Tag Archives: Navy Receiving Hospital

Illinois vs. Pittsburg (Roscoe)

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September 22, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 22, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 22, ‘45

Dear Mother,

Three letters today – Sept. 18, 19, 20. Now maybe that the mail has started it will keep coming regular.

Right now we are listening to the Ill.-Pitt. football game. It is 1230 and it is almost at the half. There was a game in Berkeley this PM which we could have attended for free but I decided I’d rather listen on the radio and not have to buck the crowd, etc.

Well, we had another gossip visit at Stanich’s last night. We had meat loaf, baked potatoes, etc., a very good meal and I really enjoyed it. Mrs. Stanich said she would like to have you come out which sounds like a good idea but I’m not so sure it is practical at present. There is no news as to orders, etc. Of course, I think I wouldn’t forget to mention things like that.

I was glad to get all the news from home in your letters – What was Mr. Smith doing when he fell? Some people I would have been suspicious but not Smith.

I suppose it would just be our luck to have the oil strike cut off the oil supply just about the time we get the oil installed. Maybe the situation isn’t as bad as the newspapers here make it, at least, I hope not.

September 22, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I’m try to listen to the game and concentrate on writing but I’m not having too much luck at either. You can substantiate the writing angle – I should wait until after the game but I’m afraid it would be too late for the mail. It is just now time out in the game so if I hurry maybe I can get a few thoughts in.

One of the Drs. here wondered if there was any athletic gear we might use. I looked at him with a very disgusted look and he said we don’t all creak like you do. Seems as if I’d heard things like that before but it makes no difference to me “I yam what I yam.” I suppose Mark is listening to Great Lakes or some of the local games. I just heard Ind. is ahead of Mich. This radio seems to be doing pretty good even though I haven’t gotten a longer areal.

Bill Stern announcing the fame said it is raining in Ill. We had a fairly heavy rain this morning, the first I’ve seen since coming here. It was really more than one of those heavy fogs, and strangely enough, there hasn’t been any fog for a couple of days, but it has been rather cool.

Well, I hope I have a few little things in this letter other than football – I was glad to hear you say or rather write that you had a good time over the weekend. It sure was mutual and I’m looking forward to better times –

Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/02/illinois-vs-pittsburg-roscoe/

A1 Condition (Roscoe)

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September 21, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 21, 1945, p. 1

21 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Probably will have time to write before the regular weekly inspection. Inspection is always held here on Fri. PM. That is the word inspection – they don’t have personnel inspection here only every 3-4 months – I’ve been here for one so maybe will miss the next one.

There has been no new news on orders – navy policy, etc., since yesterday. So we just sit and wait and expect. I think I told you I was going out to Stanich’s again tonite for dinner. I feel I should take them out to dinner someplace one of these days but I don’t know where to take them. We will see about that as “time marches on.”

September 21, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] The party last night was about what one would expect. I went to the show afterwards but it was rotten – something about “Wild Geese Flying.” The guest of honor was a Lt. Cmdr. Nurse and I think she was properly “recepted.” I’d say she is near 50 and looks the part very much. She used to be at Great Lakes while I was there so when she talked with me I put on the dog and reminded her that we were “old shipmates.” I’m not just sure what I mean by old but I don’t think she caught the word at least her eyebrow didn’t twitch when I said old. She and I were quite a bit alike – neither of us

September 21, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] danced – we just let that to the younger generation. I always say I like to see the younger set enjoy themselves, they always seem so “gay” as digger might put it.

The ship’s service have some very nice pursers here – alligator hide. They are supposed to be very, very good. The prices range from $25.00 up. Now would you be interested in one at that price? If so tell me about the color – size, shape, etc. Or if you can suggest some other articles – you know your birthday. That seems a little high for a purse since possibly styles change but

September 21, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] if you think you could trust my judgment in selection and want to part with that much “doe.”

I sometimes wonder if this ship service here isn’t on a regular civilian price scale. They sell a little bag of peanuts for 25₵ which I believe can be bought for 19₵ at any cut rate drug store.

Well, I guess I don’t have to buy anything there if I don’t want to.

It is almost time for that inspection to come off so must get out and go over the ward and see if everything is in A1 condition.

