Tag Archives: World War II

David – Six weeks old (Gladys)

Today’s post features three pictures that were taken around November 4th and 5th, 1942 at David’s six week mark. He is being held by his grandmother Emma Foster.

Letter transcription:

V-mail, dated November 5, 1942

LT (JG) R.S. Yegerlehner
Navy SSA (White Poppy)
c/o Postmaster
San Francisco, Calif.

Mrs. R.S. Yegerlehner
Kentland
Ind
11-5-42

Dear Daddy-

Thurs. and no mail but maybe several will come tomorrow. I have an appointment to get a perm this afternoon at 2:30 David is 6 weeks old so feel like I can leave him with Mother long enough to get a much needed curl. At present he is asleep but acts like he is going to wake up. It is raining and windy today – real fall weather. I scanned over the paper to see the election returns. Cliff was defeated – seems everything went Rep. except one Township Trustee. This year the 7 & 8^th grades get to put on a stunt for stunt night. John has a leading role in the 7^th grade class. He has tickets to sell – was complaining because even the “players” have to buy tickets. I think Mark has been getting into a little trouble with his teacher from some of the things he says. He and some other boys threw spit wads in music class and were sent out. His grades were all pretty good so he evidently didn’t bother the teacher too much. I think he doesn’t care so much for this teacher as he did his 1, 2 & 3 grade teachers. He is doing much better now otherwise. Doesn’t seem so nervous. He & John are both taking oral vaccine for colds. However John did develop a slight case of laryngitis but it didn’t last long. I am still giving myself liver once a week and Vit B once each week. I feel I still need it – tho I am feeling much better. Hope you get your birthday box & cards.

Love
Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/07/november-5-1942-gladys/

Red Cross Radiogram (Roscoe)

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Red Cross radiogram, dated November 2, 1942

On October 29^th, Gladys wrote that Bob Hufty had decided to take the matter in hand to get Roscoe the news of David’s birth. Bob contacted the Red Cross to expedite the message’s delivery to New Caledonia. It worked, and pretty fast too! Included in the envelope with Roscoe’s November 4^th letter was the Red Cross radiogram. The message took only 3 days to reach Roscoe. In his next letter, Roscoe explained why he sent the radiogram home with the November 5^th letter, so stay tuned.

: November 4, 1942 Envelope

: November 4, 1942, p. 1

: November 4, 1942, p. 2

: November 4, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Nov. 4, 1942

Dear Mother,

Things looked up today – got eleven letters from you, but none from anyone else. Most of them in the early part of Sept, but the two latest were Oct. 24 & 25 so that makes them only about 10 days old. As far [as] I know you are not receiving any letters from me because we you never mention the fact. Only once have you said one word about my letters coming to you. Aren’t you getting any or are you just forgetting to mention them? You told me you received the money orders and one time you said you had received 14 letters up to Oct 1, but since then you haven’t said one word. How about it? I shouldn’t be that way because you probably have said in the missing letters but it is a little vexing.

I didn’t know anything about Mark and his horn business you said something but I thought he was trying on the old horn. I would much prefer that he have a horn to a Uyke. In fact if you haven’t bought one by now – I wouldn’t anyway until spring

[page 2] because he couldn’t use it this winter and we can see more how things are by spring. Tell him I suggested he wait until spring. I’m in favor of the horn, however, we spend money on John but none on Mark. If he has a horn that can be blown give him lessons that is if the money supply seems to hold out. A few private lessons might help. At least a trial wouldn’t be out of order and a little money expended on him is in order.

I don’t mean to be bossy in what I’ve said of mail etc but I’m trying to do the best I can from here. I still love you as much as ever and am as much concerned as ever of yours and the boys welfare I should say even more so concerned.

Your letters today told of the Christmas package, the clothes of Norfolk, and the pictures of Lentz. I wish you hadn’t sent the clothes but I guess you have and I’m afraid a Christmas package will be in bad shape but that[s] OK. Send the pictures of Lentz’s and I’ll try to get part of the $1.35. Did you ever get the film I had taken here?

