Tag Archives: Navy Base Hospital #4

U.S.S. LST 487 (Dr. Williams)

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Letter transcription:

F.M. Williams, Lt., MC, USNR
U.S.S. LST 487
F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.
December 14, 1943

Dear Roscoe,

I know you don’t care a lot for the V-Mail, but is seems to be the nearest things at hand for the moment, so here goes. What goes into this damn letter won’t make much sense, because I’m not doing enough interesting things these days to tell about.

After leaving the place where I saw you last, we tossed about for several days on a turbulent portion of this “peaceful” Pacific and finally came to roost again several days ago. We have had our share of weather, with high winds, torrential rains, and the eternal heat, so one might say that the situation had been fine for windjammers, ducks, and the natives.

I heard from Ray Tharp several days ago, and he gave me quite a bit of scuttlebutt, most of which tied in with some of the bull you gave me. He said that it had been fairly well established now that the tour of duty would be about eighteen months for us, and the news had come from the right source. Mattox had told him that most of the Cub 13 boys had either gone back or were on the way, but that must apply mostly to the line officers. Anyway, I’m ready for the orders, because I am sure that the medical activity on this ship has reached a new low, and I expect to go nuts any day if I don’t get something to do pretty soon.

Today a letter came from Pop that he had mailed from Quantico soon after he arrived at that destination. He had addressed the thing to the LST 488, so the letter went all over the Western and Eastern hemispheres, I think, before coming in the right direction. He said that his wife had the Xray findings of the tuberculosis, but did not have a cough or positive sputum; therefore, adequate rest and care will probably take care of the situation in time. She had been to a sanatarium, but her mental attitude wasn’t so hot after the younger boy left home, so Pop brought her home and the results so far have been very favorable, with the weight gaining O.K., etc. He gets to come home for two days a month to see her, and that won’t be such a bad deal. In case you would like to write him, his address is Post Dispensary, Quantico, Virginia.

The other day three of us were standing on the deck, watching the gunnery practice. One of the anti-aircraft guns was aimed too low, and the shell hit and split a steel railing a few feet away. Some of the hot stuff went down the front of the shorts of the guy on my left, the fellow on my right got a crease across one thumb nail, and I got the hell out of there in a hurry. Hope those trigger happy boys have as good luck on the Zeros and the Mitsubishis as they did in wrecking that railing.

I guess our time to see the big show will come up one of these days, so maybe they’ll make a Christian out of me yet in this damn war. I’ll probably not get to see you anymore in this area, but hope we can get together back in the States for a pow-wow and a comparison of notes. Take care of yourself, mate, and don’t forget to write me a line and tell me the latest from that haven of the South Pacific. Hope this finds you in the best of health; guess we could both feel a bit better if the snow were flying, but a good blizzard out here would be about as rare as a cuss word at a Ladies’ Aid Meeting.

Fraternally,

[unsigned]

LST-487

USS LST-487 (Image from Wikipedia in the public domain)

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Local Entertainment (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
Dec. 14, 1943

Dear Mother,

It’s a little late again this time. Seems as if I didn’t have time to write during the day and then there was a stage show of native talent and naturally I wanted to go to that. It’s a regular Tue. night program and of course it’s must different than the usual movies we see. I can’t say that I’d pay much to see such back home but it is different and a few of us go just to see what will

[page 2] happen and how it will happen. Possibly the how is as much the entertainment as the what. The thing lasted about 2 hours and everyone was more or less show happy when the last act was presented. They do have some kids that are good dancers and singers but it seems to me they try to over develop 8-10 year olds’ voices. Many of the 16-18 year old actors they have, try to over act, but who am I to be critical of singing and acting?

Tomorrow is Coca Cola day. We get can get a case. It costs us 3/6  I think, and that is very reasonable but we have to

[page 3] furnish the bottles and the case in the beginning, and that is a little more. The 3/6 is about 58 cents I think and the 3/6 is read or means 3 shilling & six pence. A shilling is a bob and a six pence is a sprat. Just like we would say a Jitney and a buck. They have lots of sayings which to us might be a little funny or even a little smutty and that can also be turned around. The word bloody is never used in mixed society. I mean nice society and if someone remarks that they were screwed yesterday – That means they drew their salary yesterday. Imagine

[page 4] what a funny situation that might create back in the U.S.A.

