Tag Archives: military correspondence

Kentland Democrat (Roscoe)

4 Replies

: January 5, 1944 envelope

: January 5, 1944, p. 1

: January 5, 1944, p. 2

: January 5, 1944, p. 3

: January 5, 1944, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
1-5-44

Dear Mother,

Yours of Nov. 18 came today – It must have gotten lost in the rush someplace. Anyway it made good reading. There was also a Christmas greeting from The Prues – a letter from Bob Hufty, a Christmas greeting from Etta Campbell and two Kentland Democrats. The latest Democrat was dated Dec. 2. So it was later than your letter. I haven’t written Boonie as yet to thank him for the Democrats or am I correct? Didn’t you tell me he was sending them to each man in the service?

Seems as if lots of the boys

[page 2] are mentioned in the paper but I’d just as soon not come in for any newspaper stories.

In your letter you said Mrs. Roberts and her children were there and you also said that Joe had hopes of getting home after 18 mo. That does seem to be a policy but this fellow who had the picture taken with me on that vacation has been here longer than that now. I really think an effort is being made in that direction but it really takes more than effort and as I’ve said before too much hope in that direction isn’t so good because the disappointment is too great if it doesn’t happen that way. It probably will be

[page 3] our luck to have the time limit changed to 2 yrs. or longer by the time the next 34 days roll around. You see I have the days counted.

Opinions vary as to wants & wishes on returning. Some wish to stay; others are more than willing to be on their way. I’ll say there are arguments both ways. New Zealand is fine – don’t misunderstand when one is here the war is far but what will be the tour after returning? Many at present aren’t worrying about going home. They are worrying about having to leave a second time and there is a

[page 3] point there. So looking at it in that respect maybe the longer here the less possibility of a further foreign tour of duty but I’ve been thru the mill once and I suppose I can take it again. It’s lots of fun after it’s all over.

Let’s get off that subject and talk about you – I can’t seem to formulate any words but if thoughts could be crystallized huge chunks could be had at any and all times. Believe me! and so good night and

Love Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/09/21/kentland-democrat-roscoe/

New Zealand (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: January 4, 1944 envelope

: January 4, 1944, p. 1

: January 4, 1944, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Jan. 4, 1944

Dear Mother,

There was no mail today but I didn’t hardly expect any since those came yesterday. We will have to wait now for several days again I suppose.

I could see nothing bad about D.’s mother in the picture where she was holding him on the Johnson’s front porch. You said you were trying to get him to hold still and yours wasn’t so good.

The order came thru that we can now say we are stationed somewhere in New Zealand – so here I am. That is as much as we can say. It really is a pretty country and young with respect to ours in the length of time it has been settled. Natives here often ask what we knew of or thought of their country before the war. I just don’t know what I did think and of course now I’m prejudiced and no use asking you, for you have a different idea now than you had before I know. In some ways I think the people here are about like ours were 50-60 years ago. There is no hurry. The trains stop ever so often

[page 2] for 20-30 minutes and everyone gets off for a cup of tea. Imagine going on a day’s trip in the U.S. and stopping 3-4 times while all left the train and had a cup of tea and a few cakes. I’m still not a converted tea drinker, and don’t ask anyone of them to drink Ice tea. That is simply unthinkable.

The pictures – You said those boys looked English – They certainly are. To hear them talk is just like listening to some bloke over the radio direct from England. It doesn’t sound so funny coming from older people but when a kid comes out with that talk it seems as if they are putting on the dog. I think

I think Bob & I were the only Americans those boys had ever seen or at least talked to and were they thrilled? I suppose our kids would be the same. They have a daughter about 14 and of course we had to autograph her book. I mean write our names in those books girls about that age carry around with them.

Well, Maybe I can write more about the natives next time –
Love Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/09/19/new-zealand-roscoe/ ‎

Little Old Man (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: January 3, 1944 envelope

: January 3, 1944, p. 1

: January 3, 1944, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Jan. 3, 1944

Dear Mother,

Yours of Dec. 18 and 20 came today, one of them had the pictures of Jimmie Ed & David with their mothers, etc. I think I got the biggest shock of all from the one of D. standing alone on the sidewalk. Of course you had often written about him walking and standing, etc. but he looked so boyish and grown up in that picture. He was standing there just like a little old man.

