Category Archives: World War II Letters

Loose Fuse (Gladys)

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-18-43

Dear Daddy – No letters now the past two day – Yours of Feb 26 is the last I have. Some warmer today and no wind so think I’ll take David out for an airing this afternoon. Mark is feeling fine now – when his face gets cold can still see where measles were. John or David show any signs yet of taking them. John wrote an essay in the annual contest at school and won second prize. There were two firsts & two seconds – Angus W. & Beverly Jacobs won first & John & Carolyn Sondergrath second. He will get $1.50 at the end of school term. I want him to send you a copy. He wouldn’t let me read it. He said (quote) “It was drippy” – This younger generation. He went to a party for the seventh grade last night. Angus didn’t have measles. He was out sick and, of course Eve thought he was taking them – so that lessons John’s exposure that we know of to Mark. Had to have Bun Loughridge come out this a.m. – our kitchen appliances stove refrigerator stopped but a fuse was loose. I had tightened it evidently not enough. Have the refrigerator full of meat and had to get it going again. I am getting 12 hens to put in the locker. Parttens promised me another quarter of beef so that will take care of the meat situation for a while. Link & Irene are at Mayo Clinic this week. Will let you know what they found out when they come home. Ma & Jimmy are in Ft. Wayne. Mary is going to have a baby I know. Mrs. J. would like to be there with her. Mrs. Davids’ daughter is staying here with her folks and has a new baby. Dr. M. took care of her and she went to Watseka – so crowded she had to be put in the hall. When the measles scare is well over I want to go see Mrs. Roberts. We talk over the phone once in a while. She is giving me her John’s clothes he outgrows for D. I have quite a few now she brought over. I told you before the 1942 tax figured $157.33. I won’t pay but have bonds to cover. Had a letter from Ruth M. She wants to go to C. C. in April with us if we get to go. Hope we aren’t still having measles then. It is a little on the gloomy side today but not cold.

Love Mother

Washburn, Angus S. - Kent H. S. yearbook 1948

Angus D. Washburn, 1948

The above picture of Angus D. Washburn was taken from the 1848 Kent High School yearbook.

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/22/loose-fuse-gladys/

Tuna Fish (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: March 17, 1943 envelope

: March 17, 1943, p. 1

: March 17, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Mar 17, 1943
Lieut Yegerlehner
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran

Dear Mother,

This will be a race with darkness because I was busy and didn’t get started until late and along with being engaged this P.M. we caught a Tuna Fish which weighs about 20 lbs and we are having it for evening chow. That is another reason why I’ll have to hurry. That must sound funny to you that we have time for a little fishing but never the less it’s true.

I found a few shells but they are not nearly as nice as those I’ve already sent – some of the same variety however.

[page 2] We were able to get a small radio and last night we heard on of Jack B. programs. Tonight we want to get Reno as they are having some services at an airport and since two of our fellows are from there we want to listen. It isn’t much of a radio but any is better than none.

Well I’ll do better next time – promise – Lots of Love

Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/21/tuna-fish-roscoe/

Planting Potatoes (Gladys)

4 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-17-43

Dear Daddy – The weather has turned cold again and got down below freezing last night with a high wind. Mark went back to school today – Mr. Zell took him with his girls. I am going after him at noon so he won’t have to be in this wind. He is feeling good but I don’t want an aftermath of measles. I am watching John closely for any early signs. So far nothing has developed in either John or David. I got the duplicate of our tax sheet from Agnes yesterday and it figured $757.33 for ’42. The rate is much higher this time and exemptions lower. I have enough bonds to cover that & the bal. of ’41 when and if you know it may be cancelled. Mr. Zell raises chickens – (in a house of course) and he has quite a lot of fertilizer – cleans the house 3 times a week. He put a load around our shrubbery in the back yard this morning. He has been spreading it over his lawn. I believe you would have a different opinion of him as county agent than you did of the last one. He should be on a farm but Mrs. Z. said the farmers here aren’t in favor of their agent farming. It has been so cold none of our neighbors have shown any spring signs. Bill cleaned off his garden not long ago but that is all. I don’t know what the Irishers will do today about planting potatoes. Our bank bal is $150⁰⁰ – few odds bills to pay but nothing big. No uniform money as yet. David is raising a howl – just woke up and it is about bath time. He is quite an active little fellow and a little spoiled but not too much as he goes to bed a little after 6 P.M. and sleeps till 6 A.M. – weighs 16 ½ I am knitting him a new spring outfit (Pink & white). Haven’t seen Jimmy Ed lately. Afraid to go there till measles scare is all over.

Love – Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/20/planting-potatoes-gladys/

Strangers in fox holes (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: March 16, 1943 envelope

: March 16, 1943, p. 1

: March 16, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Mar 16, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran. Calif.
Dear Mother,

I may have dated yesterday’s letter the 14^th because I was a day behind and if I did you will get two letters dated the 14^th and none the 15^th just an error in rec9k0oning.