Even with the letter today I still have a space of from Sept 11 to about Oct 6 but the Oct 24 & 25 letters sure help.

[page 3]I’ll be expecting news of letters and of the finances. I’m very glad to hear of the family and pleased that you are able to be up and around and sorta boss the situation. I can’t tell you to hire too much done because I don’t know if you have any money or not. Yo I don’t even know if you got an allotment check for you never have said so. I’ve harped on this in so many letters you’ll think I’ve gone dippy, but I haven’t.

I told you of the uniform money. It may come to you direct and may be in 2 checks which is OK. I told this the other day but just in case-

Well, I save a little space for late developments – Just got another letter don’t sell the microscope. It isn’t worth much but I can have it gone over and put into good condition. They wouldn’t give anything what it is worth to me.

Hope I haven’t been too critical and forgive me-

Love
Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/06/red-cross-radiogram-roscoe/

November 3, 1942 (Gladys)

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V-mail dated November 3, 1942

Letter transcription:

LT (JG) Yegerlehner MC
Navy SSA (White Poppy)
c/o Postmaster
San Francisco, Calif.

Mrs. R.S. Yegerlehner
Kentland
Indiana
11-3-42

Dear Daddy –

Mark and I are cleaning house. Today being election Mark has a holiday – he washed windows and cleaned the overstuffed furniture and is going to clean floors. He is trying to earn enough to get me to buy his bond. I tried to check up on our financial matters. We still owe about 75⁰⁰ to various drug co’s. The bank bal. including the 150⁰⁰ and Nov 1 allotment is 903. I have a bill or two around town to pay but not much. I will get those drug co’s paid now that I have a little more time to do things. I am still busy but feel more like doing. I didn’t pay the last half of the Federal – should I go ahead & pay it? Mrs. R. was here yesterday. This is the present add [address] of Joe – J.M. Roberts Lt Comdr, Mobile Hosp #4 USNR Fulcrum – c/o Postmaster San Francisco. However she had a letter from him stamped New York, NY Navy Mobile Base Hosp. #4 BR. She was quite baffled about the NY stamp since his ad is San Francisco. Wondered if you would know what it meant. He wrote that he may be transferred to the Marines. I sent your laundry but you may be slow in getting it since the Christmas mail is being sent now. Let me know if you get it and if there was anything besides laundry in the box – I won’t tell you what it is because I want it to be a surprise and if it doesn’t get thru don’t want you to be disappointed.

Love

Mother

November 2, 1942 (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Roscoe’s regular routine was to write his letter and then leave a little space at the bottom. Since he normally wrote in the evenings, the letter would be brought to the censors the following morning. If there was any additional news to include in the letter, he would do so before dropping the letter off. In a previous letter, he apologized (in advance) if he had ever forgotten to sign a letter. Up to that point, he had not. This appears to be the first letter in which he did not sign it and add a closing. For some reason or another, he got distracted and dropped the letter off with the censors before finishing it.

: November 2, 1942 Envelope

: November 2, 1942, p. 1

: November 2, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Nov. 2, 1942

Dear Mother,

Things looked up again today – got 2 letters from you and one from Ruth M. They were all dated around the First of Oct. – 6^th – 8^th Gradually the things I ask about are coming in. You told me you understood what I asked you to do about the lawn so that is something. I suppose from the way yours and Ruth letters sound there have been a few frosty nights there. Ruth said they had a pretty good snow storm. I guess it was a lack of mail that made me more or less down in the dumps yesterday for I feel better today. Then too we had something else to do. We again did some changing on our tent. In fact we got a new one our old one was rather rotten and after continuous rain it would seep thru in some spots.

I got a letter from the Bureau of Something today asking for some other data before I could get the uniform money. So I sent that in and asked if they would send the check to you. So you can look for it but I still don’t believe they will send it to you. There may be two checks of 100 & 150 so it’s OK if it comes that way. Or if just one comes – wait on the next. They are sometimes sent out like that.