There is a wide gap of about one week in your letters so I didn’t get to begin at the beginning. I don’t know what happened to Virginia Z. but you spoke of the possibility of her having a skull fracture, I suppose the details are in those missing letters.

The giving of Vit. C. tablets to D. is a good idea and might be better than forcing him to take the oranges. However, commercial tomato juice would also be OK or grape fruit juice or pineapple juice but I suppose those things require lots of points so I see no reason why Vit. C. tablets aren’t just as

[page 2] good.

Sure was glad to hear you were able to get some good coal but I missed the first load. You were just said you had gotten some more so I supposed you were able to get some from someplace other than Chet V. Maybe that will put you thru the coldest part of the winter and the poor grade of coal won’t be so bad during the spring.

You mentioned another thing. Ar The dividends on the insurance – you said the three policies. I don’t remember how you get three. I thought it was four. And there should be a small dividend on the one that was paid up. On each premium slip on the old policy there was always so much, less the dividend, plus the sum interest on the loan. Now that the loan is paid up we should be able to collect that dividend. I have a feeling you meant the $26⁰⁰ was on the four policies or possibly on all five. I’ll be glad to get a financial statement at the end of the year – you said you would send one if I wanted one. Not too detailed however. I hope the $300⁰⁰ check I sent helped out. Well the space is all gone so

Love Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/09/17/little-old-man-roscoe/

No Mail on Sundays (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: January 2, 1944 envelope

: January 2, 1944, p. 1

: January 2, 1944, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Jan. 2, 1943 [sic]

Dear Mother,

I was wrong about the mail. I just found out they don’t do much with it on Sun. either so none came in or at least none was delivered. So all the hopes I had for today are transferred to tomorrow. It’s that old tomorrow that always gets one, but mail will just have to come one of these days.

Went swimming this P.M. It was the first time here and in fresh water. It had been so cold but lately the mid summer heat has been something terrific especially in the middle of the day. Even at that the water was cold. It must be from springs in the mountains.

I’ve started this before the show and will finish after and give comments good or bad. Last night’s show was Bittersweet or some such name – all in color and lots of singing Nelson E. & Janette Mc. Maybe you have seen it. I think it’s old but of course I wouldn’t know. I feel a little hottish or if I might have gotten a little sun but I guess it won’t be too much of a

[page 2] shock to be sunburnt a little.

Where we swam there wasn’t much breeze and no sand. Just rocks and my feet burn from walking on the rough hot rocks, but that should help get the smell off of them so I can stand that. I didn’t get the swim this year on Christmas or New Year but did come pretty close – well I’ll see you after the show. I mean finish after the show.

The show is over and it was so so. A prison picture. “The House Across the Bay.” I’m not sure just how many bells I’d give it but not too many. Of course we always have a big crowd regardless of the picture and if one doesn’t like it he doesn’t ask for his money back because it’s all for free as you know.

Lentz is about the same as always – just “sorta” getting used to the set up as I was about 6-8 weeks ago. When I came here I didn’t know anyone and I sure felt like the same old orphan boy at the picnic so I know how he feels.

Well, must write the folks a note yet so solong,

Love Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/09/15/no-mail-on-sundays-roscoe/

A Little Reunion (Roscoe)

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: Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 1944

: Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 1944, p. 1

: Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 1944, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 31 & Jan 1, 1944

Dear Mother,

Note the two dates the P.O. censor board etc., don’t seem to work on New Years’ so I have combined the two. There of course wasn’t much to write about on either day for one is about the same as the other but it seems I’ve written that many times before. You could even say I’ve heard that song before.

Tomorrow should be a good mail day because it’s been ever so long now (it seems) since mail came this way.

Had a little reunion today when Ed. Lentz came walking in to be one of our fellow workers. You remember he and I came into the Navy on the same day way back there at Norfolk – we had some conversation. He had heard from Mrs. E. and all her old gang are gone except the “very nice” man. I really don’t know how long ago he had that word from her.