Tomorrow is payday and I’ll be sending you a check. I really don’t know how much is due. However, I won’t get it sent until the 16th so you can be looking for that letter. I just hope it gets to you by the first of the year because I know we always had lots of insurance, etc., coming due around about then.

Well, Dear starting this letter with no thought in mind as to what I would write – I think I did pretty good to fill up this much space so before it’s all gone let me write – “Lots of Love” from

Daddy

New_Zealand_Cities

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Writing Practice (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 13, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just finished writing some records and while I’m in the writing atmosphere I’ll try on a letter – with records to write and letters my writing should improve but it seems to get worse. I miss a secretary and a wife who to do all the writing that was done around our place – The wife the most however. I really didn’t know how much I didn’t write before I joined the navy but I can easily break that writing habit once this thing is over. The above was some bunch of nonsense but it sure filled up space.

I thought I heard someone

[page 2] talking about mail but my rushing in to see was all unnecessary because there was none but it isn’t hardly time yet so there is still some hope.

I’m writing this time in the P.M. just before walk time (Long pause). The fellow I was going walking with just came along and it is now some hours later and three letters to answer – yours of Nov. 27, Nov. 30 and Dec. 2 came; the two last ones were v-mail. A greeting card letter also came from Sam & E.

I didn’t know Foulkes’ brother-in-law had been out of the States. Yes it isn’t good to be ill like he must have been. He evidently wasn’t in the Pacific area because I know of no tour like that unless it was for his

[page 3] illness.

I had received word about Marie S. in your letters and you writing of X-ray treatment – just reminded me. The next time you go to Lafayette take Mark and have a chest X-ray. All you need to do is go to St. E. and ask that Dr. Mcc McClelland read the picture, and if need be you can give Dr. Cole’s name.

I was amused and at one thing you wrote and that was the “loaning” of D.’s shoes to Jimmie Ed. Was there hope or despair in the word loan? Who is there to wear them after D.? Maybe I just read between the lines or am I assuming? Or am I just plain crazy? Or what?

Even in the letter from Sam & E.

[page 4] D. came in for his share they said “very sweet and good looking” like his mother. I added the last part of that.

You need not apologize for the Christmas presents because I certainly did not over extend myself for you – and remember I asked you not to send things and I know the spirit in which it was given and certainly appreciate it very much. (another pause)

It is now about 8 hours since this letter was started. The last pause was a bit of Bull throwing along medical lines and lots of fun.

Well Dear again a Merry Christmas and Lots of Love
Daddy

New_Zealand_Cities

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Time and Censorship (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 12, 1943

Dear Mother,

Another Sunday almost gone and after it’s all said and done time does pass rather rapidly – not rapidly enough at times but when one looks back he sometimes just wonders where it has gone. Really it has been some time since I’ve left the last station but it doesn’t seem long but add that on to what I’ve had here and it puts things along toward spring – and who knows.

So much for that – I don’t just know why or how I got started on that time business and after all as we have written

[page 2] before – Don’t build too high on any time period and then if things don’t work out the disappointment will not be so great.

I did hear from one of our original group – not a Dr. He has been home and back again and I can’t see too much percentage in that – but here I go again – seems I can’t get off the subject.

I’d forgotten when I sat down to write that this was the day to write the folks so must do that before going to bed. There are other letters to write also – both the Ruths and some of my pals back up the line but it just seems I have a dickens of a time getting started. It’s not nearly so much fun writing to anyone but you as it used to be. Your letters are just natural to write, but

[page 3] I will say I’ve certainly fallen down in subject matter recently, and try as hard as I can I can think of nothing that would be of interest and still be passable. It seems there are more censorable things here than at any previous station. Maybe it just seems that way to me.

