Category Archives: World War II Letters

Had to call the fire engine (Gladys)

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1943-03-24Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-24-43

Dear Daddy – 12 letters Mon & 2 Tues. so didn’t expect any today. This was the first day we could hang out clothes since Nov. 29-’42. It is a little cool but nice. The ground is beginning to dry so won’t be long till we can get the yard cleaned up. We are still having measles – Bill Taylor has them – was feeling bad so he went to Lucy and got a treatment. Thought after that he was taking pneumonia – has been pretty sick with them. The seventh grade is getting them now so I suppose John will take them but I don’t dread them so now that Mark has had them and got thru O.K. I went to a church meeting this afternoon – had to give the lesson at W.S.C.S. When I got to town to mail this I think I’ll spend the rest of our ration coupons (26). I used most of them the first of the month. I think I mentioned a freeze put on butter, fats, etc. Monday. That came as a surprise like shoe rationing. The butter etc. will be one sale again next week. So far rationing hasn’t bothered us but I hear it is hard to get meat, butter, eggs and quite a lot of things in the cities. There was a little excitement yesterday at Zells – Foulks cleaning woman burned some papers and there was quite a wind – the fired caught the dry grass and burned over almost to Zells’ chicken house & garage – Had to call the fire engine. We have an air Raid Warden – Bob Shurtter for this block – and are to have black-outs – They said they didn’t think it would be necessary but we have to keep in step with the times so we would know what to do ‘in case.’ I am sending a letter registered with some more pictures. Some taken at 5 & some 6 mo. of David. He is a little rascal today – but cute enough to get away with it. Taking a nap now. Everyone fine.

Love – Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/05/had-to-call-th…-engine-gladys/

Just so much to write about (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 23, 1943
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

A swell rainy P.M. and I’m reading a book. “A bullet thru a cap.” A very exciting drama but thought I’d better stop before darkness came on and get this letter written. Really though I can’t see that I do any better even if I am rushed because there is just so much to write about and the subjects are quickly exhausted.

Our trip yesterday was the most extensive I had taken on land and was quite interesting but there again I’m stopped because

[page 2] no description allowed. We did see a lot of cocoanuts trees and a lot of water and the water was fine swimming but shells are almost absent. We did see a small amphibious fish along the bank that when it was frightened it would scamper on land and run along then jump back into the water. Tropical fish are really a sight to behold. Almost all colors imaginable.

The rain is almost stopped and all our buckets are full of nice rain water so I can rinse those clothes I put to soak this A.M.

Well I’ll go back to my book for a while now.
Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/04/just-so-much-t…e-about-roscoe/

Getting Dark Rapidly (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 22
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner US MCNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran

Dear Mother,

This will have to be rather short and rapid – since I’ve been out a little late and it’s raining and getting dark rapidly. While we were out – went swimming gathered some limes and saw some orange trees but no luck in getting oranges. The rain has made the roads very muddy and it makes a jeep sort puff to come thru but we haven’t been stuck yet.

Fibber McGee and Molly, 1937 (Image via Wikipedia Commons)

Fibber McGee and Molly, 1937 (Image via Wikipedia Commons)

We were able to get Fibber & Molly last night. It was the first time I had heard them. The program was the inspection of the

[page 2] milk supply – I just wonder if you heard that one. We also got the news and some scuttle butt from Japan. We like their tall tales.

I’ve been told lately that our mail no longer goes by air and I wonder if that is true – if so no use to spend the extra but I’ll keep writing air mail as long as I have stamps and until I hear from you on the subject.

Well, It’s almost dark so must say –
Solong
Love Daddy.

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/02/getting-dark-rapidly-roscoe/

Dropping the j.g. (Gladys)

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1943-03-22Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-22-43

Dear Daddy – this was a 12 letter day – yours from Feb. 27 to Mar 11 came today. Glad you had some letters, even tho they were old – Hope you get the pictures I sent in Feb of all of us. Will write your Mother  & Ruth M. today. Ruth called last night about going to C.C. with us. If the measles don’t overtake John & D. we plan to go Apr 2 and take Ruth & Romaine with us. I have been giving Mark unicaps & taking them myself. Since Mark had measles I thought unicaps would be as good as anything – if a little expensive – Don’t worry about taxes I have everything under control. I read in the paper that gross would be refunded on pay received in the Service in 1942 – so should get a check some time for yours. So glad you could drop the (j.g.) I know you were glad too. I took some pictures of D. and J. & M. yesterday for his 6th month – which will be Wed. I will send another registered better with several pictures as soon as I get those developed. Those people around town did all their guessing on their own before. Dorothy thought I might talk while under ether or coming out when D. was born but I didn’t. Of course there is a lot of speculation now. I am glad you shaved. You might have to use something heavier than a razor if you let it go too long. I didn’t know you had any grey in your beard – tho a few whit ones were showing in your hair. I have a noticeable “few” now myself, but somehow I don’t even care. Link & Irene are back from Mayo Clinic. They haven’t said anything but both have gone back to work and from all appearances aren’t ill. D. is raising a fuss and his grandma is trying to get him quieted. He gets into some awful shapes sometimes and needs a little help. He gets cross ways on his bed and pushes and he is too long to do that and not hurt his head. Weighs 17 lbs.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/01/dropping-the-j-g-gladys/

The Motherlode (Roscoe)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

Mar 21, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran. Calif.