My room is just off the “Rumpus” room and there are several officers in there talking about prison hangings and deaths in general,

[page 2] gas chambers, shooting and stuff. A very interesting and thrilling conversation. I just get little parts of the stories now and then a few of the “wise cracks” that some how manage to make the stories a little more listenable.

I’ve been some little time up to now writing this letter but had a lot of competition – first the stories I referred to earlier and then a couple came in the room to shoot the breeze and stuff.

Our New Years’ dinner was about the same as Christmas only not just as much “dog” or I mean turkey. I’m getting all mixed up. I guess it was turkey. Then for this Eve. meal we had hamburger. Just a little change wouldn’t you say?

As I told you a few days ago my resolution to write will have to start now. I mean to other people – I owe Ruth M. & Y. a letter each, Wayne W. and ever so many I just hate to think of everyone I must write. Maybe I can write each a short v-mail, and that reminds me I never did write you that v-mail but I promise –

Love Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/09/12/a-little-reunion-roscoe/

A Few Pictures (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: December 30, 1943 envelope

: December 30, 1943, p. 1

: December 30, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 30, 1943

Dear Mother,

I’m writing this letter in between the usual times but since there is no show tonight I’ll write during that time. To begin with there was no mail today so there isn’t much to serve as a basis for writing. Secondly nothing has happened since yesterday so I guess I could stop here and now but with so little written that wouldn’t be proper so I’ll just keep writing something until something else comes into mind.

After the trip I sent you a few pictures and promised to send others. I thought I had gotten all of them sent but found two three in the drawer. I guess you have no difficulty picking me out of the group. The one is taken at the entrance of the small hotel with Mrs. McCormick the manager. In the other is Mrs. Mac. again with her two sisters and one of the sister’s boys. The mother of the boys is between Bob & I. The boys were thrilled at being able to talk personally with Americans.

You will note the teal tea table between Mrs. Mac. & I. That seems to be a very

[page 2] necessary article with them. It “sorta” reminded me of being out in the yard on Sun. PM and at home and having a round of cokes, but this is an every day affair, however, this happened to be Sun.

The one where I had my hat off I wasn’t going to send because it looks like the devil but it’s good of the others. Everything is the same only the father of the boys is taking the place of the sister who I taking the picture. Mr. Mac. Hadn’t gotten there as yet but his picture is in one of the pictures I sent before. That was the one with the frayed edges. Mrs. Mac opened the camera before turning it up the film.

I’ve certainly filled up space and hope I haven’t been too tiring. I probably could tell you more in the way of names and places but perhaps I’d better not or it might get the censors ax. Maybe some of this won’t pass.

Well, maybe the old year going out tomorrow will bring mail with it. I hope
Love Daddy

[Editor’s note: The photographs mentioned in this letter are not in my collection so they may no longer exist.]

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/09/10/a-few-pictures-roscoe/ ‎

Chow (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: December 29, 1943 envelope

: December 29, 1943, p. 1

: December 29, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 29, 1943

Dear Mother,

The only mail today was a package from Mead Johnson & Co. A bunch of Vit. A, B, C & D. I’m not sure that I need them but will keep them just in case I feel as if I’m getting low in any one of the said vitamins. Right now I feel I should really take some of some kind because the food for me today was bad. At noon we had corned beef and I’ve eaten lots of that. This isn’t so bad because it wasn’t canned but I don’t like it as well as chicken. This eve. for chow we had spaghetti and lamb stew and I just simply would not eat. I did, however, eat a few raw cucumbers with vinegar and a small, very small piece of cake – Tomorrow is another day and the food will be better and I won’t fall off too much in weight for not having eaten much as of Dec. 29. I’ve drank a few cokes and those will help keep the system going.

Just stopped to kill two great big flies, and when I say big I mean just that. They remind one of bombers. We have no screens and they come in and buss and one really feels like he is being blitzed. I don’t pay much attention to them at night but early in the morning they are a real menace to

[page 2] one’s sleeping routine.

