Tag Archives: John Henry Yegerlehner

U.S.O. Entertainers (Roscoe)

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: October 10, 1943 envelope

: October 10, 1943, p. 1

: October 10, 1943, p, 2

: October 10, 1943, p. 3

: October 10, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Oct. 10, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just back from running around so maybe I can settle down and write.

There was a U.S.O. show here last night – Three men – The outstanding one in my estimation was Felix Knight who claimed he was with the Metro Opera for some time. I wondered if John ever heard of him. He sings tenor and seemed to me to be good enough for opera. The other two weren’t so hot but I guess it’s fair entertainment for this part of the world.

We have had some other

[page 2] U.S.O. entertainers here but most of them so far are “has beens” at least I feel I wouldn’t care to pay to see shows like that at home. Maybe I’ve mentioned that before.

The world series base ball games are on now as you know. If we get up about 4:00 A.M. we can get the broadcast direct. So far I haven’t had that much ambition but our skipper gets them on his radio. He comes to breakfast with the results so why should I get up that early? We can also get a rebroadcast at 8:30 PM but I’m not much interested in that.

This being Sun. it’s the regular day for writing the Folks. I haven’t

[page 3] heard from them this week but had two letters last week.

I noticed in the Newton Co. E. that Emmit Miller was being transferred from Cal. To Tenn. He has been in the service much longer than I. Maybe I should have gotten in the Army. Have you heard anything from Jim Open? It’s a funny thing how some people manage to stay in the U.S.A. for such a long period of time. Maybe I shouldn’t feel that way, but one can wonder if he wants to. All thru the paper I see where this one and that one have been home or transferred and m any of them I treated after they were in the service. Well, let’s stop all this crying.

Oct. – at home I can see

[page 4] all the leaves turning the various colors. The early frost mornings and of course a few hot days now and then. That reminds me don’t forget the antifreeze in the car radiator. Maybe you won’t be able to get any this year but you probably have that taken care of by now.

This has been one heck of a letter but it’s the best best I can do even with plenty of time. I just don’t seem to function – Maybe it’s the heat – Maybe it’s because I haven’t received any late mail from you in a few days and my inspirations are lacking. Anyway

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/04/04/u-s-o-entertainers-roscoe/

Swellest (Roscoe)

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: October 2, 1943 envelope

: October 2, 1943, p. 1

: October 2, 1943, p. 2

: October 2, 1943, p. 3

: October 2, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Oct. 2, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just another Sat. a small rain last night helped lay the dust but makes the atmosphere a little more sticky.

Your letter dated Sept. 19 and posted Sept. 20 came yesterday. You had just gotten back from the hospital and told me your mother couldn’t seem to take what you thought was ammonium nitrate. You never have given a definite report on the x ray findings – but that probably can is in the letters from Sept. 14 to Sept. 19 which at present are missing. A letter also came from the Folks yesterday.

[page 2] they seem to be coming along pretty good. Mom used to write with a very nervous hand but anymore her writing is very steady. In this letter she again praised you in how you were carrying on. I hope you don’t get tired of me harping on the subject but it sure means a lot to me that other people can see how you are doing.

I guess the problem of putting in the storm windows was solved easily and early since Glenn so kindly put them in for you. It makes me feel good to know that the weather is cool someplace – cool enough to even think of glass for windows. I haven’t seen any glass windows

[page 3] for ages. Windshields are the only glass one ever sees. Pardon me always referring to cool weather but I hope you understand.

I’ve mentioned several times about Drs. getting orders, etc. All those fellows have spent less time in the Pacific that I and they are just being changed to more desirable locations. I seem to be in between and sometimes I wonder if my name hasn’t been lost in the rush. Of course I don’t mind for I’m enjoying this type work and am willing to stay until my tour of duty is over whenever that might be. Maybe I shouldn’t be writing this stuff all the time but it is the most interesting conversation

[page 4] we can carry on. There is a certain satisfaction in us old timers getting together and projecting ourselves into the future. You should hear what some plan and desire when they return. I’m just silent on that score because my only plans and more plans are to come back to the swellest three boys I know and “The Mother” who has carried on with these boys first and foremost. Those are the swellest plans I can think of. Maybe I’m getting too sentimental for an old crust who never was much of a romancer.