All the folk that wrote to me told me of Henry S. [Steiner] so he must be in pretty bad condition. Some one of them wrote that he was in the hospital at Terre Haute.

Just this minute got a box of candy from Boonie. That is the funny thing mail might come any time of day or night. Last night it was about 9:30 when those four letters came and the others came this morning and then the box of candy came about 5:00 PM. I’ll have to write to Boonie now also. I’m really going to get behind if I’m not careful, because now I’ll have to write Clarence. Mom sent me

[page 2] seven air mail stamps, Clarence 4 and Ruth 4. And I have about 35 on hand, but they won’t spoil unless it gets to hot and moist. I’m still waiting on the stationary as you will note from the kind I’m now using.

If I were home I’d write Mead Johnson and have them supply David with his food but I hardly think it would be the thing for me to write them from here. You should have no trouble with the food since John used that kind also. I’d be a little careful about keeping the milk upstairs too long it might get too warm unless you can put it between the window & storm window. You might be a little sensitive to liver shots since it has been so long since you took one so if you haven’t taken one yet I’d be a little careful. You might be like Irene S. [Staton] when I gave her the Vit B., but if you have taken one and it didn’t bother you should be OK on the next.

The Clay City Paper just came and I had to stop and read it a bit. Mom said she was having it sent. It didn’t have much in it but it made pretty good reading. It was the Oct 2^nd issue.

Boonie had a guess on the outside of his box of candy as to where I was and the guess was right – Maybe you have been talking to him. I wouldn’t tell too many people about that but if they guess right it isn’t your fault. There is still some mail coming in so maybe I’ll have more to report a little later.

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/04/november-2-1942-roscoe/

November 2, 1942 (Gladys)

4 Replies

V-mail November 2, 1942

Several weeks past, Roscoe mailed a box of shells and coral to the family. He had spent many an evening combing the beach on his tropical South Pacific island to find these treasures. The box finally arrived and the contents made the voyage across the ocean (and the United States) relatively intact. As predicted, the older boys were pleased by the new treasures and took them to school to show off. Gladys didn’t mention another item that was included in the box. Roscoe had taken a souvenir bath mat from the S.S. Alcoa Pennant. The bath mat was used as extra stuffing.

Letter transcription:

LT (JG) Yegerlehner MC
Navy SSA (White Poppy)
c/o Postmaster
San Francisco, Calif.

Mrs. R.S. Yegerlehner
Kentland
Indiana

11-2-42

Dear Daddy,

The box came this morning. The boys were very pleased over the collection and each took some of the various pieces to school. They will both write and thank you. That was very good time the box made in coming – a month. I am mailing your laundry to you today. Would have sent it sooner but didn’t know what to do with it. I finally got the letter you mentioned it in – the later was posted Oct 18 and was missent to Columbus. I think I have received all your letters now. Sometimes one will be sent elsewhere then I get it after getting later ones. Had your picture enlargement made and send to your Mother. You might send her a box of shells if you can. The buckle was very nice – now I will have to buy a dress to wear it on. My checks came this morning. I get two separate ones each mo. 170 & 30. The check A. Taylor gave me bounced. Don’t know what to do with it if anything. It is time to feed David – and he is about to wake up – have him in his basket by the desk. Tried to take more pictures of him Sat but it was too chilly to keep him out – he squirmed so we couldn’t get him still long enough. He is growing so much. When he is two month old will have Hubertz make a picture of him.

Love
Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/03/november-2-1942-gladys/

November 1, 1942 (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: November 1, 1942 Envelope

: November 1, 1942, p. 1

: November 1, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Nov. 1, 1942

Dear Mother,

Sun P.M. after chow and just writing before it gets dark and before church time. There was some mail came in but this seemed the first time I’ve missed. There wasn’t much but nevertheless I didn’t get any. I’m not blaming you of course because I feel that you are writing each day. Maybe things will break in a few days.