The box that came from Ruth & Floyd yesterday had parts of an Indianapolis Star in it and the fellow that I wrote about from Kentland got a Star from someone and he traded me that for the Newton Co. E. so I have some reading to do especially the funnies. There was three comic books and I have read those so am now ready to start on the funnies.

It’s late tonight as I didn’t start writing until after the show and the show was rotten. That last part had nothing to do with the late start at writing but I just added it for affect or something.

Well Dear I’ll take a vitamin pill, get the funnies and retire – so solong until tomorrow –
Love
Daddy

A Quick Line on Christmas (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: December 25, 1943 envelope

: December 25, 1943, p. 1

Dec. 25, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just a line added to the letter I wrote yesterday. It seems as if the censor board didn’t meet and it seems as if no mail went out so rather than write a long letter I’ll just add this note and do better tomorrow.

Christmas is practically gone and I think it was enjoyed pretty much by one and all and everyone is looking forward to the New Year. I don’t mean exactly a New Year’s party but the new year because it surely will bring lots of good things.

Again a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love Daddy

No Mail For Me (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: December 23, 1943 envelope

: December 23, 1943, p. 1

: December 23, 1943, p. 2

: December 23, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 23, 1943

Dear Mother,

I’m starting this before mail time and hope there will be letters to answer before I finish. There probably won’t be any mail after all because when one plans on receiving some it generally work just the opposite.

The good old summer time has really arrived here. The sun is burning down and the grass is turning brown in some spots just like at home when it doesn’t rain much in the summer. It really is not much of a Christmas atmosphere but I’ve said that

[page 2] before. Even was saying that last year this time. However hot the days get it is always cool at night, about an hour or two after sundown I turn on the radiator and then shut it off at bed time and use 2 woolen blankets and even at that I’ve gotten chilly at night.

Our radio is playing one of Schubert’s something or other just now. My room is just off the “Boar’s Nest” and I get the radio programs rather plainly.

Some hours later – No mail for me. There were several packages but mine must be going to my old address. You have mentioned several times that you have sent packages but none have arrived. Ruth M. has also indicated that she has sent

[page 3] either Christmas or birthday gifts but none have arrived and I presume that they were sent to Navy 60.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and as far as I’m concerned it’s just another day or just another eve. Many of the boys who have been here are acquainted and have parties arranged but I’m just not the mixing kind so will make the best of Christmas if they will just feed us turkey and plenty of it – always thinking of a full stomach and why not? I’ll write more of the day before Christmas developments tomorrow.

Love Daddy

Best Tennis Player (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: December 20, 1943 envelope

: December 20, 1943, p. 1

: December 20, 1943, p. 2

: December 20, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 20, 1943

Dear Mother,

Three air mail letters and three v-mails today. Your latest v-mail was Dec. 7. Mark’s v-mail came along but none from John and I believe you said both were mailed the same day. I’ll have to re read your letters again in order to answer your questions or comment on what you wrote. The latest of the lot was Dec. 7.

I still feel like the very Dickins because you were getting no mail and the reason was the leave I was taking. You stated that the last letter was Dec.[sic] 19 and that was the day I left. Of course by now the regular schedule is again going but the suspense of those 10 days.

I overheard some people talking this eve. about the best tennis player weighing around one hundred

[page 2] and I immediately spoke up and said I could go one better. Quote “The best woman in the word only weighed about that much” and when asked who – my answer “my wife.” I may not have my quotation marks in the right place but I hope you understand what I mean.

I hope the checks I sent will help out with the finances because as I read from your letters I assumed that you were very low. Maybe with the little added amount I sent during this month you can again get on top and keep the big bad wolf from the door.

Between now and tomorrow’s letter I will re read the letters

[page 3] received today and see if I can write a more sensible letter using yours as a background.

It seems it’s hard for me to get started writing your letters early in the day and I always have to hurry so I won’t get to be too late for bed and I must get my eight hours every night.

Well, I’ll promise to write a better letter next time.
Love Daddy