Tag Archives: Navy 60

Last Three Pictures (Roscoe)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

Sept. 17, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

I’m sending the remaining three pictures today and that is all for the present. You will note I don’t appear in any of these. I think you can tell that easily enough.

I mailed you two letters yesterday – one with the pictures and one with the check. I suppose the one with the check will be delayed and the one with the pictures will sail right through. Use the money as you see fit and you possibly have many places for it.

[page 2] The Newton Co. E. came yesterday. The issue of Aug. 5. Most of the news yu had already written, but I did see when Joe Mullens’ mother died and Chas. Molter ran a fork in his head. Both used to be good patients of mine. I often see that in the paper, however, and I just wonder what my competitor tells them and how they are treated in general. I guess as good as most people are medically treated now.

Well, with the pictures I can’t add too much in paper so I’ll promise more next time.

Love Daddy

1943 - Russell Islands #5

Construction of the airstrip on the Russell Islands, 1943

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/16/last-three-pictures-roscoe/

Just A Note (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Sept. 16, 1943

Dear Mother,

Two letters today. I had the other letter all mailed when I received the check so just a note with the check enclosed.

You will probably be needing it for hospital exp. The Drs. will probably not charge you but if so don’t pay until I have a chance to see them. Keep as much as you can in the bank for expenses that might come up. I don’t believe I’d try to buy any bonds because there is no point to buying in case and then have to cash them in.

This amount keeps me a little low but I still have enough and will probably draw

[page 2] more by the time I need it for traveling expenses.

You said in your Sept. 3 letter you would send me a financial report in the next letter so it probably will be coming in the next few days.

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/14/just-a-note-roscoe-2/

Better Care (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Sept. 16, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.

Dear Mother,

Your air mail of Sept. 1, 2, 3 and your v-mail of Aug. 25 came yesterday Eve. It does seem a little funny that Jim should take on the way he does and I think your attitude is swell for after all its that way and nothing seemingly could have altered the situation. The latest supposition of Tuberculosis I have considered a bit also but that to me seems a little unlikely – no need for me to go into the reasons why I think so.

Now about you – your hands, etc. You have the situation solved. A little too much over indulgence in things you shouldn’t eat and also a let down after the responsibility of up & down stair etc. By all means, if possible, keep your mother in the hospital. She will get better care there and it won’t be so hard on you. The trips will not be as hard as

[page 2] taking care of her.

It sure made me feel good that the letters I write give you a lift. The compliments you know I sincerely mean and of course you know all along how I feel so anytime you feel low just consider how I feel about you. I know you like to hear those things and I like to write them because it makes me much more proud of you just for me to write them because for if I didn’t feel that way I couldn’t write that way. The above may sound considerably mixed up but I mean well.

You will find some pictures. I’m not humpbacked as that one makes me look. None of the pictures are good of me but maybe you will enjoy them some what.

Love Daddy

[Editor’s note: The pictures that Roscoe refers to do not appear to be part of the collection, although the picture below might be one of them.]

YEG1940s - Roscoe #1

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/13/better-care-roscoe/

Yaws Disease (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Sept. 14, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
F.P.O. San Fran. Calif.

Dear Mother,

I don’t know if I mentioned it before but we recently received a new doctor boos boss here and he is interested in taking care of the natives so he has deputized me to go with him one day each week or rather he has ordered me to do this and so far he has gone with me. You will note the pictures. We didn’t know the pictures were being taken except of course the group picture – There are eight pictures in all and I’ll send some each in the next few letters. They aren’t good of me or the other Dr. but some of the natives are good. I will comment some on them but not too much. You can easily see our operating table and some of our

[page 2] patients. In one you can see a dog under the table chewing on a nasty old bandage we removed after one week’s time. We rushed the dog away as soon as we saw him but the picture was taken before we knew it was there. The building back of us is the church. The picture with the light streak was the one I wanted to turn out good. I got clear over on the end and tried to get between two women but one woman is completely blocked out by another just in front of her. What do you think of the South Sea Island Glamor girls?

Many of these natives have Yaws, a disease that resembles syphilis and that is what we are treating and we seem to be getting good results. We spend about 2 hours there each week. They are not on the Island we are but on one of the neighboring group.

