Tag Archives: Vincent M. Stanich

Treasure Island (Roscoe)

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October 16, 1945 envelope

October 16, 1945, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Oct. 16, 1945

Dear Mother,

I am now totally converted. I mean almost into a full Lt. Cdr. Total cost $7.80; one fifty for the collar device – only I think I’ll sell one for $0.75 and $2.30 for the gray shoulder boards and $4.00 for the gold, and installation, on the sleeve of the blue. So if I make the sale it will be $7.05, but I don’t feel that you are too interested in that. I’m not either but I can’t give you any further information on the discharge.

I haven’t received any letters from you since Sat. I’m hoping for a few tomorrow. I’m just wondering if Schuster has taken on the job, etc.

I took my blue shirt down to have the gold changed this p.m. and tomorrow morn they decide to have a picture taken. I don’t know just what I’ll do as yet – I have the duty also so maybe I can get out of the picture on those grounds.

Stanich came past and took me downtown. He took me first to Treasure Island

October 16, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] but I couldn’t do any good there so we stopped in one of the downtown stores. The one where I bought my cap before going out in ’42.

I tried to get some shirts this p.m. but no white and possibly some gray tomorrow but I can’t get there then. That place is on the other side of San Francisco and my means of transportation are not good. When you go to Treasure Island you just cross half of the bay bridge. Then turn off to the right and cut back over the top of the bridge. It is a nice island and has the big sign for the Fleet – “Hi mate, etc.” We passed right in front of that sign. I doubt if any of the sailors on the ships saw it since it was so foggy.

Well, I’m going to mail this so it will go out early in the a.m. I missed the p.m. mail because of going to town and some new patients came in also –

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/07/06/treasure-island-roscoe/

Lt. Cdr. (Roscoe)

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October 15, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 15, 1945, p. 1

15 Oct. 45

Dear Mother,

I think now that my mail can be addressed as Lt. Cdr. Because I had the examination this a.m. As near as I can figure it will cost me about 6-8 dollars to convert so that isn’t so bad. Of course it all depends on how soon I’ll get those discharge papers. I still don’t know if the 1^st of Nov. means out of the 12^th district by then or out of the 9^th. No one seems to know and somehow can’t find out. I guess we will just have to wait. There is a Cdr. Here from Kokomo, Ind., and he has been griping no little but it seems to do no good. At least we do have a more or less of a limit, I suppose, the middle of Nov. as I stated before will just about catch it.

October 15, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] This being the 15^th was payday so I withdrew some money and left the remainder. I’ll just bring it along to Great Lakes on the pay account and collect it as I’m discharged – if it is too long I’ll withdraw it and send it along but I don’t believe you will need it unless the oil burner is installed or some carpentering is done. There was no mail yesterday nor today so I don’t know what progress you have made and but I’m not expecting too much since you have had only a few days.

As I said this is the 15^th and it sure seems as if the end of the month is ages away. I guess it won’t be any longer than any

October 15, 194,5 p. 3

[page 3] other month but just seems that way.

Stanich is coming past for me tomorrow and we are going out to a ship’s service to see if I can get some shirts and also to take my blues to have the sleeve gold changed.

I find it a little hard to write since all that I’m thinking about is the office repair and the discharge date and all that has been gone into so often it now becomes trite – or does it?? Anyway we got the storm windows up before I knew what the reductions in points would be. That might be classed as a “frame up.” That is

October 15, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] right frame up – frames on the storm windows – a pun. Get it? It stinks.

Well, it is time I got this off to the P.O. so
Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/07/04/lt-cdr-roscoe/

To the Show or Not to the Show (Roscoe)

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October 14, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 14, 1945, p. 1

Oct. 14

Dear Mother,

Sunday eve and I haven’t decided whether to go to the show or just stay home. The show is “River Gang.” Doesn’t sound very good.

After I finished your letter last night, the Staniches called me and I went out to their place for chow and then we came back to the show here. They came up to our lounge and sat a spell. Just he & her – Jeff stayed at one of the neighbors.

I’ve been thinking over the heating problem, etc., and as yet can’t seem to make much of a decision. Maybe if I had some figures it would be different. It really shouldn’t cost much to have that heat piped over and I guess we could make the change over at a later date. All the radiators and the heating unit itself will have to be removed for the carpentering so maybe it won’t be a problem until I get home.

I have to get my physical exam tomorrow for my promotion and then have to buy a new set of shoulder boards for my gray. Those shouldn’t cost so much but I’ll have to get some gold put on this one suit of blues.

October 14, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I think the whole thing for the blues will cost $4.00. I’m also going to try to find out a little more definite about the Nov. 1 date for the discharge. Yes, I haven’t forgotten that that is your birthday, but I’m practically certain I won’t be home by that date.

I think we discussed this before but just in case – I don’t believe I’d have a thing done to the back room on the other side until I get home. Those rooms we have there if finished properly will be sufficient for the time being, but again don’t fuss and stew, because it won’t take long when I get there and a couple of weeks won’t make much difference in years.

