Tag Archives: World War II

Another Day Without Mail (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 8, 1943 envelope

: June 8, 1943, p. 1

: June 8, 1943, p. 2-3

: June 8, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 8 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another day without any mail – Last Tues. a week ago we rec’d yours of May 17 & 18.

John has gone to the high school building to “swing band” practice. The K. of P. Lodge is sponsoring “same.” With his oboe, piano, lessons & two band practices he is quite busy. Mark is still on the resting list. He had company this afternoon – Buddy & Sammy W. I think he played too hard – he

[page 2] was seemed a little tired. He has a good appetite – I looked at his throat today and it seems to be healing. He said he didn’t see Dr. Cole when they took him into the operating room, and was wondering if Dr. Cole did the operating. I hold him he didn’t need to see him, but he was there. Dr. Mary Ade gave the anesthetic to the little girl in the next bed. I thot she had done the operating but the mother said Dr. Clippinger.

It has been raining again and cool too, but the sun set clear this evening so maybe it will be warmer & sunny tomorrow.

Bob Hope was given a program to the SeaBees at Camp Peary*. I wonder if Jim was there or if you were able to hear it.

Wed Morn – Well I got a letter this morning – the one written May 24. Still several en route – and the one with the $100⁰⁰ hasn’t arrived yet – Way back there May 17 you said the letter you mailed the day before (May 16) should get here quicker because of the way it was mailed – but you also added if the fellow kept it in his pocket it wouldn’t – It hasn’t arrived yet and this is June 9.

Tomorrow evening is Recital night at the library. John is to play two solos & one duet with Helen Hoover. Since Mark’s tonsillectomy he hasn’t done much

[page 4] of anything, but I want him to get well over it before trying to get any work or studying out of him. He is working on arithmetic and reading this summer.

I am a little tired today – John & I cleaned the basement yesterday and it was very dirty. After having such a long sinus infection in the winter I was afraid for a long time to do such a dusty job – but feel pretty good now and yesterday was the kind of a day to do basement work – I am going to try and get that partition around the furnace finished so we can keep the dirt in one place. Every time I clean up that coal dust, ashes, etc. I wish for oil – but won’t complain, I am glad we have such a good heating plant but as you said once, just a good old American gripe.

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner house, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, Indiana, June 1943

*Bob Hope performed at Camp Perry, Williamsburg, Virginia on June 8, 1943 for the Sea Bees Battalions. Bob Chester and his orchestra also played for the performance.

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/30/another-day-without-mail-gladys/

Finally Got Some Mail (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: June 8, 1943 envelope

: June 8, 1943, p. 1

: June 8, 1943, p. 2

: June 8, 1943, p. 3

: June 8, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

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

Dear Mother,

Finally got some mail from you – your air mail letters of May 15-16 and May 17, and v-mail of May 12, 21 and 22. The v-mail was latest but Geo and another fellow got air mail dated May 28 – somehow it just doesn’t seem I score as well as I used to, but I won’t complain as long as they keep coming, but as I advised write each every other time if possible to do so. Mark’s letter was in with yours of

[page 2] May 15 but John’s v-mail hasn’t arrived as yet.

The garden seen you sent is still on the way someplace and it might be like the package I sent you from Noumea. The seeds I did sow don’t seem to be doing to well. I think it’s too shady. That might be hard for you to understand but have you ever been in a cocoanut area? There is pretty much of an umbrella growth over head and try as you may there aren’t any areas but what are like that only on the beach and that

[page 3] is hardly the place for a garden. Your letters came late yesterday and I had a hard time getting them read. The interference I had wasn’t the same as yours but I believe more annoying but that’s the way things go, so what?

I don’t believe I would make Mark work any arithmetic out of his L. pad. Encourage him to read for pleasure and a good little problem once in a while involving some of the principles concerned would be OK, but don’t make

[page 4] it a burden for him in the summer time. The cornet idea is good and should be purchased for him if the money is there and maybe a few private lessons if the cash is available. That might help keep him in line as much as hard & cold arithmetic problems.

Lentz and a few of my former friends have been sent to New Zealand for a rest. That was some months ago. Hope they don’t do that to me. I’d rather go thru here and serve my time and then head for U.S.A.