Today being your birthday I’ve thought lots about it and really wish you a very happy birthday. Of course, I’ve done that before but take this time to do so again. Hope you have had a good birthday.

This has been a rather dull day with work to do all day and couldn’t go swimming or get away from tent or hospital grounds – but I’ll get to sleep in a bed with springs again, which is better than on the usual canvas and thin mattress, but the other night when I slept on the bunk bed my back was very sore guess I wasn’t used to such comfort.

So far today the sun has been very bright with only a slight sprinkle now and then but most of the time it’s the hot blistering sun, and the wind still blows pretty hard in the P.M.

Some officers came in from someplace else and seem to be making our tent a place to drink beer. They haven’t had any for ages so I guess it won’t hurt them to break loose a little and of course they won’t get enough to get into the gutter. We hope.

I’ve been reading another story – The Five Keys to Mystery and while reading it I rolled up the side of the tent and got a sun bath – got some tan now – Maybe will get more if the rains don’t came to often and too long in one period of time.

I’m going to write to the folks again this Eve. if I don’t have

[page 2] outside interference. And before long I’ll have to write Ruth & Ira. I’m about out of paper so I’ll have to go bumming again. This typewriting paper is OK but it’s too long and too flimsy – but air mail paper has to be thin and light.

Haven’t played bridge for several nights now. In fact since our new roomer moved in with his radio we listen to the news and that breaks right into the middle of the bridge time. One gets a little tired of the same thing each night but it’s better than just sitting around and thinking of things that have been or will be. But one gets tired of doing things all day long in the same way and at the same place and under the same conditions. This whole letter is all chopped up and uninteresting I know but it’s just one of those times when one feels down a little and mostly blank as far as mental action is concerned.

Well, I’m all run out maybe I can add a little later.

Four letters just came in 2 from you one from Clarence Y and one from Mother. Everything seems to be OK. Mom sent me 7 air mail stamps and Clarence sent 4 so I’m pretty well supplied with what I have on hand.

Must get going
Love
Daddy

P.S. Your letter was dated Oct 10,

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/29/november-1-1942-roscoe/ ‎

Happy Birthday Gladys! (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

LT (J.G.) R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy SSA (White Poppy) M.C.
c/o Post Master
San Francisco – Calif.

Mrs. R.S. Yegerlehner
Kentland Indiana
11-1-42

Dear Daddy-

Sunday and my birthday. Besides your gift I rec’d a flower from Dorothy, a box of yardly soap from the boys – an apron and bowl set from Mother and $5⁰⁰ from Mrs. P. – also several cards. The Ladies Aid brought me an African Violet last week so I counted that in my gifts. It was meant for me when I came home but they forgot it then. I took David out to show him to Mrs. P. today. She has been ill and not able to be out and wanted to see him. The boys are both writing you V-mail letters. They wrote regular letters last time. I sent you several pictures of the baby and all of us do hope you get all the letters. Also sent some in the Christmas box. Rec’d the negative of yourself. Am having it printed. It will make you seem a little closer – having a “fresher” picture. If it is good I’ll have one made for your mother. I sent Dr. L. pictures in your birthday box. Don’t know when you will get it. Hope before Christmas. Mark has gone with a group to Goodland to a youth fellowship meeting. John didn’t go – is listening to Quiz Kids. Said since it is my birthday didn’t want to go. This is the first V-mail for some time. Sorry I didn’t keep sending them but will write them regularly now. Will see if you got the “clippers” letters any sooner if so will send more of those. David needs some attention so must change him.

Love
Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/01/happy-birthday-gladys/

Protected: Halloween in the South Pacific (Roscoe)

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Halloween (October 31, 1942) – Gladys

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Today’s letter features some great re-capping on Gladys’ part. At this point in the letters, Gladys knew that a chunk of letters were missing in action. We learn a bit more about the night David was born and Gladys finally has the news that Roscoe was aware of David’s birth. She provided a lot of answers to questions that Roscoe had been asking over the last month or so. How much money was in the bank account? Who was helping around the house? Who had enlisted and who was still in town?