Well Dear I hope everything is OK with you – I’m still pulling for you to the Nᵗʰ degree.
Love Daddy

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

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/19/swellest-roscoe/

“These Hear Parts” (Roscoe)

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: September 26, 1943 envelope

: September 26, 1943, p. 1

: September 26, 1943, p. 2

: September 26, 1943, p. 3

: September 26, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Sept. 26, 1943

Dear Mother,

3 v-mail letters from you, one from Jim, an air mail from the folks and an air mail from the Walkup’s. Your latest v-mail was dated Sept. 13 and was the latest received. It seems it’s nip and tuck with air & v-mail but the air mail is best.

Glad Jim could come home again to see his mother and also see Glenn. I also In Jim’s letter he told me of his foot & leg trouble and that should be corrected before he gets out because lame fellows don’t have much business in “these hear parts.” However when one makes Chief in the Navy he is as good as retired. Maybe Jim hasn’t found that out yet. A Chief never

[page 2] works. Maybe I’m a little hard on that branch.

You were part of the tropic in both mom’s letter and Jim’s. They were both praising you very much. Sure did sound good to hear read what they had to say. Of course I agree with them more than somewhat and can then add lots more to what they wrote.

I’m not much surprised at John’s allergy since it is in the family on both sides. That is one of the things we will have to work on as time goes along. And I guess Mark has a little at times also – Maybe D. will be free but that remains to be seen.

Repeating – I sent $250 on Sept. 16. That should help pay the extra expenses you are having but as I said before let the bills run and pay them as we go along for

[page 3] I don’t believe the Hospital will be too hard if you try to pay a little each month.

We had eggs sunny side up this A.M. The first time in about 6 wks. Sure makes one appreciate them more when they are served so infrequently.

I changed procedure this time and wrote the folks first. I thought maybe I’d have more ideas when I finished theirs. Their letter today was more to Dad because his birthday is coming up, and I wished him a “happy birthday.” Mom in her letter was telling me what she received – hose [?] Towels, etc., and she also mentioned the letter in which I wished her a happy birthday – From her letter I believed she appreciated my letter as much as she did the

[page 4] gifts. Maybe that is not so out of line but it did seem funny when she put it the way she did.

I’m going to air my bunk today, because something smells in this tent. Smells like Garbage but we can’t locate it so we are going to do some airing to see if that will help. The blankets we have under the mattress may be a little moldy and that might be where the smell is coming from. It couldn’t be my feet but it sure makes one wonder at times.

Well, I’ll be writing again tomorrow –
Love Daddy

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

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/07/these-hear-parts-roscoe/

V-mail Was Better (Roscoe)

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: September 12, 1943 envelope

: September 12, 1943, p. 1

: September 12, 1943, p. 2

: September 12, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Sept. 12, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.

Dear Mother,

Your air mail of Aug. 25 and v-mail of Aug. 30 came yesterday. This is one of the first times that v-mail was better than air mail. I still want you to keep up just the way you have been – mostly air mail with a v-mail at times.

I was glad that Glenn could come and no doubt your mother appreciated it very much. I wish they could stay and help you for a time but I suppose you’re their work keeps them from doing that. I’m sure your mother would be better off in the hospital and I’m sure you would have less to do but the traveling back and forth

[page 2] would also be equally difficult.

Your expenses will probably mount very much but inform those concerned that we will pay as y we go along and don’t let it worry you. With times as good as they are anyone you become indebted to should be able to carry along without our paying on the line. So much for that – I’m sure it will work out OK and aff after all that is only a small problem considering other things going on today.

You didn’t mention anything what Dr. VanB said about John’s eyes – possibly he hadn’t written you as yet, and to date I have not heard from Dr. Cole.