Well, that about takes care of the present –

Love Daddy

A new runway, Russell Islands, 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/29/finally-got-some-mail-roscoe/

Strawberry preserves (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
6-8-43

Dear Daddy – First will mention Father’s Day which comes on the 20^th of this month, but I suppose you won’t get this till much later. I have thought about Father’s Day several times but haven’t mentioned before. I haven’t had any mail for a week, but keep looking. John is mowing the lawn – David is in his buggy looking on & Mark is supposed to be watching David. I think his throat is healing nicely from the tonsillectomy because he can still make the machine gun noise. He is still on the recuperating list and John has to do most of the work. Mark dries dishes but that is all. It is warmer but not hot yet. After the hard rain Sunday it turned very cool. I bought a case of strawberries yesterday – put 12 qts in the locker. Make 12 pts of preserve and we ate the rest. They weren’t very good and the price is twice as high as last years. Local crops aren’t very promising this year. I got spinach, lettuce & radish from our garden for dinner. Our potatoes are growing good, as well as everything else. I think most farmers got their corn in last week. The corn field north of us seems to be lying idle this year. So far it has been plowed but not planted.

Love – Mother

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/28/strawberry-preserves-gladys/

Another Lazy Sunday (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 6, 1943 envelope

: June 6, 1943, p. 1

: June 6, 1943, p. 2

: June 6, 1943, p. 3

: June 6, 1943, p. 4

: June 6, 1943, p. 5

: June 6, 1943, p. 6

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 6 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another lazy Sunday afternoon. It is inclined to cloud up at intervals and very close & hot. Had David in the buggy but he got tired – the buggy hampers his style too much so put him in his pen. So far the mosquitos haven’t bitten him but they are awfully thick out in the yard around the shrubbery. We have not been bothered much with flies in the house, but every time any one sees a fly we go after it like it is a dragon “or something – “ but as far as the baby is concerned a fly can be as dangerous. The last of the week it was so hot he broke out around his neck and shoulders with heat, but it is better now, and it’s getting hot again.

Mark is coming along nicely from his tonsillectomy. He seems to be hungry all the time – hope that

[page 2] is a good sign. He is so anxious to gain and get big muscles. I should get some myself from the work I do in the garden & flower beds but so far haven’t noticed any.

There is an item in the paper about getting new telephone rates (higher). Our phone has been going dead ever so often. The service man was here one day but it has been out a time or two since then – so we wondered what we would be getting higher rates for, but I suppose it costs the co. more to operate now.

–a pause—went over to Zell’s & fed their chickens – They are away for the day – The chickens are ready for market, but I don’t want many at the present price – however they aren’t as expensive as steak. The ceiling on chickens to dealers – and that is what they would charge me – being a neighbor is .35¢ – I sent to town for sirloin steak yesterday – it was .45¢ a lb. I didn’t want to drive to Sheldon so thought I would try “store meat” once again – It was good enough but not as tender I thought as what we have had.

[page 3] The last quarter of beef I got was cut into roasts & boiling meat mostly so we are out of steaks at present. I ordered another quarter put in the locker – but Brands can only by a limited amount now and I have to wait my turn. Parttens will have a beef ready for fall, but we will need some before theirs are ready. We will have plenty of coupons – with five books. We have plenty for canned goods too. I want to can beans, carrots & tomatoes this summer. The first carrots I sowed are up and I am going to put in more.

Bobby Funk is here – Bill and Arlene left in their car – We heard Bobby crying very loudly – Mark and I were pushing the carriage trying to get David to sleep and Bobby came out – Betty Muscleman [Musselman] came out after him – we told her we would take care of him – since she had to stay with Donnie. Mark is working on a model airplane and Bobby is admiring him very much. Bobby said, “My Daddy is teaching my mommy how to drive, ha! ha!”

That little ha ha he sometimes

[page 4] adds to his sentences sounds like he means more than I know he can.

Joe Bill Mullen has been commissioned a second Lt. at Field Artillery Officers Candidate School at Ft. Sills, Oka. That is where Emmett Miller is stationed. He rec’d a promotion to Capt. Some time ago. Eddie Steinbach is now a second Lt. in the Medical Administration Corps, Camp Barkley, Texas. Pat Mullen is a corporal now – he has a N.Y. address.

There is a new Auto Ins. law – anyone operating a car has to carry $11,000 liability – July 1 – our policy expires in Aug but will have to see about it to make sure we are carrying the correct amt.

Mark just got caught in the closet – the door knob doesn’t turn from the inside – Bobby let him out. John was listening to a musical program but it was so noisy with static I insisted he turn it off – so he went upstairs.