[page 3] You will note the date of this letter is Sept. 14. I’m writing this at night because tomorrow is inspection day of other camps and in order to finish in one day I’ll have to start early and be gone most of the day so I’ll just add a note in the morning.

Sept. 15. A.M.

Just happened to think I’m the one without the cap in case you can’t tell me from the other Dr. or the natives.

I’ll send you a check in a day or two so be on the lookout for that and more pictures.

Must get going now so
Lots of Love
Daddy

[Editor’s note: None of the photographs that Roscoe mentions appear to exist in the family papers.]

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

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/2015/02/11/yaws-disease-roscoe/

Stage Door Canteen (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Sept. 14, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

Somehow we missed mail yesterday; the first time in several days but the service has been so good lately that we have no right to complain – only hope that is won’t be too many days before more comes in.

The show last night was “Stage Door Canteen.” There was a host of stars in it and it was a fair show. The thing that struck me funny at the show and always does is the reactions of the audience. A good musical number is received with very little attention. Not long ago an actress sang a semi-opera (I guess that is what it’s called) and the boys made so much noise in a discussed [disgusted] fashion the song couldn’t be heard, and then let some blond just walk on to the stage and the cheering really is stupendous. I guess it’s [a] distorted sense of what’s right and wrong. If the audience at home carried on at trivial things like they do out here anyone could write a play with success, but I guess it’s youth away from civilization and that is bound to be a little

[page 2] distorting.

I suppose the weather back there is really getting pleasant and frost can be expected at any time – the leaves turning brown – smokey Indian Summer days – flies crowing around the screen doors at night – The air filled with bugs at night and numerous other things characteristic of Indiana at this time of year.  Can dream I guess. Missing those things 2 years in succession makes one remember wonder if he really can remember that far back. If I’m incorrect about the above correct me please. Maybe living in a land of eternal green makes one forget and maybe one living there without getting into the tropics don’t appreciate those things. I don’t believe I did, at least not to the fullest extent. Of course maybe I’m a little prejudice in my view point just now, and possibly to ye use that old Edwards saying – “What all that meat & no vegetable?”

I’ve written enough nonsense so to be more sensible I’ll say solong until tomorrow and

Love from Daddy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiQnDyAO9rg

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/09/stage-door-canteen-roscoe/

Your Vital Statistics (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Sept. 13, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

Your air mail letters of Aug. 27 & 29 came yesterday and v-mail of 28. We really received mail about every day last week. It sure spoils us for now we expect lots maybe our good fortune will keep up.

Also got a letter from Ruth M. and one from Mom. Your letters are of course always most anxiously looked for and eagerly read and theirs comes next. They always praise you in their letters and that sure makes me feel good also. They tell me how well you are taking care of things and how capable you are – Of course I know that but it makes me proud that other people see it also.

I suppose you will have to have John slow down on his reading away from school. I know it will be hard for him but a few less magazines might be

[page 2] a help. I guess that will correct itself because if he has lots of headaches he will just have to read less. So Mark’s wound is healing OK. That is good – and D. is getting a mouth full of teeth. Now how about your weight and your feeling etc.? You never say much about yourself. You might let me in on your vital statistics.

This AM at breakfast we got a little news item that all the Taverns in Indiana were closed. We thought the announcer said taverns. Maybe that won’t be too hard on the poor people back there. Some of the better radios around here can get stations throughout the day but ours is only good in the evening.

Yes, Dear you guessed it. I must get to work and I’ve rambled enough – so solong until tomorrow –

Love
Daddy

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

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/2015/02/07/your-vital-statistics-roscoe/

V-mail Was Better (Roscoe)

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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)

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/

Inspection Day (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Sept. 11, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.

Dear Mother,

A v-mail of Aug. 23 and air mail of Aug. 25 came yesterday. In the one of Aug. 25 you mentioned about John going to see Dr. Van Buskirk, and something about muscles. I imagine he would like John to take some muscle exercises and I do believe that would help and I think John is intelligent enough to go thru those exercises. Geo. Byfield used to work with the stereoscope in training his eye muscles. I suppose in your next letter I will get more information.

