Tag Archives: Navy 60

This Coming Winter (Roscoe)

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: September 7, 1943 envelope

: September 7, 1943, p. 1

: September 7, 1943, p. 2

: September 7, 1943, p. 3

: September 7, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Sept. 7, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.

Dear Mother,

Your letter of Aug. 23 came yesterday telling of Mark’s injury. I suppose I can truthfully say never a dull moment for you. I could write words of sympathy for you but I don’t believe you wish to much of that and instead I’ll praise because I think you did the correct thing for in seeing a Dr. because in wounds of that type a tendon could easily be cut and would result in a stiff thumb but I’m sure Dr. Altier wouldn’t let anything like that pass. So I can truthfully

[page 2] say you scored again in doing what I think best.

A letter from Wayne W. came yesterday also – He was terribly worried because he hadn’t heard from me. I wrote him several weeks ago so he shouldn’t have to worry now. I think he is as “fussy” as he used to be.

I never did hear from Dr. Cole but I’m sure you are doing everything that can be done for your mother. Surgery would subject her to shock which would cause much more suffering and certainly it wouldn’t help under the circumstances. So please don’t feel that you are not doing everything that can be done.

[page 3] We still hear lots about how long our tour of duty out here will be but nothing is certain. I do believe however that our bunch will be relieved sometime this coming winter. We will probably freeze is that is the case because we have been in this hot for so long but I think I can stand a little cold. At least we are looking forward to relief but when I say winter that includes a considerably wide margin of time. We often discuss the possibilities among ourselves but that doesn’t help only it gives us something interesting to talk about.

You must have had a nice birthday party for John and I

[page 4] imagine D. will have one also. John & Mark will probably get as much kick out of it as D. I guess I should have said more kick. D. doesn’t seemed to have slowed down very much in his walking and getting around. John & Mark will probably make him all full of ego but that can be deflated if it goes too far so no need to worry on that score.

Well Dear I know you are doing the very best you know how with all your problems and I’m still all out for you so I’ll help by saying

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/2015/01/27/this-coming-winter-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/

Going Native (Roscoe)

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: September 4, 1943 envelope

: September 4, 1943, p. 1

: September 4, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Sept. 4, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.

Dear Mother,

Your air mail written Aug. 17 and v-mail written Aug. 18 came yesterday – Those were a day behind the letter received yesterday. We seem to be in one of those periods when mail comes in very regular and I’ve gotten my fingers crossed about the next few days but maybe it won’t be so bad – we hope.

Yesterday I had occasion to see and go thru a native village. I had been to one before but not as thorough as yesterday. Before they were more sky and it was only when leaving did any of the women show up but they in the village we visited yesterday went on about their affairs. The amusing thing to me was the humaness of these people. Little boys about 5-10 years old – running around laughing just like any other kids – and girls in their early teens giggling just like in the U.S.A. All men & women of course clothed only to

[page 2] the waist line but a perfect indifference relative to breasts. The only inhibition I saw was in a woman was her quick removal of her pipe from her mouth when the chief of the tribe asked her to show her baby to us. This she inserted dagger like between her skin and the belt of her skirt. Life in that village seems simple and free. Those people are free from worry but I have a feeling that only half of them are there. I mean the death rate is probably very high and only the fittest survive. Their 24 hours seems to be divided into two parts dark & daylight. Fruits growing wild, wild sweet potatoes, fish and a meager garden are their industries. They don’t like to work and will not unless forced to do so and they aren’t forced at present. A few of the most enterprising make grass skirts and mats to sell to gullible service men – So far I haven’t bought any because too much uncleaniless to suit me and dust collectors later on – or would you like to wear a grass skirt?

It seems I went native today
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/2015/01/22/going-native-roscoe/

4 Striper (Roscoe)

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: September 3, 1943 envelope

: September 3, 1943, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Sept. 3, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

Yours of Aug. 18 came yesterday. You mentioned my mother being there and that you were going to Lafayette to have the cast removed from D.’s leg. I’ll bet that is a relief for you as well as for him.

The picture you sent I thought was very good of you but not so good of D. It wasn’t bad of him – He was in a cute pose.

I’m in a pretty big hurry again this morn. So probably won’t be able to write any lengthy or verbose letter because I’m holding up a 4 striper again and that doesn’t go over so big especially from his direction.

So will promise my to do much better next 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/2015/01/20/4-striper-roscoe/

Collection of Pictures (Roscoe)

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: September 2, 1943 envelope

: September 2, 1943, p. 1

: September 2, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Sept. 2, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

I believe summer is returning for it seems the weather is more continuously hot than previously – maybe it’s just my imagination.

A few days ago I received a letter from Red & Ruby Brewer – It was the second one. I answered the first and in it I said I was surprised that they remembered me. And she said there was never a day passed but what my name was mentioned because Charles in his prayers each night asked my protection and she said it was a mouth full but he got it out. She is going to send a picture of him. I’ll really have a collection of pictures, Funks, Walkups, the Warrick grandson. I can remember that name – you know out north of town – Seems so darn funny but those names get away so easy but then I forget it’s been well over 1½ years since I’ve seen many of those people or about 1½ years I guess.