Today is one of those hot steaming days like July or Aug at home and one sure does feel worthless. Just this noon we were talking about some of the movies of the South Sea Isles and to the man we all agreed that they were the bunk but I suppose when we get home and have to wear clothes, be polite and civilized we will get a yearning to be back were[ where] life is free and easy etc. That a lot of bunk.

Our heads (toilets) are burned out 2-3 times each day – a little gasoline is poured in and lighted and

[page 2] the burning destroys the eggs etc. Well it seems my urges and the burnings come at the same time. I’m so used to it now that by the time I come home we’ll have to run the hot water thru the toilets in order to get the proper setting.

Our “Fox holes” are usually pretty well populated with spiders and lizards but when in need of a good “Fox Hole” we just simply “shew” out the strangers and enter without the least hesitation – funny about how one feels at a time like that.

Our mail seems to have taken another vacation for it has been 3-4 days since any has arrived. I believe when the new address comes thru it will be more regular. All the mail with the old address has to take a stop over there and that all takes time. Jan 25 is still the latest mail I have received so you see I’m way behind.

Well, even though I have some extra paper I still have to conserve some so
Solong love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/19/strangers-in-fox-holes-roscoe/ ‎

Measles certificate (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-16-43

Dear Daddy – Still having typical March weather. It rained last night and the ground is so soft can’t be walked on. Maybe we will have good garden weather this spring. I went to a garden meeting yesterday. A man from Purdue spoke. There is volumes I don’t know about gardens, but I want to give it a try this summer. Mr. Zell is using all the space north of their house to the corn field for a garden and intends extending it back to Bills’ lot. He said Mark & I could have enough space for our garden. I am going to take Mark to Dr. M. this afternoon to get a certificate to go back to school. Every child who has had the measles has to get a certificate from the Dr. before they can go back to school. Mark seems to feel pretty good. Has been working on models while loafing this week. John hasn’t shown any signs yet of taking measles. I sent a letter out to your folks yesterday to tell them I had yours of Feb 26. Just hope we get to go down in Apr. No letters today. I think there are three yet to come you have mentioned. I would send you stamps but you would probably get others first. Since it took so long for you to get what I did send. The notice for your lodge dues came but I haven’t paid it yet. May do that while in C.C. I saw Hilda Barce and she said Ed is in Kokomo – Recruiting Sta. She said to tell you hello for them. I haven’t seen Ed for a long time but he comes out once in a while. He gets home pretty often. He says he wishes he could be sent out. – About time for John to come for lunch – and he is always so hungry. David is taking a nap. Weighed 16 ½. Has a coming appetite no teeth yet but plenty of pep. Isn’t gaining so fast now – takes too much exercise to get overfat.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/18/measles-certificate-gladys/

Much Harder to Write (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: March 15, 1943 envelope

: March 15, 1943, p. 1

: March 15, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Mar 15, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San F. Calif.

Dear Mother,

You should have noted if I didn’t mention it that I have some new envelopes. I was able to buy a little and today wrote Ira D a letter and asked him to tell the others he had heard from me.

It seems so much harder to write from here than at the last station. The reason being restrictions I suppose and fear that a little slip will be made.

I washed my usual two day washing this A.M. or rather put them to soak – will finish tomorrow A.M. That seems a long process for a pair of shorts socks towel etc. but why hurry. I’ve let my watch run down and

[page 2] have a calendar up to go by so I guess I won’t miss anything.

Last night it really rained and I expected to see the ocean raise a foot or two this A.M. Really I looked for holes in the sky where the water poured thru but everything was natural this A.M. so it was just another hard rain.

One of the boys just brought in a bunch of bananas but they are a little too green at present for eating purposes. We have had several limes and a few pineapple right fresh off the press so we get a few fresh vitamins.

Well I’m tired of balancing this pad on my knee – so solong
Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/17/much-harder-to-write-roscoe/

Mark is still home (Gladys)

9 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-15-43

Dear Daddy – Another March day – Rain & wind. Mark is still home. He got over the measles nicely but I thought I would be better to keep him in a few days. I am giving him unicaps. He is a little thin but seems to feel good. The baby had 2 c.c. Immune Globuline last Thurs. Can’t tell yet whether he will take measles or not. John said he would rather have them now and not have to be afraid of getting them all the time. So far no one in the 7^th grade has had them but Angus Washburn was out today so he may be taking them. Sammy is over them. I got your letter of Feb 26 today. I wrote your folks and gave a brief resume. Dolores isn’t coming home till Apr 9 so we will plan to go that week-end (Friday the 9^th) after school Ruth M. may go with us. Earl doesn’t get enough gas to drive only to work. I haven’t used all my coupons so far. Will leave the car at the garage and have it greased & checked over before we go. Mom said Kenneth is still in Indpls as far as they know. I believe he wants to go into the air corps. Paul and Earl both got deferments. Wilma graduates this spring and wants to take nurses training. David is chewing on a toy. He acts like his gums bother him. Joe Fletcher saw him yesterday and said he was the best looking boy we have but told him D. looks a lot like John did. Floyd things he looks like Mark. Hope you get his picture & ours I sent some weeks ago. Will have some more to send in a few days. I have been sending pictures in registered letters. There is a meeting at the High School at 2:30 for gardeners. A man from Purdue is going to speak. I may go if I get around in time. Have to feed D. at 2. I should take Mark but this weather wouldn’t be very good for him since I am keeping him home so he won’t catch cold.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/16/mark-is-still-home-gladys/

Last station (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: March 14, 1943 envelope

: March 14, 1943, p. 1

: March 14, 1943, p. 2

: March 14, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Mar 14, 1943
Lt. R S Yegerlehner MCUSNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran

Dear Mother,

A Sunday P.M. like this at home and I would be sleeping because it’s raining and has been all day long. We have bucket full of good rain water for washing and bathing and after all things like that are appreciated.