Tomorrow is pay day but I’m not certain how much I’ll draw since I should have some draft money coming. I’ll draw it before I come home however.

Well, I didn’t go to the show, played a game or two of Acey Ducy after starting this letter.

Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/07/03/to-the-show-or-not-to-the-show-roscoe/

Leaving Here (Roscoe)

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October 4, 1945, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Oct. 4, 1945

Dear Mother,

Here is the latest on the draft. I’ll leave here about 3:00 p.m. on Fri. as we did the last time and I suppose we will get in to Chicago or rather Great Lakes at about the same time.

They have made or at least we think they have made reservations for me to come back on Thurs. the 11^th so that will give me a little more time than I had before. Maybe that will help you to formulate your plans. I’ll probably send you a wire from some place along the line and I won’t write to you again tomorrow.

This whole draft deal sounds like a pretty good deal so maybe

October 4, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] we can work this rather often. In other words – why don’t we do this more often?

There are a number of things that have to be done around here getting all the gear, etc., together so I’ll be rather busy besides Jack Howell and Stanich want to have dinner out this eve but I’ll tell them we have to get home early.

Well, give the word to the O.D. at the Lakes and I’ll be seeing you.
Love Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/27/leaving-here-roscoe/

Officer of the Day (Roscoe)

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October 2, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 2, 1945, p. 1

2 Oct. 45

Dear Mother,

This is my day for the duty. So far it has been assigned to me six times and of the 6 I’ve only had to take it 2 times. Drafts came up or something so unless something comes up in the next 45 min. I’ll have to go on.

Yesterday a slip came out for us to fill out as to length of service, age, dependencies, overseas, etc., and number of points. So maybe something will come of it. Things like that are always encouraging. It is my firm belief that I will be out of this before Christmas. That seems a distance away but I do think it is true. Maybe I’m psychic.

There is no new news on a draft. In fact right now the patients are low so I doubt if there is enough for a draft. I’m afraid you may have had something wrong. You sorta expected the draft to come on a weekend. That was just a happen so the last time. It was really nice that it happened that way but I’m afraid that won’t work that way again. I still keep remembering the wonderful few days we had together and how I would enjoy another just like it. Memories like that are really something to live over and over again but new experiences are better

October 2, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] so maybe anticipating the next meeting will have some little corner which will make time pass a little faster and easier.

Cmd. Howell, Stanich and I were going out to have a dinner together tonight but due to the fact that I caught the duty we had to put it off. The last time it was put off because I caught the draft home and then Geo. W. was in on it. I suppose by the next time Stanich will be gone. It seems we have a hard time getting together. I see or talk with them on the phone but we can’t seem to get together.

There is an opera again Friday night and we are trying to get tickets. The last fellow who was going with me last time has been detached but there is another here who wants to go.

Seems from your letter that the old Wm. Jewell is closing. I’m glad in a way we got out because that would have changed the boys school program, etc.

Well Dearie it is about my O.D. time so lots of Love
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/23/officer-of-the-day-roscoe/

Then Everything Broke Loose (Roscoe)

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September 26, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 26, 1945, p. 1

26 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

I’m writing this in the AM this morning just because there isn’t anything else in particular to do and I’ve heard there is to be a show of some sort this PM. I got just this much written and then everything broke loose so I’ll see how much can be done now.

I think by tomorrow I’ll be able to send some plans home for you to approve or disapprove. I don’t plan on having everything done now. Just do part and then wait until we see how things develop.

Stanich called me this AM and wanted me to take a trip with him but I didn’t care about going so I told him I was too busy. He was going to San Bruno and I could think of no reason for going.

I can’t give any more dope on the Great Lakes draft. I think possibly I was a little premature in saying anything about the trip because there are several ahead of me, but it doesn’t hurt to be thinking, but I’ll always let you know either by call or telegraph. That reminds me

September 26, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] the telegraph I sent you from Ogden when I came out cost me $1.30 and the one I sent from here just this last time was only 80₵ – something was a little twisted up one time or another.

I see by the paper that all enlisted men with 3 children are to be granted discharge if they wish. That will let Socky out but of course it doesn’t affect me. That is one where he will have to admit the enlisted men got the best deal. You remember he was a little sore at all officers in general when he came to Nick’s that night. I wish sometimes they would get around to giving some credit to length of service. Sure ½ points per mo. but that isn’t enough and the ¼ is just a joke. Well, I still feel something will come along in the next mo. to six weeks.

Well, after several stops and starts I’ve about gotten the page full so I’ll say,

Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/11/then-everything-broke-loose-roscoe/

Illinois vs. Pittsburg (Roscoe)

1 Reply

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)

1 Reply

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

George Wingfield Jr. Gets A Discharge (Roscoe)

1 Reply

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.]

Making Plans (Roscoe)

1 Reply

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