[page 2] Took dinner out last evening – Their food wasn’t any better than ours but it was a change. It was a group of medical men only – I almost felt out of place since most of my dealings have been with line officers. At least we have no medical arguments when only line officers are present.

There has been some U.S.O. men with us the past few days. Ray Whitley a singer of cowboy sons as well as a movie actor in the same class is with them. They are good if you like that kind of entertainment and the men sure go for it in a big way and I suppose that justifies the program. Men only are sent – I’m sure if women were on the program it would take more guards than somewhat to keep the crowd from overrunning the entertainers because these kids are as a rule pretty women crazy and some of the officers like to brag as to what might happen when once back to civilization which I think only makes more dissatisfaction.

Love Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/01/18/collection-of-pictures-roscoe/

A New Policy (Roscoe)

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: September 1, 1943 envelope

: September 1, 1943, p. 1

: September 1, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Sept. 1, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60 San. Fran. Cal.

Dear Mother,

I’m not under so much pressure this A.M. so maybe I won’t write so erratic. Yesterday I received a letter from Mom and one from Ruby & Red Brewer. Mom told all about Earl’s wedding and also said she was planning on coming up your way again. I hope she can be helpful to you while she is there.

This being the month of Sept. it will start to be cool again at least you will have some cool spells which should be of some help to you. It at least makes us feel good to think that the weather may be cool again some place.

I don’t believe I mentioned it but I had a letter from Dolores 2 days ago – she had to work on a Sun. just more or less be there so she wrote a real nice long letter. She still seems to like her work real well. Said her boyfriend had been away about 1 year in Cuba and she sure wished he could get a furlough – who else would like something like that? I believe there is going to be a policy adopted relative to

[page 2] tour of duty out here and I’m very tickled that I got out as early as I did, but don’t build too high hopes for too soon a return, this I believe is true. That I can expect to spend as much time in the USA as out here so that is something to look forward to.

As soon as I’m able I’ll send you all the excess money I can – always keeping on hand enough for travel – but I think on the next pay day I’ll be able to send some of course that will not be until about the middle of this month. If you need money you can cash in a few bonds or let bills run until I can send extra money home – don’t let it worry you because they can’t be too tough if we can’t meet expenses right on the dot.

I guess by now D. is out of the cast and as active as ever and that probably is a relief for you.

Well, I’ve written about all I can think of for the moment and I’ve also exhausted the space so
Lots of Love –
Daddy

Earl and Imogene Yegerlehner, 1943

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/01/16/a-new-policy-roscoe/

Don’t Blame Yourself (Roscoe)

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: August 31, 1943 envelope

: August 31, 1943, p. 1

: August 31, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Aug. 31, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.P.

Dear Mother,

Your letter of Aug. 16 came today and in it you stated what Dr. Cole had said about your Mother. As I told you before that was my first thought from the case as you wrote about it. Don’t blame yourself because there was no operation etc. – because that would have been more rapid and much more suffering from the dressing stand point etc. It’s just one of those things and nothing would have changed the course of the thing. I wish it were possible for you to get help but I suppose that is out of the question – so for goodness sake don’t worry and fume too much. Get a graduate nurse if you can. You know from experience what and how the termination will be so that will prepare you. It seems a shame I can’t be there to help you but as I said before this war is bigger than families and we just have to make the best of it. You know I’m back of you 100% but I also realize

[page 2] that I’m sitting out here writing and telling you what to do but Dear Dear you know I’m thinking of you and if thoughts will help your problems won’t be so hard.

Call Ruth M. if you need help for she has told me that in case you need help to let her know. Good old Ruth we can always depend on her.

This letter is a little jumbled up because it’s hard for me to say what I really feel in a case of this kind and there is also some pressure here for a3 striper is waiting on me and a two striper can’t do that too long – but when I get out of this uniform I sure can.

Well Dear I’ll try to get collected before 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/2015/01/14/dont-blame-yourself-roscoe/

Highest Praise (Roscoe)

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: August 30, 1943 envelope

: August 30, 1943, p. 1

: August 30, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Aug. 30, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

Some further comments on the last mail, I did get a kick out of John’s subtitle remark about “Uncle Roscoe.” More so because I’ve probably been called that more in the last year than any other period in my life – why I do not know?? It seems they find from the official list what my first handle is and then they keep it up. It doesn’t do any good to protest and since our last name is so butchered I don’t mind – used to it.

I’m glad Miss Smith thought the piano was OK for I feel that you didn’t get laced if she put the OK and John also seemed to think it had good sound qualities and I believe his judgment in such thing can be pretty well depended upon. You said he was practicing on the oboe – That was the first mention of that in some time. I didn’t know he was still interested in that. I believe it is good training for him because it brings him in contact with more people in a musical way. In other words Kenny Wood was right so long as the oboe remains secondary.