There was no mail this morn so the topic of writing will have to be something of which I haven’t the slightest idea as yet.

We did have church this A.M. under a canvas top and with music and everything. The Army Chaplin came and brought a small organ but one key stuck and there was a slight discord in the music but it was different.

I’ve just written the folk a short letter and will try now to write

[page 2] on my weekly schedule to them again but even though I’ve been able to get some extra paper I’m not going to write to too many people for fear of a shortage.

There are 5 of us officers in one tent – none doctors – Two of them are from Reno N. One from Missouri and one from California so that gives you an idea of our peaceful family. The ones from Reno know where Lovelock is but they do not know your brother and we have an invitation to spend some time with them when we make our trip west. One owns a hotel so that solves a big problem right there. Being with these men is much different than before because families etc are not asked or talked about. No one seems to give a darn about the other fellows’ private lives and that is OK with

[page 3] me because talking about home etc always brings up thoughts and memories which are pleasant but none the less home sick stimulators. Don’t get me wrong – I do think of home lots but it isn’t so bad if I keep it to myself – I’m just that way.

This place is to me much more typical of the South Seas than the last station. Can’t mention the name of the last station anymore. And I really like it better – can’t say why but it’s just that way. Maybe it’s more trees and vegetation and when one talks of jungle he really means Jungles if you get what I mean.

Well, I really feel like taking a few winks of sleep and if I can get into the net covered bunk without getting wide awake I’ll do that very thing –

So Solong Love Daddy

Fox Holes (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: March 13, 1943 envelope

: March 13, 1943, p. 1

: March 13, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Mar 13, 1943
Lt. Yegerlehner
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran

Dear Mother,

We are having a slight sprinkle of rain this P.M. The first in several days and lots would be appreciated because rain water is good compared to our present water.

You know how those storm cellars are built thru parts of Indiana – well we have them here only we don’t need them for storms. Therefore we call them “fox holes” and you don’t have to guess more than three guesses as to what they are used for but we get along OK and really get a kick out of the various designs and types. So much for our outbuildings.

There seems to be little doubt left as to the promotion. This A.M. I

[page 2] got a letter from Drs P & W and they have the word there so there so things must be something to it. I also got a letter from Barb. Dr. Porterfield said he was going to write you – Hope he didn’t write anything to cause you to worry all he was supposed to let you know was my address and also Parson Wright was to be sure to let you know but I was able to write sooner than I thought so neither of them would have need written had I known but you should have my new address and the old can be disregarded.

Had sauerkraut and wieners for noon chow along with lima beans so you know I was pretty well pleased. I did a small washing again this A.M. but fortunately it was dry before the sprinkle. My vigorous rubbing of the socks has caused some holes – so will have to do some darning. All this must be rather boring but it’s all in the days work and since we have to keep a tight lip subject matter is scarce.

Lots of Love
Daddy

Let’s move to Florida for the winter (Gladys)

4 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-13-43

Dear Daddy – It seems like spring has arrived. It is so warm and the sun is shining. The tulips were up before the last cold spell that ended this week but they weren’t hurt any. Mark is up today and feeling fine. Measles about gone. He is wearing dark glasses yet today. John said he would rather have measles and be thru with them than to take a shot. David didn’t get any reaction from the immune Globuline Dr. M. gave him Thurs. I will keep a close watch on John now for any evidence of measles. Hope he does get by without them. It is so nice out of doors now I took D. out yesterday for the first time in two weeks and intend to go out again today. Margaret Kruman went to Fla during February. I told her I was thinking about going down next winter for all winter. I believe I could close the house and keep up the payments and live down there on the same as we have to spend here. Our coal bill to date is 129⁰⁰. Of course we still have plenty to last for a while. Let me have an opinion on the matter. Now don’t let it worry you. I am not jumping at ideas but have been thinking about this for some time. I was thinking about how much better it would be to miss the winter months here. Of course, this was an extreme winter and don’t suppose it will be so cold next year, and I know when you come home you won’t want to go to a warm climate to reside. My throat seems to be very weak this winter. Last week I got a bug in my right tonsil and it was sore several days but finally Dr. M. hit it with the right stuff & got it straightened out. Just hope with spring I won’t be so susceptible to throat germs. Days like this makes me want to get out in the yard and so things. Let me know what you want done in particular. John has gone to take his piano lesson. Mark is playing with marbles. He is a little hard to hold today – want to read and I don’t want him to for a day or two yet. Everyone is fine,

Love Mother