Tag Archives: Navy 60

New Comers (Roscoe)

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: September 29, 1943 envelope

: September 29, 1943, p. 1

: September 29, 1943, p. 2

: September 29, 1943, p. 3

: September 29, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Sept. 29, 1943

Dear Mother,

Your letter dated Sept. 14 and mailed from Lafayette on Sept. 16 came too yesterday. You must have gotten the date wrong or it was delayed in the mailing. A letter also came from Ruth Y. Seems she has been canning also. I suppose everyone is doing that to save as many points as possible thru out the winter time.

I talked to a new comer yesterday and he informed me that things weren’t so tough back there. He said

[page 2] it was much worse here than there, but to hear some of the new comers you would think we are in clover.

The same old process that happened to our original group of Drs. a long time ago is happening here. I can’t tell you the number of Drs. we had here in the beginning but only 1/3 of the original group remain and of course I’m one of that bunch. It’s a little disheartening to see them pull out. Many of the line officers have gone but that is a little different. I figure on this moving business from

[page 3] lots of angles and still can’t come to any conclusions. Right now I’m the oldest Dr. in the area – I don’t mean age but time spent but they change and I remain. It’s either that the powers that be know a good thing when they see it or that they figure I’m not apt to harm anyone so they just keep me on. I’m not feeling sorry for myself – just trying to be funny. I think I’ll put in for a 10 day leave and go to the sea shore and bask in the sunlight and swim and camp out. That a few years ago would have seemed

[page 4] and would have been an a financial impossibility but at present it could be done just for the asking but somehow it has no appeal whatever at present.

I surely have rambled on in a disjointed way but I mean well.

Glad to hear Mark is on the ball with the 4-H work. Yes I guess we will have to do something about John but it’s a big job with lots of angles.

Hope things are getting along well at this time
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/2015/03/13/new-comers-roscoe/

Our Poor Clothes (Roscoe)

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: September 28, 1943 envelope

: September 28, 1943, p. 1

: September 28, 1943, p. 2

: September 28, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Sept. 28, 1943

Dear Mother,

You should see our poor clothes on the lines all water soaked from last night’s rain and one section was broken down by a falling coconut branch – I don’t know whose line it was but one of the other fellows fixed it up before I got up. Luckily none of the white clothes got as far as the ground and the khakis don’t show dirt.

I saw several bags of mail this A.M. – hope it is for us at least part of it. However, we can’t complain too much about our mail situation.

[page 2] Now after 1 ½ hour delay – First the chief who is head man with the food supply – Next the personal officer and last the executive officer. I think they are all pleased and happy. The executive officer had a cold – Funny to have a cold in the tropics but they do happen.

Our telephone is a party line with two others. Our ring is two longs but half the time the operator forgets to ring twice and what with the other rings and the ringing for the operator we have a bell going most of the time. I still get a little start every time the phone rings – just a carry over from the old

[page 3] days.

I guess the boys are head over heels in school work by now. Do I know many of the teachers or have they changed? You mentioned in your last letter that Al was able to get the required numbers, etc. Maybe the boys will write me of their teachers, classes, etc., one of these days.

It won’t be long now until I’ll be expecting some pictures of D. at this first year and of course the rest of the family with their Mother included. I like her pictures very much.

More tomorrow
Lots of 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/2015/03/11/our-poor-clothes-roscoe/

Native Day (Roscoe)

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: September 27, 1943 envelope

: September 27, 1943, p. 1

: September 27, 1943, p. 2

: September 27, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Sept. 27, 1943

Dear Mother,

No mail yesterday but we hardly expected any since a good bunch came Sat.

This is native day again and it’s getting near the time to go, but I’ll try to get something sensible in this. If I wait until after I’m afraid of missing the mail.

You wrote of Mrs. Dye and her husband’s return and how glad it made you feel. Well, recently I gave an officer a goodly on his return to the USA. Maybe

[page 2] you think that didn’t make me feel good. I should save this as a surprise but I won’t – He is supposed to send you some flowers in time for your birthday. That is the 4^th try so let me know if anything comes thru. I’m really testing my friends and if they don’t respond I’ll strike them off as friends. Of course they have my money and I do hope you will get some pleasure from them contacting you.

