Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert
Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O.
San Francisco
Saturday 20 December
1944, 9:40 PM
Dearest Eleanor,
I was sure I
would get some more mail, but nothing materialized. So all I can tell you is the same thing over
and over again.
We had an
inspection of the personnel and the ship.
I went around with the captain and it was past 11:00 AM before were
through inspecting.
After lunch I
had a couple of patients appointed so I did a little work. Then I censored some mail. We've had three new ensigns due on board for
quite some time. They finally arrived.
Orders for the men they are to relieve aren't in yet so our officers'
quarters are slightly cramped. We have
one in our room and one each in two of the other rooms. I knew I should have gotten rid of that upper
bunk some dark night (just kidding).
He's a nice chap, there is plenty of room and besides someone will leave
and make more space again.
Before dinner
I showered and changed. After eating I
joined a few officers for a little chat up on the bridge. The movie tonight wasn't entertaining but
still an intensely interesting picture.
Title "The Master Race."
The featured players were all new to me except Ana Masson. It's a story of a liberated village in
Belgium, occupied by American troops until the end of the European War (wish
that was a reality already). See it if
you haven't yet.
No more
scuttlebutt today. Just another day,
quiet and peaceful. Hard to believe that
men are fighting just a few hundred miles away.
Something big is in the offing, but what actually happens will be told
to you almost as soon as we'll know out here.
Sweetheart, tomorrow
night is New Year's Eve and we are so far apart. Do you remember how busy and festive past
years were between Xmas and New Years?
Believe me darling, we should count our blessings. Though I am so far
away from all those I hold so dear, in my heart you are all with me. I know that in your hearts I am with
you. It just must be that 1945 will see
the end of all such senseless separations and that peace and love will once
more be a reality throughout this battle scarred world.
But enough of
that dear. It is almost ten and lights
out. You see I write at the desk in my
office and all lights except in a few officers rooms (including mine) go out at
ten. There is a regulation blackout here
at that time.
Goodnight my
Sweet, I'm going to dream of you, our girls, and home tonight
Your impatient
Gil
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