Love Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/30/a1-condition-roscoe/

George Wingfield Jr. Gets A Discharge (Roscoe)

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September 20, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 20, 1945, p. 1

20 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Well I spend last eve with the Stanichs and I was afraid I’ll wear out the welcome but now they insisted I come out for dinner Fri. eve. He is coming after me again. They are perfect strangers to this town and I think have no social life so they appreciate someone even me. I found out last night that Geo. Wingfield is now a civilian and is back in Reno. Got out on the points. It seems Geo. was in some time and of course has a daughter so all in all he had enough points. Stanish has enough points but his C.O. claims he is too valuable to release just now so he is waiting – just like the Drs.

Drew Pearson had another article in his comments again today – more power to him. Maybe something will get stirred up.

Back to the Stanich people – we just sit and talk and the time seems to fly. Vince and I have a couple of drinks and then about midnight Mrs. fixes some coffee, cheese, etc., and then he brings me home. Not too exciting by but it does get one off the hill for a few hours. They never mention playing bridge, poker, etc., so I don’t [know] whether they do those things or not.

One (jg) got orders yesterday but that seems the entire extent of the pack. The scuttlebutt is

September 20, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] now that the third fleet is coming in and we are to be used as replacements. That may or may not be true but if things hold off for a few weeks or months maybe I can talk them out of sending me out.

No mail so far but I hardly expected any this early – I believe there should be a letter tomorrow, at least I hope so.

Our patients are very few again – Right now we have just about as many as Drs. I won’t even be able to take a draft if more don’t come because there won’t be enough to make up one car load.

Kenney left Monday for some place near Japan. I talked with a friend of his who is leaving for the same place tomorrow. I imagine he will enjoy that kind of work. They are going to set up a small dispensary for a recreational center.

Well, with all this monotony there is darn little to write about. But one thing is sure, orders of some kind will have to come thru in time. They can’t just let us sit here indefinitely, or at least I think they can’t.

Lots of Love,
Daddy

[Editor’s Note: George Wingfield, Jr., was an important enough person in the Reno community that his discharge made the local papers. Follow the link to read one article.]

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/28/george-wingfield-jr-gets-a-discharge-roscoe/

Birthday Greetings (Roscoe)

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September 19, 1945

Letter transcription:

19 Sept. 45

Dear David,

I’m sending you a little birthday present. Hope you can find some use for it. It is not as much as I give the older boys but maybe you don’t need as much. I’d like to be there and help you celebrate but it doesn’t seem possible just now but maybe you and John & Mark & Mother and some of the kids in the neighborhood can celebrate. Hope I can be with you on your next birthday.

Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/26/birthday-greetings-roscoe-2/

Making Plans (Roscoe)

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September 19, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 19, 1945, p. 1

19 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Wed. PM and no orders or further word on anything. The only thing that makes me feel good at the moment is the fact that the commander who wrote the long telegram it seems will have to go out. He has never been out and then to put up such a “squak” made me mad.

I called Vince this AM and he wants me to come out a while this eve. He is coming after me at 1900. I’m afraid he is just being nice and don’t mean for me to accept all of his invitations but I’ll have that out with him tonite.

I really don’t know when I enjoyed myself as much as the short time I was home. It was dulled only by the fact that I had to

September 19, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] leave again so soon. I’m glad now that I didn’t try to go to town and see a lot of people, etc. Maybe if I’m here a month or so I can get another such leave, at least I’ll try. I may have to take a more or less uninteresting one just to get the Great Lakes again. At least that is one thing to look forward to.

We have a new chief nurse – came while I was gone and in order to give her a send off they are having a cocktail party for her tomorrow night in the lounge of our quarters. I know it will be a grand success. Just about like some of the ones Mrs. P. used to throw. It being here on the base most people will be in a stuffy mood. I can always go to my room and shut the door.

September 19, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] I sure had a good night last night since I hadn’t sleep but very little the night before. I think when I hit the bed I was asleep and didn’t awaken until 715 this AM. In all probability I snored pretty much but no one said anything this AM. I do remember turning once and bumping my elbow on one of those buttons on the mattress. I didn’t look to see if there was blood this AM but at the time it felt something like an amputation.

The radio seems to work pretty good but Bun told me to get a long areal which I haven’t done yet but if I hold on to the short one that is there it does pretty

September 19, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] good. I’m going over to the shops in a little while and see if I can talk them out of several feet. There was a note on the repair bill which said we owed Bun $2.00 so you might drop in and pay him and that will give you another excuse to ask him about the burner.

