Tag Archives: United States Naval Reserve

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/

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)

©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)

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

Don’t Blame Yourself (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: 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)

Highest Praise (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: 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 –