Tag Archives: Russell Islands

Good Intentions (Roscoe)

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[Note: Gladys’ letter from July 25th is, unfortunately, missing.]

: July 25, 1943 envelope

: July 25, 1943, p. 1

: July 25, 1943, p. 2

: July 25, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

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

Dear Mother,

The plan that was supposed to work so that I would see Joe R. didn’t materialize so I thought I’d better retract the statement I wrote yesterday.

I have very good intentions today of writing several people – Letters that I feel I should return, Both the Ruths, Uncle W., The Walkups – since they sent the pictures and a few others I can’t think of just now and of course the regular letter to the folks. It’s going to be a hard task but one I feel like a duty – It’s strange I don’t have slightest feeling of burden

[page 2] while writing to you but that is as I explained it a few days ago. “That’s different.”

There is a slight breeze today which makes for a little cooler weather and for more coconuts dropping – before breakfast this A.M. two came bounding down all in a bunch to hit the tent and make plenty of noise. I’m a little worried less one came thru but even if it did the sting would be taken out because it would slow things down.

I think I have repeated often enough about the check I sent home but will just once more. It was sent on July 17, and if it goes like some it should be there just about now. I’ll wait now until I get several letters from you before repeating again.

[page 3] Some time ago I wrote you and said this world we live in here could be like that song of Ruben Ruben etc. how much that really means now. Imagine a town county or any area in the USA where for more than 5 mo. a woman didn’t appear. It’s different but I can’t seem to explain how. Probably just like the life in the States is different but is hard for you to explain how and why.

Well by the time you get this letter you will be starting on your last hot month of summer and can expect cooler days to come but ours will be just as hot and stuffy and prospects of getting more so. This is one heck of a letter –
Love Daddy

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/31/good-intentions-roscoe/

Building Guards (Roscoe)

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: July 24, 1943 envelope

: July 24, 1943, p. 1

: July 24, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

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

Dear Mother,

No mail yesterday but one can hardly expect letters every day. Some mail came in but most of it was old. The mail clerk said some was as old as 1941 and I’m sure I didn’t have any that old.

I may see Joe R. in the next day or two – but I’ll let you know about that in the next letter or so. Plans are to that affect as present.

Yesterday P.M. I spent most of the time building guards up trees etc.

[page 2] to keep the rats from having free excess to any entrance they might find into the tent. I think it was fairly successful because they didn’t make the well known race track thru the tent as they had before – If I can find those few stray holes I think that menace will be cleared.

You will note this letter is sketchy and not much thought but I’m in a hurry and will promise to do better next time

Love Daddy

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

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/30/building-guards-roscoe/

Sucks His Thumb (Roscoe)

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: July 23, 1943 envelope

: July 23, 1943, p. 1

: July 23, 1943, p. 2

: July 23, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran C.
July 23, 1943

Dear Mother,

Yours of June 30, July 2 and July 3 came yesterday – also one from the Folks and one from The Walkups with pictures of the girls. Yours gave a definite pictures of finances and off hand I’d say they weren’t so good but well enough to get along on, and the extra I sent will keep us out of the red. Of course while they are low that doesn’t show the loan and interest you paid off so in relative way they aren’t low but I’d say doing rather well.

Now another you wrote – you said most everyone when seeing D.

[page 2] for the first time remarked how much he looked like his Daddy and in the same sentence without punctuation marks etc. you said he sucked his thumb. I really wasn’t aware of the fact that I had that habit, or did you mean to infer that. Maybe you just meant his looks and not his habits. Another thing you wrote or rather not what you wrote but how – when you said I hope to convey everything with “Love Mother” with the quotations marks etc. I really liked that because I think I got the full meaning of what you meant. Thanks Lots.

It’s refreshing to get letters as I said in yesterday’s letter and I know you are doing the very best to get them to me, but there are many obstacles between here and there which are a little hard to overcome

[page 3] but somehow we get the letters thru in pretty good time and here is hoping those letters continue until a better medium of contact is mage – Namely personal –

Love Daddy

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/28/sucks-his-thumb-roscoe/

New Stationary (Roscoe)

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: July 22, 1943 envelope

: July 22, 1943, p. 1

: July 22, 1943, p. 2

: July 22, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

July 22, 1943
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 – F.P.O. San Fran

Dear Mother,

You will note the new Stationary – Geo. was able to pick it up someplace – came I with two boxes and I just kidding told him it was nice of him to bring me a box – so he just up and gave it to me.