: October 31, 1942 Envelope

: October 31, 1942, p. 1

: October 31, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Indiana
Oct 31-1942

Dear Daddy-

At last I received a letter from you saying you had the news about David – and the middle name is Anthony – I wrote all the details in a letter while I was in the hospital but just in case it was lost I will try and give you a brief resume .

My water broke at 11 P.M. – without any pain. I called Dr. Cole & he said to come to the hospital. I called Bob & then Dorothy – Clarice also went along. After we started I began having hard pains and Bob drove as fast as he could. We were on 4^th floor by midnight. David was born at 2:03 and I had ether as soon as they got me strapped down so didn’t know much about the pain at the last. I was just beginning to get very hard pains when they took me in to the delivery room (1:30) so you know I got thru in fine shape and of course no tears inside or out because the little fellow only weighed 6-11. I suffered more with my breasts than I did having him. I tried to nurse him and he kept losing weight – he went back to 6 lbs – and my breasts were well stimulated. They gave me stilbestrol and I had to take twice as much as I did the last time. Dr. C. made me stay in the hospital two weeks. When we came home David weighed 6-3 ¼ and now weighs almost 8 lbs and he will be 6 weeks old Wed (Nov. 4). When I left the hospital I sent for my bill and the nurse came in and said it had already been taken care of. We are feeding David Carnation, Dextri-Maltrose – orange juice & Oleum Per.

Everything here is going along pretty good now that I am able to be up and doing again. The furnace is O.K. So far the boys have been taking care of it with help from the neighbors now & then. Link has taken the clinkers out and Mr. Zell cleaned the soot & clinkers out once. I think the boys & I will be able to keep it in shape now. Joe got the storm windows put up and after the leaves all fall I will have the guttering cleaned. I think everything has been attended to. I had antifreeze put in the car & winter oil put in. I keep the tires checked. The bank acct. at present is around 700⁰⁰ that includes the birthday gift. I have paid the coal bill and of course ins. as it comes due. There are a few drug bills to pay but altogether they won’t amount to 100⁰⁰. I will pay those one day when I take a

[Written on side margin] Jim’s address is still Camp Bradford Norfolk but he is moving to another location so don’t know what it will be.

[page 2]notion. They don’t bother me much with statements maybe if they did I would pay them.

Tomorrow is my birthday. Mrs. P. sent me 5⁰⁰ and a gift to David (3⁰⁰). Dorothy Krull sent me a potted plant. Mother brought me a gift when she came in Sept and gave it to me then – a set of bowls. She is still here and I don’t know when she is going home. Nothing has been said about it lately. I tried to get help with housecleaning but “no go.” I will do it myself as I have time & feel like it. I am not going to make myself sick doing it however.

The boys (John & Mark) are taking Sherman oral vaccine. Maybe that will keep them from taking cold. John had a slight head cold when he started taking the pills & after two his cold was gone. He had a sneezing all thru hay fever tie. I was of the opinion he had some allergy.

If all my letters get to you, you will get all the local news because I tried to put all of interest in my letters. So many have gone into service – here is a list – Art Kenney – Paul Bruck, Kenny Jones, Emery J. Jr., Eddie Britton, Leo Yose, the two Mullen boys, the Myers twins (Al didn’t enlist). There are many others but I can’t think of them now. I think I told you Newell Lamb has the office. He was appointed Prosecuting Attorney due to the present one going to service. Clifford S. as you know is running for election on the Dem. Ticket. He didn’t do much with our collections. I saw A. Taylor yesterday & he gave me a check for 9⁰⁰. He said he thought that was all he owed. I told him I would send him an itemized statement. He said if I was right he would pay the rest.