[page 2] Still another comment and that saying you appreciated one or two of my letters in particular, That made me feel real good because it sure is difficult to get things written that would be of the slightest interest to you. Your letters to me are different because everything you write is of concern to both. The only trouble with yours is they don’t come often enough. In other words it’s too long between deliveries.

The first reference you made about what I said about your picture was stated I thought a little short and I just didn’t know if you took it in the spirit in which it was intended – I felt better when I received the picture of you and still better when I read that you had seen the joke and had not been offended. Of course from the beginning I felt that you were not offended but even the slightest doubt gave me a little uneasy feeling for I’d rather do anything else than offend you because the mother of those three boys back there doesn’t deserve anything but the highest praise and least of all no she doesn’t deserve any offense from anyone more especially from me.

Love Daddy

P.S. I reread and I didn’t mean your judgment on the piano wasn’t good but I think that is out of your as well as my line and we could easily be taken in –

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

Brand of Perfume (Roscoe)

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: August 29, 1943 envelope

: August 29, 1943, p. 1

: August 29, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Aug. 29, 1943
Lt. R.S.Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

Now I can start writing because I have finished reading your letters or rather rereading. Those of Aug. 3, 8 & 9, 11 Aug. 13 came as well as three v-mails of Aug. 7, 12 & 14. And John’s letter with Mark’s of Apr. The v-mails did not arrive until this morn. The P.O. always separates them last. You can see how each travels so I’d suggest you keep writing just like you have been in about the same ratio I mean. There is one thing you can’t put in a v-mail that was in two or three of the others. What brand of perfume are you using now? I said steak smell but you explained why that could not be done so I understand. That perfume did bring back some of civilization because it wa is something very much omitted at a place like this. So Thanks.

Shall I repeat, after you again told me, how good looking D. is that he must and does take after his mother – I know. I can see by his pictures that he is a good looker and also that he is growing. The last pictures I have had are those taken just before his accident and I believe that is the last you sent.

In one of your letters you gave a short financial report but In a letter I received earlier you had given me a more detailed report but

[page 2] I don’t mind the letters coming later because there is always something that wasn’t in the others. I’m surprised that your mother hadn’t been taking Vitamin B shots long ago as well as liver. I do believe they will help her lots. She I believe is doing as well as can be expect and as I told you before her recovery will be slow. I hope she didn’t take offense at the suggestion I made that she had been drinking too much bad beer. She knew of course I knew that wasn’t the cause.

I like the coy way in which you informed me of the coming blackout and you may rest assured I didn’t tell anyone. They all got a big kick out of that part of your letter. I’m not one of the birds who says “listen to this” and then expects you to sit and listen to his wife’s letter but occasionally I do read or tell some of the things.

I’m glad the boys were able to get a short vacation and I’d like very much for you to be able to do the same and maybe you will if plans work as you stated about Juanita. I think a little relaxation would be a great help to you. And something else you wrote – “I will keep from eating tomatoes if I can” my my and in a later letter you again wrote that you had eaten them again. They are good, aren’t they? How would I know because it’s been well over a year since I’ve tasted anything like that.

I do hope you are getting along with the allergy and also keeping your health in general –
Love Daddy

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

No Hedy Lamarrs (Roscoe)

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: August 28, 1943 envelope

: August 28, 1943, p. 1

: August 28, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Aug. 28, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

I wish I knew what I would have in this letter because just now I have no idea what to write – paron me I believe I’ve said that before. So far the word or letter “I” has appeared 6 times so you can see my ego is still present. So far fives lines have been used and nothing said.

The show last night was rather a comparison of our own conditions – “White Cargo.” Of course there was are no Heddy Lamar’s at this place so the comparison is not complete. It really is a scream to hear these enlisted men and some officers react to characters and places. A jungle scene or a tropical setting brings loud boos while an actress or a thick steak sends cheers indescribable. Even a picture of a street in Chicago, New York or San Francisco brings loud cheering. It really is a wonderful place to study character in its unadulterated form, and since one has plenty of time for study it is an escape mechanism for me to entertain myself. That whole thing sounds like I’m a psychologist or something but a train of thought will often times make hours pass as minutes and if I

[page 2] were clever and verbose I could write some of those thoughts to you but when I try to put them into words the whole thought system crumbles just as if termites or damp rot had taken the upper hand. Termites of course you have heard lots about – but damp rot is something else. The term itself is self explanatory but living back in Indiana it isn’t a reality as it is here – just a few common examples – tin if not properly painted rusts very rapidly – screen for screen doors will last only a few months. Wood unless it is hard wood seems to soften and crumble – The whole process seems as if nature is rapidly destroying so that she can rebuild and exploit her achievements, but only for a short time because it isn’t long until those flowers, coconut frauns [fronds] etc. began to die and there goes the dam[ rot again. It’s only the huge banyan trees of the jungles that are able [to] break or slow that round robin down, but again maybe nature is just using another way to show her ego when one of those trees is started.

Well, I’m sure no I in the beginning of this letter I had no idea these words would form themselves into such nonsensical arrangements. So I’ll try to finish this with a little more intelligence and the best way that I can express this is by saying

Lots of Love
Daddy