I wrote yesterday of the difficulty of writing to other people because they expect news of natives, war etc. which of course is after the first time or two exhausted. I know you don’t expect such and it would be an impossibility to write news each day. So I have to turn more to the thoughts that pass thru one’s mind while there is nothing else to do. I imagine it’s something like a person being in jail and having time for reflections. Of course the shame and disgrace of our lot is absent which is unlike the fellow in jail so

[page 2] maybe our thoughts are much more pure. Milton wrote “Paradise Lost” while in Jail but I don’t think I could do any such but and I’ll be satisfied if I can only write a letters which will not make you feel badly and but on the contrary make things a little more pleasant and help make the time pass more rapidly – the most rapidly passing part of the day and the most enjoyable part of the day is letter writing time. I shouldn’t say the most enjoyable because – letter received hold that place but that happens so infrequently that it would be a long way between uplifts. Don’t miss-understand – my letters don’t uplift me but it’s a time when I’m doing something which concerns you directly and I enjoy writing them if they only get over to you what I anticipate. If the things I’m writing bore or have the opposite affect

[page 3] of what I’m trying please tell me and I’ll try to reform.

I read lots of letters from the boys to their wives and sweethearts and I’m sure lots of them are very disheartening to those who receive the.

The first break in the letter – a red headed Irishman came in to complete the electrical fixture – we now have lights in our tent but the use of them is somewhat restricted. Anyway this red head is like all electricians full of conversation and in no apparent hurry to get too much done. He has spent about 15 years in the navy part of which was in the last war and those people take their tour of duty as a matter of fact because it’s a part of their life’s work.

I hope I have made this letter interesting and if I failed I’ll still try to redeem myself by saying
Lot of Love
Daddy

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/26/new-stationary-roscoe/

A Good Excuse (Roscoe)

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: July 21, 1943 envelope

: July 21, 1943, p. 1

: July 21, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

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

Dear Mother,

Along with your letters yesterday came one each from Harry Storm, Wayne W. and Ruth M. Ruth of course told me of the boys visiting and yours telling of the visit – both came the same day. The finances as you described them will be bolstered by the check I sent on the 17^th of July. That last part was just a way of me telling you that I had sent the check.

So far today I have had no love tangles or problems to give advice on. Maybe won’t have anymore because those things always run in pairs and spells.

I’m out in the yard again where the flies are bothersome but won’t be long because it doesn’t take Cartwright long to do what he has to do.

You said you had seen John Krull – seems like he has only been in the forces for a short

[page 2] time but I guess long enough for leave. Maybe like the short leave I had just about one year ago. You haven’t mentioned Jim for some time. The last time you said he was expecting a leave and intimated he might be getting ready to light out for some place. I never did write to him because all address I got were so far behind I always felt he would be miles ahead of where I’d write – A good excuse don’t you think? And I’m really thinking up lots of excuses these days because after writing one person I forget what I wrote the last time and I’m afraid or repeating. Of course I know I repeat a lot to you but we understand.

I’ve been writing this now for about 3 hours with this and that coming up to cofe confuse so I really can’t be expected to be romantic but by trains of thought being broken into frequently so I just say

Lots of Love
Daddy

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/24/a-good-excuse-roscoe/

The Love Doctor (Roscoe)

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: July 20, 1943 envelope

: July 20, 1943, p. 1

: July 20, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

July 20, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60, F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

I’ve spent 10 min. on this letter up to now – I suspect you are tired of hearing me say that in the beginning but it seems the putting down of a few words helps to break the ice.

Dr. Gardnier here after Jim – received a June issue of Readers Digest and I spent most of yesterday P.M. reading it, at least I got the meat out of the whole thing. The articles were just like they used to be some good some bad.

Another hours delay – a store keeper 1^st class came in to have me sign some papers for his promotion and then he seeing me writing got to talking about married life – he isn’t married but has been going with the same girl for 5 years, but she won’t marry him because she is older than he by 5 years. And again I tried to play cupid by agreeing with him that that much difference in age wouldn’t make

[page 2] any difference – I’m getting the love questions now on the average of about one each day, and I joined the Navy for war. To me it only goes to prove that a family physician can be the same whether at home or elsewhere because lots of these kids really are serious. Maybe it’s just because I’ll talk to them about a subject which is most interesting and most important to them at the moment, but who should I go to?! I have it. Only to you thru the medium of writing as I have in the past. And I might say it has worked and possible that is why I’ve been able to help some of the fellows – I have a wonderful inspiration.