If I’m going to get a letter out to the folks I’d better get started. The reason I’m so late is – our orchestra played for a while – Then some old news for about ½ hour and a then long movie, so it’s a little late and good night –

Love Daddy

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Pictures (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 11, 1943

Dear Mother,

You will or rather have noted the pictures which were included in yesterday’s letter. The others will follow a few at a time so that they will not be too heavy for air mail. These were taken as you can see – one in a Botanical garden and the other just outside a little hotel where we stayed. That is about all I can say about the pictures for further description and “stuff” might be telling things so we will stop there.

Once before I mentioned about

[page 2] you putting the boys’ ages on the pictures and not putting your own. Of course, I know, so you can’t fool me although that picture would fool me if I didn’t know because you surely don’t look your age – and I don’t mean you look older.

You also wrote in one of those letter about D. & his mother both taking a nap in the P.M. You wrote it as if you were ashamed but I see no reason why you would feel badly about taking a nap in the day time. I sure don’t feel that way and I’m sure some of the other fellows around

[page 3] here feel the same as I on that score.

The Newton Co. E. came today – The first issue in a very long time. It was the issue dated Sept. 30. I’ve read the whole thing and will give it to the Mulligan boy. He told me the other day he had not received any issue and I think he doesn’t receive any letters from there.

If I’ve figured correctly it is just two weeks until Christmas and if I’m going to wish you a Merry Christmas and have it get there in time I should do it now – So Merry Christmas and lots of love

Daddy

[Editor’s Note: I do not believe I have the photographs Roscoe sent home in this letter.]

New_Zealand_Cities

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A Better Christmas Present (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Dec. 10, 1943

Dear Mother,

Two air mail letters today one dated Nov. 23 & one Nov. 26. The pictures were in one and believe it or not I think you couldn’t have sent a better Christmas present. Those are the first pictures I’ve seen in a long time because the ones you have sent are packed away and are supposed to be sent to me. You see most of my gear had to be shipped because I traveled by air and couldn’t take everything. I sure went round and round there to tell you I didn’t have your

[page 2] pictures with me.

A letter from the folks came yesterday today also. It seems as if they are getting along fine. Mother’s writing has improved lots and I’m sure she isn’t nearly as nervous now as a year or so ago.

When on our trip we had some pictures taken and when they come back I’ll send them to you if they are good. They might be good of the hills, etc., but the subjects in question were both poor so I know they can’t be too good. The pictures I mean – I’m run down –

Love Daddy

New_Zealand_Cities

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Pounds, Shillings & Sixpence (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
Dec. 9, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just received your v-mail of Nov. 28 It sure seems as if v-mail is faster than air mail and eleven days isn’t bad. I hope mine are getting to you in as good time. Some day I’ll write you a v-mail to compare the time – I’ve said that before but never have – when I think of it I don’t have any forms and I can’t remember to get the forms when I’m around where they can be gotten where ever that is I haven’t found out yet.

In your letter today you again wished me a Merry Christmas. Those greetings are sure getting

[page 2] here early but better that way than not all at all.

Got my laundry back today and it was 4/6 which I think figures about 70-75 cents. That was for three shirts and a pair of Pjs. Maybe that isn’t so bad. Really back there I imagine it is higher than that now. That 4/6 is shilling & sixpence. We just don’t try to compare it with U.S. money because it’s too hard that way. It’s all in pounds, shillings & sixpence (or rather pence). I’m not too handy at the stuff yet but a little better than at first. I keep thinking a pound note is the same as a dollar bill but it amounts to about $3⁰⁰ or rather a little more than three dollars. Really

[page 3] they must have intelligent cash registers around here to figure all that business and have it come out right at the end of the day.

The pictures you wrote about haven’t arrived as yet but they should in the next few days because all the letters before and after that one came. It’s been some time since I’ve had pictures but I think you explained that films were a little hard to get back there.

Well, here is wishing you that Merry Christmas to you and –

Lots of Love
Daddy

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Finances and Flowers (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 8, 1943

Dear Mother,

Four letters from you today one from the Folks and a birthday greeting from The Krulls. All of the letters were old the f some early in Oct. and the others early in Nov. It’s always good to get those old ones to fill in the gaps. It seemed you had missed one of mine back in Oct. and it was a rather important one. I think it was the one I wrote the day my orders came. I guess you have all those by now. I haven’t lined up your letters lately to see how many are

[page 2] missing but I doubt if there are many which I failed to receive.