Love Mother

[page 5] Since finishing the letters I started this afternoon had callers, Mrs. Roberts & her children and one of Earl’s. She hadn’t had any recent word from Joe but he isn’t in Noumea now. She doesn’t know where he is. I told her my mail had been slow this week too. She said Joe had written you a note and thought you should have it quite some time ago.

The threatening rain finally came and what a rain. It came down in sheets for a few minutes. It has stopped now but the radio is still noisy and there is thunder. The noise on the radio was more than I cared to listen to so the boys are in their bedroom listening. David of course is asleep – He goes to bed following his 6 P.M. feeding.

–Monday—It turned very cool during the night, following the hard rain. It has been cloudy all day but begins to look like it is clearing away. We have the Bendix going now with David’s clothes.

[page 6] No mail again today – This makes a week without mail – Probably will get a bunch when it does come. David pulled himself up to his feet in his pen this morning. He is in his pen how with one foot sticking out on the floor. Margaret Kruman asked me to give Bud a hypo Wed. She wants to go away for the day and couldn’t find anyone. Since I have given myself shots, I suppose she thought I could give one to Bud. – Well, I’ll try.

Mark is in the baking mood and is mixing a cake now. I think he is coming along nicely from his tonsillectomy. It’s time to get David’s dinner ready so must open a can or two of vegetables.

Love Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, Indiana, June 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/27/another-lazy-sunday-gladys/

Rat Trap for the Chaplin (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: June 7, 1943 envelope

: June 7, 1943, p. 1

: June 7, 1943, p. 2

: June 7, 1943, p. 3

: June 7, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

June 7, 1943
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Here it is 0845 and I have my morning chores all done and my weeks laundry all on the line drying – with good prospects of them being dry in pretty short order because the sun is shining nicely.

Last night at 2400 I was awakened by a messenger calling one of my “cell” mates to go on guard. Then I for some reason wasn’t able to go back to sleep so I began thinking of what I might write

[page 2] you out of the ordinary and try as I might no subject would come so you see even after concentrated effort I’m unable to do any better and I hope you will understand. This subject matter of weather and laundry is a bore even to me as I write it so often.

I’m certain now that v-mail is faster than air mail and you might say make up your mind but things change so to be on the safe side why don’t you make them half and half? And then they there will be no doubt.

By the way of repeating – about

[page 3] one month ago I sent two checks one for 150 and one for 100 – the uniform money and then a few days later one for 32⁶⁰ for your travel. All were in separate letters and the first was unsigned which I forgot to do but you should have no trouble if Ed Barce had your power of att. fixed correctly.

I must go see Chappie today as he is having no results with his rat trap. He claims there are dozens in his tent every night – so we went into details on how to build one but so far no luck in catching them. I stopped by last evening

[page 4] and he had it all wrong according to my way of thinking so I’m going to suggest drastic changes. I’ll let you know the results later – you know the old saying “If you build a better rat trap the world will beat a path to your door.” Well visualize if you can a path thru cocoanut trees and other obstacles ad infinitum. But why worry about that because the improved version will probably not be so hot either?

Well, I’ve mixed rat traps, laundry, insomnia, mail and finances into one letter – hope you can wade thru without holding your nose or getting in over your boot tops –

Love Daddy

Photograph likely from the Russell Islands when Roscoe was stationed there in 1943

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/26/rat-trap-for-the-chaplin-roscoe/

A dentist arrives (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: June 6, 1943 envelope

: June 6, 1943, p. 1

: June 6, 1943, p. 2

: June 6, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

6/6/43
Lieut R.S.Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Yesterday one of our old group from Noumea came into camp. One of the dentists that was there while we were there – So it was just like a homecoming. Had lots to talk about for he had seen many of our group coming and going and a few for one reason or another were back in the U.S.A. but only a very few. We of course know nothing of the length of the tour of duty but we have hopes. We had a little party for him last night

[page 2] onion sandwitches and sardines. Of course I don’t believe he appreciated them so much since he just came from civilized Noumea. If you want to call it that.

Today is Sunday and time for a letter to the folks. I’ll have a little to write because two letters both v-mail came from them and also the box of chewing gum etc. It always helps to have a thread to use as subject matter for a letter.

One of these days I’ll break down and write the boys again

[page 3] but paper and stamps have been a little hard to get. And of course all envelopes are stuck when they get here and after tearing them open the mucilage is no good and mucilage in bottles out here is about as unheard of as numerous other things one could mention.