Just received yours of July 4 to July 7 mailed on July 6 & 7. I’m glad you took your mother to have a thorough exam. I’m sure bephron wasn’t strong enough because I think she is rather enemic – I’ll be looking forward for a report.

Don’t feel badly about my love talk – I don’t mean it that way. I’m trying to be complimentary but you know me it’s hard to get it out.

Lots of Love Daddy

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/22/the-love-doctor-roscoe/

The Check Is in the Mail (Roscoe)

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Note: It appears that the v-mail of June 26th is not in the collection so the exact details of Ruthie Parttens’ accident are currently unknown.

: July 19, 1943 envelope

: July 19, 1943, p. 1

: July 19, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S.Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
July 19, 1943

Dear Mother,

Your v-mail of June 26 came yesterday and in it you told of the accident of Ruthie Parttens. I know you had from the way one of your later letters read.

I’m writing this out in the yard and the darn flies keep landing pretty heavy. They are the most persistent things – try to fly into your eyes nose and ears. They aren’t nearly so bad now as at first. A few sanitary measures really do help keep the critters down.

This is repeating and I’ll do the same again in one or two letters. I sent a check in the letter of July 17. It was issued July 16 by J. B. Condron of the supply core US NAB Navy 60 – check number 28 and symbol numbers 51209. I think that gives the dope so if it is lost we can reapply for it. I expect an answer from you that you have received it by Aug. 16. Giving one month for a

[page 2] letter to make the round trip.

Went to a movie last night the first on this place for me – It wasn’t a bad show but I don’t care for shows anymore than I used to at home. It was something to do but I’d rather read if there was something to read and some place to do it. I probably should write letters to a number of people but with subject matter so limited I just simply abhor writing other than to you and I might say a large part of the day I find myself thinking of what I might write and you can see what poor results.

Just weathered a long series of conversation from some of the neighbors dropping in but that is the usual rather than the unusual – It still doesn’t help letter writing.

You mentioned something about Joe Roberts setting Christmas as time to return. I’m not setting but hoping – Not placing a time limit.

Well that’s all for now.
Love Daddy

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/20/the-check-is-in-the-mail-roscoe/

Love Fixer Upper (Roscoe)

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: July 18, 1943 envelope

: July 18, 1943, p. 1

: July 18, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

July 18, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran C.

Dear Mother,

The chores all over for a while but I can’t say that I’m able to think of any suitable subject to write. It’s just one of those seemingly writeless days, and this is also the day for the regular letter to the home folk.

I was talking to an army Dr. yesterday whose wife after he left the USA joined the WACS. He has no other dependent so the government cut out his rental allowance and ½ his food. Of course his wife is drawing her pay but she quit a job with better pay than she is getting in the army so he really lost lots of “potatoes.” He swears he is going to divorce her when he gets home. So if he feels that way they probably weren’t too well satisfied before he left home. My observations of the marital

[page 2] states of men out here is twofold. Those persons who were married unhappily or lukewarm seem to drift farther apart. Personally I’ve had four people tell me they were either getting a divorce at present or intended to as soon as they get home. On the other hand there are those who were happily married and I think the bonds grow even stronger by being away. The above is just my observation being supported by my growing experience as “love fixer upper” as I have written as well as my own personal feelings for I’m tickled pea green I’m in the last group and by talking about families to other people I’ve had them tell me they envy me my wife and family. I don’t know how I got started on this tirade and it seems to be a little hard to get shut off but maybe I can end it by using a most beautiful phrase which carries with it a very sincere meaning to me.

Lots of Love
Daddy

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

Boy Joins Navy (Roscoe)

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: July 17, 1943 envelope

: July 17, 1943, p. 1

: July 17, 1943, p. 2

: July 17, 1943, p. 3

: July 17, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

July 17, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran C.