[page 2] You will note this letter is dated Sept. 11 and there isn’t any for Sept. 10 because I just couldn’t get to writing until after the mail was gone and I felt there was no point in writing and not getting it mailed. I hope you will excuse my excuse. I always try but sometimes things just come up that can’t be put off.

The Newton Co. E. came yesterday – July 15 & July 22. There wasn’t much news except that I already knew. And a letter from The Brewers. They had been at Kentland and she told me about Jimmie Hassett.

[page 3] That was the first I knew of the episode. I suppose there are lots of things I’ll miss or forget by the time I return.

Today is inspection day and that means a good long walk and looking for dirt. This time it’s our own dirt so if it’s too bad I take it one the chin. The remainder of the week I can tell the other boys what to do. It isn’t too bad but all goes for mo keeping the boys in good health.

I noticed in the paper that we are having some of the shows here that they are showing in Kentland. “A Salute For Three” was here a few days ago. We are told

[page 4] that some of our shows are the latest – Kay K. in “My Favorite Spy” was on last night. I didn’t go to the show very regular at first but I found too much reading at night with not to good lights was not good for the eyes so to the show I did go.

Well Dear Your letters seem to indicate that you are keeping the situation at home in hand and I know you are doing a good job and as I said before if thoughts came can be of any help, I’m sure helping a lot, but I know that isn’t much of a help to you from me.

Lots of love
Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/04/inspection-day-roscoe/

Italy Surrenders (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Sept. 9, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.

Dear Mother,

Your two v-mail letters of Aug. 16 and Aug. 21 came yesterday. They are a little late but keep writing them along.

We got the news of Italy surrendering this A.M. at breakfast time – sounds pretty good. When Africa fell I predicted that this would happen but Sept. 1st. So I missed by 9 days. My latest is that Germany will do the same before Jan. 1st 1944 of course many others are predicting the same way. I missed the fall of Africa just one month I was that much too early. Enough about my ability as a prophet. Only this I have some about Japan but I’d better not write them.

[page 2] I’ve tried once again to get you some flowers and I do hope this will come in time for your birthday. Maybe before that time I think I tried a more reliable individual this time so I’m hoping.

Your statement about planes coming over each day was interesting. I suppose Mark tries to give the names and kinds. It sure does seem funny that a little spot back there in Indiana comes under the air lanes, and of course it’s a welcome sight especially if they have the correct insignia which no doubt all of those do have back there.

I think we can notice the approach of summer in this area for it seems much hotter now than a few

[page 3] months ago. Newcomers seem to have a harder time than us old timers. I guess there is such as thing as getting used to the climate.

Maybe you have received word from some of my returning friends and think you shouldn’t write it back. It’s alright to say that you heard from them but you need not write what they tell you for I know all of that.

Well, I have some reports to get out so will dive into those at this time
Love Daddy.

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/01/31/italy-surrenders-roscoe/

The Eighth (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Sept. 8, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran Cal.

Dear Mother,

Again the 8th of the month rolls around and that has a meaning for us. It generally seems long from day to day but the months do seem to pass by rather rapidly. Three of us here know what that 8th of the month means and we are the old men of the outfit – which of course makes us feel pretty good. Even if it doesn’t mean anything, you know we can look back and talk about things in the distant past. The olden times.

There was no mail yesterday – The first day missed in 5 so I guess we can take it but we look just as hard every day.

One of the officers brought in a big

[page 2] tuna fish yesterday so it looks like fish for noon day chow which is always appreciated but not as much as at first because we are getting fresh meat at least 2 times a day and sometimes 3 times. Does that make you hungry? We still don’t get the green that you are able to get there – we have had celery at times.

The skipper’s radio is loud enough for me to get the program several feet away. He seems to like it like Mama Burns and to[o], it’s just right for me.

I’ve been out the last few days on sanitation and that really is a job getting around and digging up other people’s dirt. It makes “my day” pretty full – note the

[page 3] “my day.” I think I didn’t like you using that at one time. I really didn’t intend to but it just happened.

I got your P.S. that you had paid my Masonic Dues. Some states remit the dues but I had heard nothing about ours being remitted.

Well it’s about time for me to make another sanitary inspection so here’s you “honey dipper” signing off until tomorrow

Love Daddy

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

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/2015/01/29/the-eighth-roscoe/