I’ve stopped once to fill a canteen from the tent roof because the water tastes better than otherwise.

Don’t forget the address and don’t forget to send the radish, lettuce and carrot seed. One package in each letter. I also told Mom to send some so maybe one or the other will get here. Right now would be as I see it a very opportune time but I suppose it will be July before the seeds get here.

Well, the space is all gone and so is the daylight so solong,

Love Daddy

[Editor’s note: This is the second time Roscoe has used the family “code” to let Gladys know his location. Can you find it?]