I just happened to remember that

[page 3] months ago I sent you some films of pictures we had taken in Noumea – you never did mentioned them. I just wonder if they never arrived or if they were no good? You probably wrote of them but that letter hasn’t arrived as yet. Pictures are pretty much frowned upon here and of course I couldn’t bring that camera with me and I’m not sure whether it was packed or whether Dr. P. or W. kept it. The box was cracked and it wasn’t much good anyway.

This is the day to write the folks so must cut off here and write them a note –
Love
Daddy

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

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/05/v-mail-was-better-roscoe/

Telephone Poles on a Fast Train (Roscoe)

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: September 6, 1943

: September 6, 1943, p. 1

: September 6, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.
Sept. 6, 1943

Dear Mother,

I missed writing yesterday because I just didn’t have the chance so must also write the folks because I missed them also but won’t be able to get to theirs until this P.M. It seems that time is one thing I don’t have a lot of these days but I like it that way because the days go by like telephone poles on a fast train. It’s been that way the past week and seems as if it will continue.

Your letter of Aug. came late Sat. P.M. and that was the third day in succession that mail came – so we are really spoiled again.

[page 2] I have a little trip to make again today and I’m in a little hurry but I’m trying to take enough time to write you a few sensible lines. Don’t get the idea I’m being overworked because I’m not and what I am doing is a pleasure.

Today is laundry day and it looks as if it will be a good day – at home it’s Labor day but we don’t seem to pay any attention to that.

I promise to do better tomorrow –
Love Daddy

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

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/01/25/telephone-poles-on-a-fast-train-roscoe/

Peaches (Gladys)

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: August 26, 1943 envelope

: August 26, 1943, p. 1

: August 26, 1943, p. 2

: August 26, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Aug. 27 [26] – 1943

Dear Daddy –

8 P.M. – just finished trying to seal (2 didn’t) 11 qts. peaches. There was a truck around today from somewhere with peaches and I bought a bu[shel] (4.25) believe it or not – They are 8⁰⁰ in some places. In figuring the cost they cost around the same as canned (tin) we buy in the stores but I could save pints. Peaches were 24 pts. A can or half a month’s points for one person. I put seven qts. in the oven and 4 in hot water. Mrs. Zell was canning corn and would have brought the cooker home but I told her wasn’t necessary to pressure peaches and it is for corn. I prepared 12 cans for the locker and got over there to find the place closed (Thurs. P.M.) This I figure is the last Thurs. for the summer our stores will close for the afternoon. Mark went to town and stopped at the P.O. and yours of Aug. 17 was there. If you remember you were discussing other people’s vacations and certain persons being bothered about the draft.

[page 2] I agree with you about both cases. Some people haven’t yet found out what things are all about – guess I had better change the subject – it gets pretty deep sometimes. No use spoiling our letters with stuff like that.

Mrs. R. came last night for a few minutes. She had some pictures Joe sent – they were all working in the pictures, digging, etc. I suppose you know all about such things.

I had sent Glenn a night letter telling them to come and hadn’t heard from them in over a week – I sent a tracer after the wire and word came back that Glenn had started east Aug. 23 so I am looking for them anytime. Juanita has been here since Tues. but is leaving tonight on the 12:16 train – however she is coming back to see Glen (& family if they all come). I was looking for some word from them so I could send Jim a wire. He thinks he can get time enough on a week-end leave to come for a few hours. I think he is taking a risk because he may not get flying accommodations back and he would have to fly to Indpls. & back from there. I am not going to send him any word until I get some definite word from Glen.