I see the mess boy coming to clean out the tent so had better give way because it looks pretty messy this A.M.

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/25/a-dentist-arrives-roscoe/

No thoughts came (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: June 5, 1943 envelope

: June 5, 1943, p. 1

: June 5, 1943, p. 2

: June 5, 1943, p. 3

: June 5, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

June 5, 1943
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60, F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Up to now I’ve sat here about 5 min. and no thoughts came so maybe with a line for stimulation I’ll get an idea or two. I’ve written so often of our weaknesses such as sardines onions and the likes of such that to dwell on it more would be very boring indeed, but in passing we still do those things.

Yesterday evening late, I got a letter from Mr. Healy and that he said was the second letter he had written – also got a letter from Hicky Reinhart

[page 2] and again our letters passed on the way – maybe after a time we will be able to correspond regularily. Mr. Healy said he missed me coming in the back of the drug store – wonder if he thinks I miss coming in.

Yesterday morning a letter came from Mom. A v-mail dated May 18 which wasn’t bad. She said she had gotten a letter from you and everything was OK but I’d rather get the letters direct. Probably some will come along in a few days.

I see the Chaplin coming this

[page 3] way – don’t know what I’ve done now – no he turned to port and is headed for the head. He is a swell gent and is well liked by all the men and officers. I think he would like to move back to our tent and use his for the library and his office – I don’t mind because he is regular and there is no restraint.

Commander Frericks got two fruit cakes yesterday. They were sent in Dec. as a Christmas present. Strange as it may seem they were really good. Nice and moist – That’s what I call Christmas in June. Some

[page 4] fellows get packages just as nice as the day they were sent but most of mine have been battered and banged into many shapes.

True to the good old Navy custom we had beans for breakfast and also have inspection and that always means I have to tag along as a part of the inspection party which is tiresome before it’s finished.

Well, I did get some written, after a poor start, but and one might say – poor all the way thru –

Lots of Love
Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/24/no-thoghts-came-roscoe/

Ice Cream (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 5, 1943 envelope

: June 5, 1943, p. 1

: June 5, 1943, p. 2

: June 5, 1943, p. 3

: June 5, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 5 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another day without any mail – If I hadn’t rec’d two Tuesday this would have been a blank week as far as mail is concerned.

Brought Mark home yesterday – He feels pretty good today. Dr. Cole said to have him chew aspergum. There was a box here that had come for you, so we are getting it used up. When it came I didn’t know what to do with it, so just kept it. Mark wanted to chew it but I told him it was for people needing relief from pain

[page 2] so now he has a good opportunity to try it out. He has the living room full of airplanes to build, comic books and what not. Zells said they were going to bring us a fry. He though he wanted it today but we had hamburger and he couldn’t swallow it so well, but ate peas, bread & butter. He now wants ice cream so when I finish this, John is going to town to get him a cone. That is the only way we can buy ice cream (except at Boones). Commercial ice cream can’t be sold only in containers. The drug stores & restaurants can sell ices in quantities but not cream.

The latest canned goods to be on the ration list is milk, but I think I’ll keep David on canned milk thru the summer. We can now buy homogenized milk here and when I change him over, think I’ll use that.

John and I had to work in the garden a while this afternoon,

[page 3] then we had a shower and had to come in. It was time to feed David – We got rid of a lot of weeds. John thought we should have arranged the tonsillectomy so it wouldn’t interfere with Mark’s garden work. We have spinach, lettuce, onions & radish ready to use. Our carrots are coming along nicely as well as the peas & potatoes.

Mary Largent finally had an appendectomy. She has been having attacks for some time. She is home from the hospital. I forgot to mention it before.

It isn’t so hot today. It has been cloudy and cooler, but the sun is shining again and Mother is sitting out in the yard with David. I hate for him to miss a day in the sunshine. He is so nicely tanned I want to keep him that way. He certainly enjoys being out of doors.

[page 4] John is reading the funny books Mark got and I can’t get much work done when he lapses into a funny book, but he has done quite a lot already today. He has done most of the work around here so far, because he has done the lawn all alone and now helps in the garden.