I talk to Mrs. R. rather often. She calls me or I call her. I told her you hadn’t had news for a long time & didn’t know about the baby. Earl stopped there en route to an Army Camp in Pa. and she told him. He came to see me and was going to help me get word to you when I got your letter saying you at last had my V-mail letters. I sent several while I was in bed at home and in the hospital. I don’t believe you rec’d all. If you get my previous letters this will be a rehash.

I tried to call Mrs. Ash while in Laf. But didn’t get an answer. I haven’t talked to her since she saw me in the hospital. I didn’t write to Mrs. W. Sorry he had to go, because I know you enjoyed his company from your letters.

I rec’d two letters yesterday and six today which brings things pretty much up to date for me. Hope you get the Christmas boxes being sent. We sent one. I am sending another for your birthday but don’t know when you will get it.

Love
Mother & Boys

[written on side margin] I wrote yesterday explaining the radio-gram.

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/30/halloween-octo…31-1942-gladys/

October 30, 1942 (Roscoe)

2 Replies

I think this letter is about as sentimental as my grandfather would get. He actually mentioned the “L” word.

: October 30, 1942 Envelope

: October 30, 1942, p. 1

: October 30, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Oct. 30, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just wrote a letter to the Sykeses and I find that I’m practically out of paper. I’m going to write on both sides of this and hope none is cut out. In fact the censors are Drs. and don’t read each other’s mail only ask if there is anything that shouldn’t pass, and we are supposed to be smart enough not to put anything of a military nature in a letter.

We just bought a case of beer and are drinking it tropically warmed because the ice boxes are full of more essential things and it isn’t so bad. There is some coke around here but so far I haven’t seen any of it. I believe beer warm is better than Coke that hasn’t been cooled.

I just happened to think – you said Lucille was losing her girlish figure. Which Lucille – I must have missed part of your letters. With all those pregnant women I should be there but I’m not so there. That isn’t the reason I’d like to be there. My tent mate asked me the other day while I was writing a letter if I told you I loved you and I said “no” she knows that and really it isn’t necessary because you are well aware of that fact and know that it will always be that way. It’s not the beer that is affecting me because I’ve only had two bottles, and that won’t affect me that way. You know how much you are missed and I know that the same is true in this direction and that makes things easier, but when one goes to bed at night and thinks it really makes one yearn for home. And sooner or later will be there. So much for that.

No mail today so far – There are still wild rumors, but those can be false just like others we have had.

We got our news cast again last night as I told you and in about ½ hour it will be time again. I’m on duty and won’t be in my usual bunk tonite and am debating whether or not to take my mosquito netting along. Maybe I can cover up with the sheet. I hat those durn little dickens as you already know. My bed will be on springs tonight and that should be a treat at least something different – probably won’t be able to sleep at all.

Some of the boys from California claim that this weather here reminds them very much of theirs at home. Hot sun in the day time and cool at nights. There has only been one night to hot to sleep without a blanket, but this should compare to the last of May weather in the north.

[page 2] If I can get some more paper I’m going to write Ira D. again, but it’s very hard to write when one can’t give him news and views – Right now things in this locality, judging from filtering news, don’t seem so bad but things can change very rapidly.

Are you having any Halloween parties? I suppose (know) we won’t have much here. Hope no one pushes our back house over because we only have one. We can use coconuts for pumpkin faces. They might be a little harder to carve but more of a permanent nature. I’ve never been able to pick up one of those things but I have seen plenty of them growing – from the size of a pea to the regular size. I think they are gathered and the milk and inside used while green. There are supposed to be some bananas here some place but I haven’t seen them yet.

We had sauerkraut, wieners etc for evening chow and I asked for seconds and of course got them.

I’ll finish later maybe mail will crop up. No mail – got news in pretty good. Everything peace & quiet. Didn’t play bridge – just listened to news.

Well, I’ll try to get more paper and write better next time.

Love
Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/29/october-30-1942-roscoe/