I took a roll of film and had some pictures of your Mother & Dad – and the negatives came back with no prints. I could see the pictures – I sent them to Laf. I had used a smaller film and sent them

[page 3] down there to have them all enlarged. I am going to send them to Hubert and see if he can print them. I couldn’t get film to fit our camera so haven’t taken pictures yet for David’s 11^th month. David is changing so much I think since his front teeth show up so good. His smile is contagious and he usually has one. We were eating supper and he was in his play chair and started to climb out onto the ironing cabinet so I slapped my hands together and said “David” rather loud – he sat down and tried to cry but couldn’t. It is so cut to see him pucker up his face in an attempt to cry –

It has been cool today but Mother seems awfully weak. The heat yesterday afternoon was so hard on her. She didn’t eat much today – never does – but seemed less today. I thought possibly Dr. Cole would be up today but no doubt he was tied up at hospitals. Mrs. Roberts says the Sr. Dr. is so busy too. He hardly has time to stop and see her and the children. I am to take Mark to Fowler tomorrow to have the clamp taken out of his hand. I think his cut is healing – but you know how he likes to pick at things – keeps wanting to put new bandages on.

I have been writing this in competition with John, Mark & Juanita.

Love – Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/01/03/peaches-gladys/

Armistice Day 1918 (Roscoe)

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: August 22, 1943 envelope

: August 22, 1943, p. 1

: August 22, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Aug. 22, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.

Dear Mother,

Sunday A.M. a little cool and cloudy, otherwise just the same as any other morning. I’m just stalling for want of something better to say – in other words just waiting for thoughts to become collected. At least to begin with I’m not in that blue Monday stage such as I was yesterday. Maybe the letter I wrote yesterday kept me going.

Last night’s show was Bob Hope in “They Got Me Covered.” Not much to the show but he did pull some pretty good gags – and a Walt. D. short in color was also very good in the beginning. It was a slap at Hitler and some his friends. That is both of the pictures. It seems that practically all the shows now deal with some phase of the war. Either a spy picture or a war correspondence or some such. I don’t suppose you go to shows very often or do you? I’m still not in the habit but for want of

[page 2] something better I go but sure do squirm and fuss in my seat while the plot is developing.

I suppose you are having a little celebration today for John’s birthday. I sent him 2 dollars and wrote he and Mark a day or so ago so will not write him today. He is just about the age now that I was in the last war. I don’t remember my 13^th birthday but I do remember that just before I was 14 the Armistice was signed and on that Nov. 11 school was dismissed and I had to go home and shuck corn. What a celebration!! I hope this thing will wind up while John is in his 13^th year.

This is the usual day for the letter to the folks and since one came from them this week it seems more like answering a letter but there is very seldom and questions anything to answer only the formality of exchange.

Well, Mother Dear I hope everything is OK with you and the family –
Love Daddy

[Editor’s note: While I do not know which Disney short Roscoe watched, this is an example of one of the many propaganda shorts made by Disney during the 1940s]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l14WDZCnz-w

Mow You Down (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: August 18, 1943 envelope

: August 18, 1943, p. 1

: August 18, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Aug. 18, 1943

Dear Mother,

You mentioned in several of your letters about people asking you if you had written me relative to D. accident and some had advised against such. I think you did exactly right because after all I’m not a weakling and can take those things. In fact I’d feel terrible if I didn’t know and I’d be disappointed in you. Sure I’d feel badly about anything that might happen but hypocrisy is the worst thing imaginable and it’s something you and I have never participated so why start such at a time like this. This is war and as I mentioned before it’s bigger than families so we have to take things and bear them. I’m certain you have always well written me things as they are at home and this is best. I can’t always write you things that happen here for various reasons which you understand. I haven’t felt so sorry for D. as for you because I know how he will get along – but the extra work, worry and self accusing, which I hope you haven’t done to[o] much of, will have a tendency to “mow you down,” but you know

[page 2] dear I’m for you and know that you have executed the best judgment at all times – so what do we care about what other people say. I say we because any criticism against you is equally shared by me.

Your letters of July 28 and 30 came yesterday and in them you told of receiving the check etc. Also got letters from Ruth M. and Mom. So now I’ve been well told about the family’s visit of course it was from different angles but and none repeated to me monotonous. The folks and Ruth M. were all very much impressed by the way you are carrying along and nothing but praises came from them so that makes me feel swell also. They were very much awed by D.’s behavior in the cast and his personality – I wonder – mothers or fathers!! Could it be both. I’ll vote for the maternal. Of course my ego is a li enters a little into the picture – self imposed ego of course.

