Tag Archives: World War II

Your Vital Statistics (Roscoe)

: September 13, 1943 envelope

: September 13, 1943, p. 1

: September 13, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Sept. 13, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

Your air mail letters of Aug. 27 & 29 came yesterday and v-mail of 28. We really received mail about every day last week. It sure spoils us for now we expect lots maybe our good fortune will keep up.

Also got a letter from Ruth M. and one from Mom. Your letters are of course always most anxiously looked for and eagerly read and theirs comes next. They always praise you in their letters and that sure makes me feel good also. They tell me how well you are taking care of things and how capable you are – Of course I know that but it makes me proud that other people see it also.

I suppose you will have to have John slow down on his reading away from school. I know it will be hard for him but a few less magazines might be

[page 2] a help. I guess that will correct itself because if he has lots of headaches he will just have to read less. So Mark’s wound is healing OK. That is good – and D. is getting a mouth full of teeth. Now how about your weight and your feeling etc.? You never say much about yourself. You might let me in on your vital statistics.

This AM at breakfast we got a little news item that all the Taverns in Indiana were closed. We thought the announcer said taverns. Maybe that won’t be too hard on the poor people back there. Some of the better radios around here can get stations throughout the day but ours is only good in the evening.

Yes, Dear you guessed it. I must get to work and I’ve rambled enough – so solong 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/2015/02/07/your-vital-statistics-roscoe/

Birthday Letter (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
9-13-43

Dear Daddy – Yours of Aug. 26-29-30-Sept. 1-2 & 6 came and David’s birthday letter. I read it to David and he jabbered something I couldn’t translate. He is drooling again so must have more teeth coming in. I’ll put the $2⁰⁰ on another bond. Jim & Thelma got to come home again. Thelma is in T.H. today. Jim & Glenn are in Laf. at the hospital with Mother. Jim got 5 days again. Will be here tomorrow then start back. Mother was a little better yesterday so let the night nurse go – just had her two nights. Have supper ready waiting for Jim & Glenn to come. John is snuffing – Seems his allergy, hay fever, whatever it is, is worse this eve. He came home from school sneezing, nose itching. Mark is getting his vegetables ready to take to the 4-H exhibit at the fair this week. It is cloudy toady – won’t be dusty or hot for the fair this week. Have been so busy with everything here haven’t had much time to think of the fair – Jim & Glen are here now – They talked to Dr. Cole – He said he couldn’t give much encouragement about Mother’s condition. However she was pretty good today – Will go down Wed. if not called sooner – Mark is busy again baking a cake for the exhibit at the Fair. David is tucked in for the night and I am ready to go to bed too, a bit sleepy.

Love – Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/06/birthday-letter-gladys/

V-mail Was Better (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: 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)

1 Reply

: 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/

Glenn Returns (Gladys)

4 Replies

: September 11, 1943 envelope

: September 11, 1943, p. 1

: September 11, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

St. E. Hospital
Sept. 11, 1943.

Dear Daddy,

Writing from the hospital again. Glenn & family returned last night – got in just before Juanita & I returned from the hospital. Glenn, John & I came down today. John had an appointment with Dr. Van Buskirk and we spent some time in the clinic waiting. No seemed to be in a hurry. Alma had taken John with Jimmy two weeks ago and we had this appointment together too. We went to eat lunch and had a little time before our appointment so went out to Cole’s office but he was so busy we couldn’t see him – I will talk to him on the phone before going home. Mother seems better but is so weak & pale. I noticed Dr. Cole had two ampules of coramin of C on the dresser so I think he must be expecting another spell to come on like Mother had yesterday morning. I was afraid to leave her last night so got a special nurse to stay during the night. She said this morning she didn’t want her to stay tonight – she bothered her – but I am afraid she will have another spell and won’t be able to call a floor nurse. While in the Clinic I talk to McClelland about the X-Rays but he said Mother didn’t have enough barium to get good pictures & he couldn’t make a diagnosis from the X-Ray. There is a lot of fluid in the abdomen and he said that could be caused from a lot of things. However Cole says there is a mass in the abdomen – I am not a Dr. and I can feel it when I press on her abdomen.

Juanita & Pauline are holding forth today with Danny, Mark, David & James L. Juanita was going to pick tomatoes & makes catsup. Also help Mark dig potatoes. Just so they take care of the babies & do the necessary things – I don’t care about the extras.

[page 2] John has been “hacking” around with an irritating cough so had Van Buskirk look at his throat. He wanted to know if John had any allergies. I said he had day fever – he said this cough is an allergy condition and it wasn’t anything serious. I think I wrote you last year about this time that John would cough & sneeze every morning during hay fever time. He had been doing that some this year then the cough got more persistent and goes on thru the day. The Dr. listened to his chest – looked at his nose & throat. He gave me a prescription – bromides, but said John is on the jittery order & thought a good sedative was indicated. You know how jumpy John is about having anything done to him. Dr. Van kept telling him to relax when he was trying to look at his nose & throat.