Catherine Tilton has had another operation on her arm. She and her Mother, and I suppose Libby too are living with Geo in the Barr house, Geo bought. The Barces have rented their home and moved to Fowler with Mrs. Harrington. Hilda was working at the factory but quit. Said they couldn’t meet expenses on their income. Mrs. Dieter was with Francie, coming home when they had an accident. Mrs. D. sustained a broken leg. They were in St. E. with her Thurs. evening getting an X-ray and cast put on. I saw Mary & one of her brothers in the lobby. Mary said they were going to put on a walking cast, so she won’t have to stay in bed. About out of paper so will sign off –

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, Kentland, Indiana, June 1943

Chewing Gum (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: June 4, 1943 envelope

: June 4, 1943, p. 1

: June 4, 1943, p. 2

: June 4, 1943, p. 3

: June 4, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

June 4
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Yesterday P.M. a box came from Mom. It had chewing gum, a can of peanuts and some lifesavers. It was in a tin box with no wrapper and just my name and Noumea address but no stamps or indication of postmarks. It looked as if someone might have brought it but it came in the mail. The content was in A-1 condition.

The mail in general is not very good and I’m not sure it it’s

[page 2] v-mail, air mail or why anyway write a few of each.

I just stopped long enough to write a letter to Dr. Porterfield. It had been some time since his last letter came and I just got the urge all at once.

Was invited out for noon day chow yesterday – Had roast beef and then at home we had roast beef again so I was pretty lucky all around. You will note I’m back on the eating again. Which next to the weather is a good topic to write about.

Yesterday while reclining on the bunk I saw a huge lizard about 8 in long on one of the rafters.

[page 3] I pointed it out to my new tent mate and he was rather disturbed. He wanted to kill it right there and the only thing he could find was a spade but since the thing was so fat he was afraid it would “squish” all over on to his bunk. So after much deliberation I chased it higher with our fly spray and so far as I know he is still squirming around over head. I felt something cold hit me last night while sleeping in the raw but I’m not sure if it was a lizard or what. I just brushed my hand over

[page 4] the spot, rolled over and went back to sleep.

I see we have a small leak around my chewing gum patch so will have to get another patch fixed up.

Last night Commander Fredricks, Geo and I had onion and sardine sandwiches. Two or three sardines between a couple slices of onion. That was the night cap. It really is amusing the way we go after those things.

Well, hope your mail is getting there more regular as to mine I’ve almost given up –
Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

Brave Little Boy (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 4, 1943 envelope

: June 4, 1943, p. 1

: June 4, 1943, p. 2

: June 4, 1943, p. 3

: June 4, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
June 4, 1943

Dear Daddy –

No letters today – in fact none since Tues. when I rec’d yours of May 17 & 18 – but probably will get a lot at once. The 100⁰⁰ ck hasn’t come yet but likely will come with the rest of the delayed mail.

I am going to get Mark this afternoon. He got along fine, so with proper rest when he gets home should be in good shape soon. As I told you before the adnoid wasn’t bad but tonsils were. He was a brave little boy thru it all and didn’t cry or act up like the little girl in the next bed did. Last night or rather evening at 5 – when

[page 2] I left he was trying to eat ice cream. I told him he would feel much better today and could eat.

I was very tired when I came home last night and still feel tired today but I think after another good night’s rest I’ll be rested up.

Mother has David out in the front yard in the sun. He is so full of pep – I wish I had some of it. He woke me at 6:30 this morning by pounding on the head of his bed. His two new teeth show up good now. I have to get him a new pr. of shoes – but his aren’t rationed. His ration tickets give us an extra in case someone should need it.

I promised Mark yesterday I would get him a new slack suit, so will have to go shopping before I go to the hospital.

[page 3] I wrote your Mother about his trip to the hospital, several days ago, so he rec’d a card from her today. She sent John a card when he was supposed to have measles & didn’t – but she didn’t send Mark a card when he had measles and didn’t like that very well, so she was careful to correct her error this time.

John is helping Zells out today. He is mowing their lawn. Mr. Zell has been [helping] farmers run tractors and with his own garden doesn’t have time to do his mowing. John will be kept pretty busy – our garden will have to be worked – our peas are blooming – spinach, lettuce & radish ready to eat – The potatoes are coming along fine – also the carrots & onions. We planted corn & beans Sat. & the beans are up.

[page 4] Mrs. James said she was trying to clean house and Bobby is there on his tricycle & he and Jimmy keep fighting so Mrs. J. isn’t getting much done but refereeing. I have to mix formula – Have the water boiled and bottles washed, so must go boil bottles & mix things. Lucile is going with me today and we are to leave at 1 P.M., so I will have to get busy. Oh yes – Dr. Holliday had a patient in Pediatrics yesterday – Had an emergency operation. I must quit writing & get busy with things around here.

Love Mother