I wrote Jim yesterday P.M. in answer to the letter I

[page 3] received from him Sat. There are lots of other letters I’m going to try to answer soon. Namely Ruth M., Uncle W., Ruth Y. and others. I get behind so much anymore but I guess it doesn’t make so much difference so long as I’m able to get yours out each day. To me that is the important thing for it still gives me a lot of satisfaction to write you. That last statement isn’t very clear but I hope you understand what I mean.

I’ll promise more and 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/2015/03/09/native-day-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/

Don’t Know What to Make of Your Mother (Roscoe)

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: September 25, 1943 envelope

: September 25, 1943, p. 1

: September 25, 1943, p. 2

: September 25, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Sept. 25, 1943

Dear Mother,

Your air mail of Sept. 10 & Sept. 11 came yesterday both of course earlier than the one of day before yesterday which was Sept. 12.

I guess Jim crossed me up when he sent my letter on to you – I’ve sorta forgotten what I wrote him. I mean the words I used but I know whatever it was I meant it.

From your letters, etc., I really don’t know what to make of your Mother but I guess that isn’t so unusual since the Drs. there seem to be having a little trouble and they have the x-rays, etc., to work with. The gallstones shouldn’t be

[page 2] causing too much difficulty – by that I mean her condition doesn’t seem to be a gallstone case out and out from your descriptions – maybe your next few letters will be more informative – That is the Drs. may have something more definite to tell you.

I keep wondering if you will get the flowers I’ve sent via a friend. He promised me very faithfully that he would do that and since I gave him money I believe he will. He seemed a little more sincere than some of the others by whom I sent word to you.

Sorry about the coal situation. You will have to order from

[page 3] both telling them the first one to get coal in will be the one that gets the job. You will have time yet in the next few weeks because while it may be getting a little cool it won’t be too cold for some weeks. That is if the winters are as they used to be. It seems last winter was a freak so one hardly knows what to expect this winter.

Well this is inspection day so must get ready for the event.
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/2015/03/05/dont-know-what-to-make-of-your-mother-roscoe/

Jeep Waiting (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: September 24, 1943 envelope

: September 24, 1943, p. 1

: September 24, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Sept. 24, 1943

Dear Mother,

Your v-mail of Sept. 1, Sept. 7 and air mail of Sept. 11 came yesterday. You wrote the air mail while in the hospital and said you would call Dr. Cole before you left and I thought you would give me a report on what you found out but you mailed it before you called. I guess you will explain to me in the next mail.

It sure was great hearing you tell of someone returning. Mr. Dye as I remember was over there before I left the States. Of course duty at a place like he had would be great as compared to what I’ve had but

[page 2] other people could say the same about the duty I’ve had. I guess everyone thinks his work is the hardest and his task is the greatest and there will always be a chance for an argument on both sides. I’ve been in this place now for over going on 8 months and it does get a little old in spots but it’s interesting. I’ve been all over the place on land all around on the water and even in the air above so it’s almost as well known to me as Newton o. but it’s not nearly as beautiful from some standpoints.

I have a jeep waiting for another trip so must get going in order to cover the territory today –

Love Daddy

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

Slaughter House (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: September 23, 1943 envelope

: September 23, 1943, p. 1

: September 23, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Sept. 23, 1943

Dear Mother,

I’m a little late in writing today but in plenty of time for the outgoing mail. I had to spend most of the morning at the Slaughter house inspecting the beef as the butchering was being done. It seems I’m getting to be more of a Jack of all trades more and more each day.

The date I see has a particular meaning since D. is at his first year. I’ll bet the boys are making a to do over his birthday and his Mother also. Even his dad is thinking about little D. a little more today than otherwise. I suppose by

[page 2] now he has the birthday present I sent him. I’m certain I can be nearer to him when his next birthday rolls around.

Our mail is a little slow again but it usually comes along so we just wait and then seemingly out of the blue a bunch come in. It’s been some time since I’ve written John & Mark but one of these days I’ll break down again.

Just repeating – I sent $250⁰⁰ on Sept. 16^th so if you haven’t received it let me know. I’ve kept all the numbers, etc.

Well, since I’m late I’d better stop and get this out.
Love Daddy –

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

Native Patients (Roscoe)

3 Replies

: September 21, 1943 envelope

: September 21, 1943, p. 1

: September 21, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Sept. 21, 1943

Dear Mother,

8:30 A.M. and good and hot. We can noticeably tell that summer is arriving for the past 2 weeks have been definitely warmer and with much less rain than a month or two ago but I imagine the rain will begin again before long but that is only imagination.

