Tag Archives: Solomon Islands

V-mail Was Better (Roscoe)

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: September 12, 1943 envelope

: September 12, 1943, p. 1

: September 12, 1943, p. 2

: September 12, 1943, p. 3

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)

©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)

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: September 11, 1943 envelope

: September 11, 1943, p. 1

: September 11, 1943, p. 2

: September 11, 1943, p. 3

: September 11, 1943, p. 4

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)

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: September 9, 1943 envelope

: September 9, 1943, p. 1

: September 9, 1943, p. 2

: September 9, 1943, p. 3

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. 1^st. So I missed by 9 days. My latest is that Germany will do the same before Jan. 1^st1944 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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: September 8, 1943 envelope

: September 8, 1943, p. 1

: September 8, 1943, p. 2

: September 8, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

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

Dear Mother,

Again the 8^th 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 8^th 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)

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/01/29/the-eighth-roscoe/

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)

1 Reply

: 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)

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)

Collection of Pictures (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: 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

A New Policy (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: 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