Dear Mother,

Five letters yesterday from you – The latest July 1. Another was a v-mail along the last few days of June, and one with the picture of D. I’m inclined to agree with John. In comparing this with previous pictures I don’t believe it is a good picture. It was under developed or over exposed or something. As usual there are letters missing because you mentioned Dr. M. being mad at Parttens for taking Ruth to a specialist but didn’t say what was the trouble – but I just know you wrote that in a previous letter.

Needles to say you will find the several times mentioned check enclosed. That should be enough to pay off the Ins. loan and buy a few bonds. If you

[page 2] wish and think it worth while you might even start paying Mutch & Ruth a little now and then. That is providing it doesn’t run you short. I’ll be able to send some home from time to time but I’m keeping around 200 on the books just so I’ll have enough for transportation in case I should need it. I’m hoping! – when I get an accumulation over that amount I’ll send it to you and you can use it as you see fit.

I didn’t know about your mother was having bowel trouble and it’s hard for me to suggest. Does she have diarrhea all the time with blood? You went a little indefinite about the symptoms etc. She should be on a bland diet. The sulfa drug is OK for a time and a little Metamucil would not be out of the way. A blood count

[page 3] and hemoglobin are very essential. The sugar in the urine may or may not be important but worth keeping in mind. All those things are merely suggestive and things I would do if I were there. Of course a rectal exam would come first. That is about all I can think of not knowing the circumstances and a 6,000 mile consultation isn’t good so you will have to use your own judgment which I know you are capable of doing.

Is Glenn married again or is that the wife he had? If it’s the same onee they must have bit a spark not visible before in order to reproduce after this long a period of married life. Yesterday I found myself being drawn into another one of the love struggles. Boy married to girl 8 years – Boy joins navy – find himself on a South Sea Isle – girl’s letters

[page 4] become fewer and fewer – one come 3 days ago – without date – 4 pages and then stopped in the middle of the sentence – later another started – whole new page – and it ended in the same way – not signed an both letter about 4 pages each and both ended in the middle of the sentence and no signature. The whole thing is beyond me. He seems very much discouraged and I can’t seem to blame him either, but why write you that stuff.

The regular weekly inspection is due now most any minute so I’ll try to put a finishing note at least I’ll try not to end in the middle of the sentence.

Inspection done and I must say things aren’t in as good a condition as they should be. Guess more bearing down in necessary.

Hope your mother is feeling better and that the hot weather isn’t too hard on you and the boys –

Love Daddy

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

Nothing of Importance (Roscoe)

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: July 16, 1943 envelope

: July 16, 1943, p. 1

: July 16, 1943, p. 2

: July 16, 1943, p. 3

: July 16, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San FranC.
July 16, 1943

Dear Mother,

Nothing of importance has happened since yesterday so this will be a continuation of nothing so to speak.

In one way I was very pessimistic this A.M. We had oranges for breakfast and I planted 4 seeds. I don’t know how long it will take to grow an orange tree but that is one planting of fruit of which I hope not to be here long enough to enjoy. I just wonder if when they grow to be big oranges if the word “Sunkist” will be on the outside of each orange.

[page 2] Somehow last night before evening show we had a little party each man and officer were given a couple bottles of beer. It wasn’t much but it raised the morale a little and maybe helped pass the time a little more rapidly. We also had some tidbits to go along with the beer – some salted peanuts and small pieces of toast with a sort of deviled ham spread. It may have been spam all ground into a mess.

I baited my rat trap with a piece of spam and a piece of cheese. It was suspended on a wire far enough so the rats couldn’t get to it but the ants

[page 3] did. They ate the cheese and left the spam. I’ve also seen dogs just snif at it and pass on and eat a dried bread crust, however, if one was hungry enough I think a good slab of spam wouldn’t be so bad.

In passing I didn’t get paid yesterday so obviously I can’t send the check but will in tomorrow’s letter if we are paid today. At least these notes will serve to notify that the thing will be forth coming.

I have another huge job thrown into my lap – it deals with the sanitation of the Island. It will

[page 4] be my job to see that each area is kept clean etc. What a job! I can say this as far as I’m concerned I don’t think much of the job but in the Navy one doesn’t think too much. Lentz had the same type job at Norfolk.

Ruth Y. wrote the other day that Herschel Steiner and a Hofman boy were headed this way but my chances of seeing them are a little slim I think but one never can tell. Joe Roberts is the only person I’ve seen that I knew before leaving home.

Well I guess I’m again at the end of that well know rope so will say
Lots of Love
Daddy