I hope I haven’t made you feel badly by this letter. I really meant to make you feel better – Not by so many words but I’m all for you and you know it and I wouldn’t have any changes in you even if it were possible –
Lots of Love Daddy

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

Something Like Whistle (Gladys)

1 Reply

: August 17, 1943 envelope

: August 17, 1943, p. 1

: August 17, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Aug. 17 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

No letters again today but didn’t really expect any for a while after getting Aug. 3, 4, 5, 6 & John’s the 12^th. I know it comes in bunches. Had a letter from your mother that she would be up tomorrow if Dad doesn’t start hay fever – He has been taking shots and doesn’t know whether they will work or not. Had a letter from Glenn’s and they said they would come for a visit if I thought Mother could stand company. I wired them to come if possible. The way Mother is doing I am afraid she won’t get any better. She looks so frail – hasn’t eaten much for such a long time. She thinks after hot weather she will get better – The hot days last week were awfully hard on her. Last week so melting hot, now it’s so cool we have the house all closed. It was so cool last night I thought the heat might kick on, but we closed doors & windows and that kept the house comfortable. Mark’s 4-H outing will have a chilly time. Also Funks will find Northern Wisconsin a little cool I am afraid.

Zells told us we could gather their tomatoes while they are gone – I think we will get enough to can a few this evening but that won’t take long. I don’t particularily want many but we use a few along in the winter.

[page 2[ They are selling for 10¢ a lb now – and with so many people having gardens – I would think they would be lower in price – We have all we need in our garden but there is not enough yet to can. We have canned about 30 qts. beans from our garden. There are more coming on.

I took David out in the sunshine to give him his bottle just a few minutes ago. It was so cool this a.m. he wasn’t out – also John took his music lesson & couldn’t stay out of doors with him. He wants to go places when he gets out of his bed, pen, or buggy. Last nite while we were eating supper I took him out of the buggy, because he was climbing out and let him stand by it – he walked to the table they then walked under the table and played on the chairs. He isn’t satisfied unless he is getting around – the past two days he has been trying to do something like whistle. John asked me when he whistled & I told him it was when he was 11 mo. old. We say no no to David and he shakes his head – he knows what it means. When I slap his hands or tap him someplace else – he can’t cry hard but will pucker up and try to get a cry out. He is making a fuss now but needs dry pants so think I’ll have to go change him.

This change in weather had made my hands feel like sand paper. I had to quit eating tomatoes – just would eat a piece now & then – but that much was telling on me.

Love Mother

1943-01-22 Foster, Emma with John, Mark & David

Emma with the boys, January 1943

I Like Mail (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: August 15, 1943 envelope

: August 15, 1943, p. 1

: August 15, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Aug. 15, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran C.

Dear Mother,

I reread your letters again yesterday and find that I commented on most of the things you asked about or wrote about. The address you use is OK but the USNR should follow my name – putting it after the Navy 60 might be a little confusing. It’s a small matter but anything that might be confusing should be done away with because you know how I like mail.

You asked if we had heard Fibber in a certain radio program – we didn’t some how we haven’t been able to get any of those programs since getting our radio. I think we just haven’t had it on at the right time. We do get the news pretty good and some music – if you want to call it that. The best station has a recording of a

[page 2] base ball game which lasts about ¾ hour. That is really the height of something of other. We want entertainment and they put on a ball game which has been played hours before and they would give the final score and be done with it. One listens to a ball game to see what the final score will be – anyway I don’t like it.

I was very glad to hear that the folks could spend a few days with you. I imagine they got a big kick out of the trip and the visit. I’m sure John will enjoy himself on his own for the week or rather I mean traveling alone. I think things like that are good for them – Lets them know how to get along for themselves.

Well, I’ve got to write the folks today so will get started on that right now –
Love Daddy