Our native patients are responding real well to treatment and they seem to appreciate what we are doing for them but they are never in a hurry when we go there. We ask them to be there so it won’t take so long but each time it is the same. We treat one or two then have to wait for the others to appear. Many of the officers buy grass skirts and other articles of junk paying from 25¢ to $1.00 but to me it is all junk and dirty at that. I don’t think I’d want to send any of that stuff home after it had been fly specked from the sores and dirt of the villager. I guess you know me well enough

[page 2] to appreciate what I’ve been saying. In one of the pictures I sent you, you will note one white baby – It isn’t as bad as you are thinking. I know the story back of that but can’t reveal it at present.

So much for the natives – I mentioned something about imagination earlier in this letter and mine has been over worked in the past few weeks or months as to how you are getting along with your mother’s illness and with all the worry of the boys. I do feel that you are doing a good job as only you can do, and I look forward to getting the pictures of you as much as those of the boys because I want to keep check on how you are retaining your appearance and up to now I’ll say according to the pictures it has been pleasing. Keep it up Dear.

It’s considerable later now than when I started this letter so must get going
Love Daddy

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

Flower Blossoms (Roscoe)

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: September 20, 1043 envelope

: September 20, 1943, p. 1

: September 20, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Sept. 20, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60, F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

This is our regular native day so the practice is what you might say black.

Yesterday being Sunday we took a little trip and a swim. When we returned we stopped at an old orchard and collected some limes, mango and some flowers. I’m sending one of the flowers. I know it will be all crushed, etc. but the perfume may still be present. These flowers sell for $1.00 per blossom in New Zealand and Australia, and they can’t be bought in the U.S.A. I know when it arrives you won’t be able to tell anything about it but I’m going to send it anyway. The Island has lots of them and when you are near one of those brushes the perfume in the air is really wonderful. I’ve tried to press flowers to send but the colors seem to fade in the pressing procedure.

There hasn’t been any mail now for

[page 2] two days and of course we get impatient but we used to wait weeks on end.

If I remember correctly I got the news of D. arrival on Sept. 23 the day he was one month old. Of course I could be incorrect – you said Oct. 20 and that may be right.

A Dr. just came in the other day who had left the States Aug. 23. I’m really glad I came out when I did because I feel that I have a good chance of returning in the not too distant future. By that I mean months yet, but months don’t seems so long when one has been out years already. I say years and it is now going on two –

Loves of Love
Daddy

Pressed blossom from the Russell Islands, 1943

Meat Points (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: September 19, 1943 envelope

: September 19, 1943, p. 1

: September 19, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Sept. 19, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

Your letter written Sept. 5 just two weeks ago today came yesterday. You had been to the hospital and have given a report about your mother and I must say the report was not good but you were doing the best things you knew how and after all that is the only thing one can do.

You said you were in a spot with company and meat points. I should think you wouldn’t hesitate to collect meat points from your company and I would think they wouldn’t think hard of it if you did ask for them because that is a nationwide program and everyone should understand.

It’s hard to imagine the cool weather back there. We just take hot for granted and that is that. All our tents, buildings, etc., are just a top with sides screened in. Storage places for foods are the same way. Never expecting of course freezing weather nor not much wind. In fact not enough wind to blow rain into the sides of the huts. I guess I’ve said all that before but I just happened to think as I was writing – how different we live from what we used to – but I think

[page 2] we can easily get back to the good old fashioned way – weather included.

Once in a while I see Josserand’s name in the paper. I just wonder if the old fight is still going on among the three as it was when I left.

I’m having a little competition from conversation so don’t be alarmed I’ll try my best to keep this on the upper level. I wish I could put some of those things down but that wouldn’t be cricket.

Glad to hear your hands cleared as soon as they did and I think you should be exceptionally careful in the next few months of what you eat because of the nervous tension you are under.

It sure would be fine if a locker could be established at Kentland. It would save gas, tires, etc. Brook would be worse but we can still use the one at Sheldon.

Well, I must get on with a letter to the Folks –
So Solong until tomorrow
Love Daddy