Dear Mother,

Mail came this A.M. and we spent much time reading and re-reading. 18 letters, 4 papers and two packages. The letters were from: Statons, Allgood, Sykes, Mom, Boonie (2), Wayne W., C. J. Easley, Bob H., The Earl park Walkups, The packages from Dr. M. and Floyd. I snitched this paper from the office and will try to answer a few providing I can get some stamps and envelopes. Your letters were of the latter part of Jan and the first part of Feb. So the letter I got the other day dated Feb. 19 is still the latest. Our mail has to be

[page 2] re forwarded and that always takes time. Your Valentine missed St. Pat’s day 5 days so you weren’t far from wrong right.

My letters may have been interesting but anymore there is nothing to write about. Description is out – Traveling is not as extensive as the last place and activities not for publication are more numerous. So the letters to  in answer to those today will be short and not very “ready.”

The newspapers were all the Newton Co. E. so I was able to catch up on a few things. Jim sent a Norfolk paper dated Sept. 23, so that was pretty old reading. I hate not to write

[page 3] all those people but if I see I’m going to be caught short I’ll just skip them.

All writing has to be done in the daytime because each night there is a total blackout and even the lighting of a smoke has to be done under cover. So you see there isn’t as much time to write as before.

I’ve ceased worrying or even thinking of the taxes but and wish I could get some extra money home but that is impossible at present – Maybe later that can be arranged.

I’ll try a few letters to others now after writing the folks
So solong Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/28/the-motherlode-roscoe/

Another damp cloudy warm day (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 20, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. S. F. Calif.

Dear Mother,

Just another damp cloudy warm day – very little rain but just damp. We just won’t know what it’s like to put dry clothes on in the morning. During the night our clothes seem to collect moisture and water almost drips. I got out an extra pair of shoes today from my sea bag and they were moldy and the whole sea bag smells like an old basement.

With all the above, however, we were commenting the other night that we were a pretty lucky bunch being out here

[page 2] where the air is fresh with opportunities to go swimming, fish to catch, nice tropical moonlight nights – Then when we think of those poor fellows back there who are all shut up in hot, smelly, smoke filled rooms who have to drink beer etc  for entertainment or maybe have to sit thru 2-3 hours of a no good show. That really makes us feel very lucky, horse feathers. [an expression meaning disagreement, disbelief, or frustration]

Yesterday I sent each of the boys a little present. Just mentioning it again today.

Well I think I’ve beaten my gums enough for one time – so solong
Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/27/another-damp-c…arm-day-roscoe/

Tooth Fairy (Gladys)

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1943-03-20Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
IND
3-20-43

Dear Daddy – Rec’d your letter of Feb 25 today but already had yours of the 26 – Glad to get it. Will write your Mother and let her know I heard again. Had a letter from Dolores and she will be home Mar 27 to Apr 8 so we will probably try to go to C.C. Apr 2. D. said she had a nice letter from you in Jan. Mom said Faye had been operated on for hemorrhoids and is in Union hospital in T. H. – I went to a class meeting last night. The wind was blowing and the ground freezing. I thought it would be below zero the way the wind blew but it was about 20 above. It is warmer today – sun shining and not much wind. Tomorrow is the last day to use coupon 4 in the gas book and I have only used five which leaves 3 tickets or 12 gal I didn’t use. I will have 32 gal I can buy any time after today. Mark lost a baby tooth today – wants to know if it will be worth a dime under his pillow. John is listening to the opera and keeps hushing everyone. He has an opera book and follows along with the book. David will be six months old Wed. and weighs 17 lbs and is 27 inches in height. I have two pictures on a roll I am saving to take Wed. When I get this roll developed will send you another group of him. I have started giving him fruits and trying orange juice again. So far he has been keeping it down. It is past 4 P.M. so must get this to the P.O. Not much news today I can think of. We are all well – hope we are over colds. Maybe next month will be warmer again – Taxes for ’42 figured 157.33.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/26/tooth-fairy-gladys/

A Real Spendthrift (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 19, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran. Calif.