In one of your letters today you described the flowers and the letter. I still don’t understand why Palmer wrote the letter to the flower people. (I’ve forgotten their names). He had your address etc. I guess it was just the way he wanted to do it.

I expected before now to get something on the finances but it seems those letters must be missing. The last time you wrote about finances was in Oct. Possibly you are waiting to make out an annual one at the end of the year – I really don’t care just so I know you are able to get along.

I liked that little note

[page 3] or rather the last line of one of the letters where you wrote about writing letters in order to receive them. You put it in a clever way and the quotation marks around the ending of the letter – However you have used the quotation marks rather frequently and I remember what you wrote when you started that practice. That was way back many long months ago.

The time now is 10:45 PM and very nearly my bed time so for now –
Lots of Love
Daddy

New_Zealand_Cities

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A Little Spoiled (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 7, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just returned from the dentist – had two teeth filled and have one or two to be worked on at a later date. Many of the persons who have been up the line complain of their teeth going bad but mine have done very well. Just need 3-4 small fillings and that is about normal for me in this period of time.

In one of your letters yesterday you told of D. being a little spoiled and that John & Mark thought he should be corrected and their saying of what Daddy would do. Sometimes I wonder, and I’m a little surprised that they think punishment is in

[page 2] order when their mother doesn’t seem to feel that way. Maybe they are a little hard on him and or could it be D.’s mother is a little more or should I say less strict now that when J. & M. were coming along. Whichever it is I’m not worried because I know D.’s mother will do right by him.

The clipping about Wymond K. was OK. I’m sure the whole family is proud of him and of course his wife must be glad he is back not to say anything about how glad he is to be back home with the family. Of course now he has to wonder to where he will be sent next.

Your v-mail dated Nov. 26 just came – you wished me a Merry Christmas – a little early but appreciated just the same. There

[page 3] was also a letter from the old camp and one from the Master of a Lodge here inviting me to their meeting tomorrow night – I’m not sure I can make it, however, tomorrow night but will try later.

I was a little late in sending the boys their Christmas money but maybe it will get there in time for them. It won’t take long for them to spend it so I guess I need not worry about that. I’m sure Mark will enjoy his possibly on something to eat or drink. Of course John will buy records or something of the kind & D. – haven’t the slightest idea.

I’ll return the Merry Christmas
Love Daddy

New_Zealand_Cities

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Mulligan Boy (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Dec. 6, 1943

Dear Mother –

Several letters from you today the latest a v-mail dated Nov. 24. The others were air mail along in the 20 of Nov. and one dated Nov. 6 which you addressed only as Hospital #4 and it seemed to have time finding its way. It wasn’t because of the Navy 133 but because you had omitted the Base part. The thing which was disappointing to me was the letter didn’t come with the pictures. One of the letters explained that you had sent them but they failed to appear – guess they will come along in the next mail. I hope.

I ran into a Mulligan boy today from Kentland. He is a nephew of Jim – The one who used to be on the school board – we used to see him frequently around Nick’s & Kenney’s. I mean the uncle. I didn’t know the boy and he didn’t know me only he said he didn’t think there could be two doctors by my name. We had a long talk. He is a pharmist mate and has been in the same ward I’m in so we had a reunion. His Dad & Mother are separated and he was in

[page 2] Indianapolis so that is the reason I didn’t know him.

The $35 you collected was sure a surprise. Maybe there is hope of a few others coming thru but I doubt if one need expect too much. I received a card from the Joe Mullen family also today – a baby sitting on a chamber – “doing his part.” I’m using it as my pin up girl – you have read lots of such in various papers. This is the first time I’ve become interested – So if you see Mrs. Mullen you can tell her what I have done with her card.

It sounds as if too big or too much clinkers collected in the furnace to cause the pin to break. That happened once while I was there and that was the trouble at that time – Maybe it’s the local coal. Those radiators upstairs just need a little air removed – However Geo. M. will take care of everything so have him come out and give the whole system the regular works ever so often – It will be better in the long run.

Well dear it’s time to say goodnight.
So
Lots of Love
Daddy

New_Zealand_Cities

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