I haven’t done much with the office plans yet, but I’m beginning to believe a hallway down thru the middle of the front room might be better than along the west side. If it were along the west side the rooms would be much longer than wide. I’ll have to get down to work on

September 19, 1945, p. 5

[page 5] the thing and maybe get something definite settled. If you see Nick you might ask him about the heat situation again. If that were settled one wouldn’t have to plan on a space for the heater nor for the oil tanks, it might be simpler to plan.

I don’t know when to expect the first letter from you. I suppose you wrote first on Tue. so I should get a letter by the end of the week.

Well, I’m almost run down and I guess I’d better write David a little note for his birthday –

Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/25/making-plans-roscoe/

Back in San Francisco Again (Roscoe)

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September 18, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 18, 1945, p. 1

18 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Sent the telegram about noon and had to get all the dope on the draft squared away so may not have time to write all I want to.

There was a letter here from Mom and one from J.B. Moore – I knew about all that Mom wrote and J.B. didn’t say much either, only he seems to think Liberty will be closed down in pretty short order.

We went over Liberty yesterday just 2 hours and 10 min. after we left Chicago – I didn’t get to see much of the place because I was on the wrong side but by the river and all I knew just about where we were. The time from Kansas City to Olathe was so short that I thought we were landing at Fairfax. I think he started down just as we left K.C.

We made a stop in Texas, one in Arizona, and one in S. Calif. It was a nice trip but I didn’t sleep much. The seats were not comfortable enough for that even though the air wasn’t a bit rough.

There didn’t seem to be any orders – in fact

September 18, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] no one has received any orders since I left and the commander I told you about still has no word. Anyway don’t send that blue suit of mine as yet. I’ll give you the word and in the meantime I’ll stay home. You see I now have more stuff here that I brought in the beginning so I don’t want too much to drag along.

Well, I’ll see if I can mail this and promise to get started earlier tomorrow –

Love
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/23/back-in-san-francisco-roscoe-again/

Plans on Schedule (Roscoe)

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September 10, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 10, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 10, 1945

Dear Mother,

Well is seems the plans are going along on schedule. I’m to leave here on Sept. 12 at around 1000 – should be around the Lakes about Sat. noon but that isn’t very definite. I’ll wire you on the way. My roommate has an apartment in Chicago and his wife is here so she is writing them telling them to let us have their place. Does that sound OK? Or are you planning on coming into Chi.? Of course you won’t be able to get me an answer here but I’ll try to call en route. I don’t know how many layovers we

September 10, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] will have because I think probably this is a special military train and they probably do not make the regular stops but I can at least send a wire. I think the best plan would be to meet me at the North W. depot or some such place and then get a hotel or that apartment. I don’t know what the address is, or Evanston, etc. I know I’m trying to take all this in my hands and not giving you any chance to say but I want to see you even if I can’t see the boys and I’m afraid I might not get enough time to come down and it would be dreadful to be pestered by those patients clear across the country and

September 10, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] then have to turn around not seeing you. Think the whole plan out and when I call tell me what you can do best. It would be such a hard trip to try to bring the boys up. You wouldn’t get much of a rest, but maybe our good friends won’t want to keep them. Do the best you can Dear and I hope you do get some rest or at least a change in the few hours we will be together. I’ll write again tomorrow if anything turns up. Bring a little money. My Khaki cap. My bath robe.

The new point system doesn’t seem to help out much. I’ll still have to spend about 10 mo. in this man’s navy, but maybe

September 10, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] there will be another change sometime in the future. In fact there are darn few around here that it does affect. Some of the fellows have as much as 3-4-5 years.

Well, I’ll write tomorrow but I’ll call or wire in the meantime
So love
Daddy

Back in San Francisco (Roscoe)

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September 8, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 8, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 8, 1945

Dear Mother,

I’m all back in San Fran. We arrived in Klamath Falls at about 0800 this AM and I was told there were no planes going back to San Francisco so I got all my train reservations and then at chow time a Commodore Peale was coming down. In fact a plane came up after him so he let me come with him. It would have taken me 12 hours on the train but by plane it was only a 2 hour trip. It was really a swell ride – very clear and there was one high mountain with snow all over its top. It’s about 400 miles to Klamath so I did pretty well to make the round trip 800 miles in 24 hours and get all the other things done, I mean, the patients on the train and off, etc., (and $7.00 extra).