Dear Mother,

I felt real spendthrift like today and wrote each of the boys a letter and sent each a small souvenir (don’t know if that is spelled correctly). I think if you look it over carefully and use your imagination you can piece a story together. Those things are made to be arm or wrist bands. Those I made myself and you can see they aren’t so fancy but things to send home from here are very few in number. We could send cocoanuts but on second thought you can buy them there as good and as cheap.

Last night we heard some news and also Kay Kaiser. In the news they told of the great league ball teams having their spring workouts at Lafayette and Bloomington

[page 2] Indiana and after all those towns are pretty close home.

You mentioned that Statons had written and Funks but other than Ira, Geo, Bob & Bonnie I have had no mail for ever so long – your letters are mostly missing since Jan 25. Just those came that I wrote of yesterday. Of course we always have high hopes.

We are getting real civilized – Even have a few candy bars now and then but no refrigeration so know that means – Spam corned beef and canned hash bless the stuff – oh yes we still have powdered eggs and some bacon.

Well, I’ll not use any more paper this time – we have a pretty good supply but one never knows if more will come – So

Lots of Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/25/a-real-spendthrift-roscoe/

Local news (Gladys)

1 Reply

1943-03-19Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-19-43

Dear Daddy – It is raining and some wind too. March is keeping the tradition. Some weather we have had since last Dec. the humidity is up now since it has been raining. You remember Cecil Duttonhaver (you delivered their first baby). He was killed, while driving a truck this week – his funeral is today. John’s name was in the paper this week – about the essay contest (he won second prize $1.50). I am going to try and get him to send you a copy. He wouldn’t let me read it so don’t know what he wrote. He has been studying ‘Courtship of Myles Standish’. Says it is interesting but mushy. Mark is feeling fine and no after effects of measles at yet. David weighed 7 lbs this morning. I see that Geo Clark had been discharged being over 38 years old now. John Krull has been sent to Tampa Fla. Lloyd Tilton is home. He is going east to an officer training school, Jos Mullen is going to Ft Sills Oka for Officers Training. Emmett Miller has been sent to Ft Leonard Wood – Mo. There are several others mentioned in this week’s paper but I thought you knew these better. I suppose you know Dr. Ash has been sent on from N. C. I heard indirectly he had been & Mrs Ash doesn’t know where he is now. I haven’t any late news about town. Haven’t heard any more about Ira Dixon – Link & Irene aren’t back yet from Mayo Clinic. We are all feeling fine. Just hope John & baby don’t take measles but it has been two weeks since Mark started runny a temp so I am hoping they won’t get them. Finances O.K. – Taxes figured 157.33 in case you missed other letters

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/24/local-news-gladys/

Six letters came (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 18, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran Calif.

Dear Mother,

At least there is a little to write about today, because six letters came – 2 registered from you – One with the pictures – the other of Feb 7 and a v-mail Feb 19. At least that brings the news up to only about one month behind times. Also got a letter from Geo T., Bob N. and Boonie. Those I answered a few days ago – really ahead of time – when I wrote Ira D. Maybe I’ll be able to write to them individually some of these days when more paper comes floating around. Your v-mail of Feb 19, must have been written about the same time you got the word that I left the previous station and I certainly do hope my mail is coming thru to you now regularly and it should because there was only 4-5 days that writing was impossible

[page 2] but it may not have good connections out like at the last place. Boonie got my last letter to him in 7 days – If ours would only come that way.

The pictures were really swell and I agree that those you didn’t have printed were bad. Fact of the matter is I hid those. That necklace looks like the duce, I think. Hope you have the other one I sent. It’s too long – I mean the one you had on in the picture. I saw the Padgett picture before I saw the name and I sure thought D. had grown. Even the fly leaves of that folder are stuck together but I can get them apart easily.

I like this place so much better than the last place – and I’m afraid that in time I might be sent back but hope not until I can go farther back than that place. Some of these days censorship will ease up and we can write more of our

[page 3] location. I still say watch the papers and listen to the radio. Last night we had Bob Hope and then got some news from K.W.I.D. You probably could get that easily on our short wave but their program starts at 12:00 midnight and you would hardly be listening at that time. Then just for diversion we get Radio Japan and listen to how we are not doing. It’s really funny – when one really knows and then hear their version. Of course we don’t know everything but we are in a position to have a few facts.

Our tuna fish shure sure was swell. The colored mess boy fried it in butter after rolling it in flour and after canned hash beans and spam it sure was one fine meal.

Well, I’ve used my quota of paper today – so solong Love Daddy

P.S. Is that an army suit Mark had on – if so shame

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/23/six-letters-came-roscoe/ ‎