This weather is still on the cold order. This is the first third of Sept. gone and as cool as we expect in Oct. Glen says it’s probably cold in Nev. now. He isn’t as bad as when they left to go to Penn., but says he will be glad to get back to the dry air in Nev.

John & Glenn are tired of sitting here in the room so are going to walk down the hall & mail this.

Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/03/glenn-returns-gladys/

Best Regards (Jim)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

James L. Foster, CSK
AREA B3-101 N.C.T.C.
CAMP PEARY
WILLIAMSBURG, VA
9 SEPT. 1943

Dear Jake –

Glad to get a letter so quick, think nothing of not answering my other letters. I was not sure just where I would be by this time, although I will no doubt be here for a few months, having trouble with my feet and legs.

Mothers’ case has us all very much on edge. She returned to the hospital this past week for a possible operation or ex-ray to try to correct her trouble. I am going home again Saturday to be with her while Glenn and his family are there, we will try to all be together once more altho I can not help believe she will fully recover.

Yes I have been wanting to get out but since I have developed this foot and leg trouble I am not so anxious to get out until I am fully recovered.

Jake, I can really appreciate your feelings towards your faithful wife, it did me good to read that in your letter, she is doing a grand job, I know her well, she is my sister.

Best Regards,
Jim

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/01/best-regards-jim/

Italy Surrenders (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: 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.

Ghost Town (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
9-9-43

Dear Daddy – Yours of Aug. 24 & 27 came today. It is very cool here. The heat has been on and we have to keep the house closed. I wanted to take D. out in the sun but it kept clouding up and the wind was so cool and my hands feel so awful when I get out of doors, I came in & put D. to bed. He didn’t get his nap out today and is just plain grouchy. I am hoping he will take another nap and be better. It is so unusual for him to be cross, but he has been taking one long nap a day and when it’s disturbed – too bad. Juanita is coming on the 4:25 in the morning so guess I have to meet her. I want to go back to the hospital tomorrow to see Mother & talk to the Dr. again – see if they have found anything to do for her. She looked awfully tired yesterday – I tried to buy meat today & got some at Morgans – tho Morgans are out of the store now & someone new runs it. Fords are closed this week & Bairs just have prepared meats. I’ll have meat in the locker but need some for week-end company before the new beef is ready. I pd. 52¢ lb. for tenderloin – 49¢ lb sirloin. I had three packages of meat & it cost me $2.35. I’ll have to use a meat stretcher. Also collect meat stamps from our guests to turn in on our locker meat. The store[s] are still closing on Thurs. P.M. Main street is so deserted on Thurs. & Sun. – John called it ghost town. Mark just came in from school.

Love Mother

The Eighth (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: 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)

X-Rays (Gladys)

2 Replies

: September 8, 1943 envelope

: September 8, 1943, p. 1

: September 8, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Sept. 8 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Aug. 25 rec’d today. If you remember you were discussing personalities and of course the last one was the best. Went to Laf. today to see Mother – also had a little shopping to do. I went with Mrs. Zell and didn’t try to go see Dr. Cole – I just called him from the hospital and he said they got an x-ray – in fact two – and says she has a bunch of gall stones besides an obstruction in the colon. Finally got barium to stay down – couldn’t give an enema – she couldn’t retain it long enough to get an x-ray. She was very tired from all the x-rays today – had one Mon. & another today. I intend to go back Fri. Juanita will be here and she can go along. I can’t go alone with David and now that school is in session can’t leave him with the boys. I took the taylor tot along today and didn’t have any trouble shopping. While in Loebs baby dept. saw Helen H. and her two. She said to tell you hello – she hears from Dan but he isn’t very hopeful about getting home soon. I think she is still living with Gertrude & Forrest.

[page 2] I saw Marie Steinbaugh in the hospital. She has to go and stay for x-ray treatments. She went yesterday and is coming home Sun. she looks fine. I wonder if the treatments are getting results. You know if you rec’d all my letters she had to have one breast removed in the spring or early summer and goes back every few days or weeks (not certain about the time) for treatments.

It is 9:30 – Just sent Mark up to bed. John is doing homework. We were listening to a bond drive program. The President talked & we wanted to hear him – after he finished John turned the radio off so he could study. We got home from Laf. just in time to feed David & put him to bed. I got him a new suit today. It is light blue, made in sailor fashion. It is very “cute” and has a cord with a whistle around the neck. That’s my birthday present for him. Also got a little gift for Mary McGee Arnott’s baby girl. I think about her and how much I appreciated things last year when David came. I think I rec’d more than 30 cards from friends & lots of your patients when I was in the hospital, besides all the gifts.

Mother rec’d a card from Ruth M. today with a dollar for flowers or anything needed. I took some flowers from my astors, etc., & Mrs. James sent her a potted plant. Mrs. Zell ordered flowers sent out in the morning – so I just put the dollar in Mother’s purse until some later date.

Love – Mother

P.S. my hands are better