Now – about the Chicago draft. So far as I know now it is a go. My name is right on the paper. So be thinking the plans out and I’ll let you know a little more definite about when we leave, etc. I imagine we will leave here on Wed.

September 8, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] night about 8 PM, and we should be in Great Lakes sometime Sat. I haven’t the slightest idea how much time I’ll be able to get off and won’t know until I get there. I think the safest bet if you could arrange is to meet me there and then if I have time we can go on down to K. If not, we will have some time together in Chicago. I mean you can come to Chicago and I’ll meet you there. I’ll either wire or call later in the week so just stand by but be planning just what you think is best. Maybe Dorothy or Lucille will keep D. and the other boys can shift for themselves. Stand by then Dear for word from me. I really want to see you.

Either Geo. W. or Vince Stanich came out to see me this PM but that was before I got back so don’t know which it was – they didn’t leave name nor address.

I’ll mail this so it will go out on the only mail tomorrow and then if anything develops after that I’ll write later in the day.

Yours written Sept. 4 came today – glad D. is better, and hope John is better satisfied and Mark also – I mean about the plane – I want him to ride a plane but to make a real trip and not with just any pilot who may come along. It really isn’t safe. Well, Dear I’m really looking forward to next week this time,

Love,
Daddy

Between San Francisco and Klamath Falls (Roscoe)

1 Reply

September 7, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 7, 1945, p. 1

Sept. almost 8

Dear Mother,

Riding someplace between San Fra. and Klamath Falls – and it is not Sept. 8 but near it.

I think I have the forty seven Marines pretty well under control. We have the last two Pullmans and they are not supposed to go into the other parts of the train but I’m not too sure – There is one corpsman at the door but I’m not sure how tough he is.

Now – I was notified that I might get a draft to Chicago next Wed. It hasn’t definitely gone thru as yet but I’m hoping. When I get back and I get the correct dope I’ll write right away or possibly call Sunday – However you won’t get this until after that

September 7, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] call unless the mail goes faster than I think. The letter you wrote last Sun. came today. I hope D. didn’t have any more upsets.

More about the draft to Chicago. If I left there on Wed. I get to Chicago on Sat. I’m not sure how much time I’d have, possibly not over 12-18 hours. I just wonder if it would be possible for you to come to Chicago. I’d like to see the boys of course but that would be too much. We could get a hotel in Chicago I think. Sometimes one is able to get a day or two but not too often. I’ll let you know more later and we will see what you would rather do. I’d hate to get that near and have some time but not enough to see you. I mean to come to Kentland.

Well, this train shakes too much for me to write any more –
Lots of Love
Daddy

Four Nurses (Roscoe)

1 Reply

September 7, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 7, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 7, 1945
USNRH
S.F. (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

I’m writing this in the AM in order to be sure it gets done because not having taken a draft out before I don’t know how much last minute work there might be.

Last night the Drs. & nurses had a Cock. T. party from 5 to 7:30 – Just the usual Yap-a-Yap. It was quite harmless thing and no one as far as I could see got too much & everyone seems to be aboard this AM. It was paid for and sponsored by the Welfare. I guess it was

September 7, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] supposed to be a Morale builder. The Drs. change so rapidly I suppose they figure that is a good way to have people meet in a sort of informal way.

The package came in yesterday after I mailed your letter so that takes care of everything except those several letters on the way. I do hope I get one or two today because by being gone it will be several days that I know I won’t get mail.

I never did tell you but a Dr. and several nurses always take these drafts – I mean male nurses. I thought I’d better clear that up a bit.

September 7, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] I’ll have four corpsmen – 2 for each car. Really the male nurses I mentioned are only corpsmen but I had to writes nurses in order to get the joke – some joke.

Drs. get orders out of here practically every day – It seems to be the Lt. Cdrs. and the jgs. I’m not sure what they are saving the Lts. for.

When I first came I called Geo. Wingfield and he was gone but I left a message and he called me yesterday. He had just gotten back and had lots to do so I didn’t get to see him. He told me

September 7, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] on the phone that he and Stanich would probably be out in 60 days. That sounds good because they won’t leave only Med. off. to run the Navy. I saw an enlisted man leave here yesterday with his discharge. That was a real one and not a medical. I wanted to look to see if maybe my name was on the thing but I guess it wasn’t.

Well, I’ll try to get a line off tomorrow someplace –
Love Daddy