Civilian First Class

Lieut.  Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Monday 9 July 1945, 6:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey, here I am again.  For a change today, I was busier than ever.  I worked form 8:15 till 11:30 and then went to lunch.  After chow I had a one and one-thirty appointment and secured at 2:00 PM.

          I got word that a ship was leaving for the states and had some recreational gear to dispose of.  I took a boat over there and got about $200 worth of equipment for nothing.  I'll never know why they gave me the stuff and didn't want any money. But I didn't ask questions.  We are only allowed $200 a year by the Navy and have to make up the difference from ship store profits.  So the skipper and everyone else concerned are tickled pink to get the stuff.  We got six tennis racquets, baseball gloves mitts, and bases, checkers and boards, etc.  Not bad, eh.

          I got all the stuff back aboard and stowed by 5:00 PM.  Then I had my hair cut, showered and dressed for dinner.

          This month's ALNAV is out and from the way it reads the promotion period will be extended to eighteen months beginning next month.  They aren't stopping promotions but they are dragging it out so that they might just as well.  I know I'll never make Lieutenant Commander and don't want to.  Civilian first class is okay with me.

          I got three letters today postmarked July 2 and that isn't bad.  Don't you worry about when I get home.  No one will horn in on our honeymoon, least of all your sister Ruth.           I do hope Norma gets over her indisposition soon because I know how upsetting her being sick can be.  Did you take her to the doctor's as I suggested?

          Dick's carrying on is disgusting.  It is no wonder he has been sick so much and he'll be lucky if he doesn't run into any more trouble.

          I enjoyed those pictures you sent especially those of the kids.  Keep on trying. Maybe soon I'll get a snap of the Eleanor I used to know with a real smile on her face.

          Our movie tonight is "The Clock" with Judy Garland.  I hope it's good.

          I'm writing letters to both mothers and Ruth so I've got enough to do for tonight.  Goodnight, my Sweet, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Kids in Cowgirl Outfits

Officially a Lieutenant

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Saturday 16 June 1945, 10:50 PM

My Dearest,

          Hello Darling, tomorrow I will officially be a lieutenant with pay and allowances as of June 1.  The ALNAV finally came through and I took my physical this afternoon.  As of now you can drop the (j.g.) from my address.

          Today was just the usual Saturday morning with plenty of work and cleaning to prepare for captain's inspection.  This morning I had a slight rawness of my throat so I've been taking sulphadiazine.  I feel 4.0 tonight.  I've learned that preventative treatment is much better than waiting until my throat gets sore.  I've not had a sore throat since I left the United States.

          This afternoon I censored mail, attended to some welfare work and then read "Saratoga Trunk" for awhile.  Then I showered and dressed for dinner.  After chow a dental officer reporting to one of the other ships here came aboard looking for information and transportation.  I arranged for a message to be sent to his ship and fixed him up with a bunk for tonight.  Then we went to the movies to see "Santa Fe Trails" with Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland.  It was so old it was new again.  It's a story about John Brown and his fight to free the slaves, remember?

          If I were home tomorrow we would go out and celebrate my promotion, but as it is I'll probably stay aboard.  However I'm planning to go ashore on Monday and bend the elbow a few times.

          No more for now so goodnight my darling until tomorrow.

Yours always,

Gil

Promotion to Lieutenant

Result of Physical 

Newspaper Article

Officially I'll Be A Lieutenant Tomorrow

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Thursday 14 June 1945, 7:20 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey how is my favorite wife tonight?  I was plenty high when I wrote last night and I do hope you'll forgive me.

          Today was a busy one beginning with a tough extraction and keeping me hopping right along right through the afternoon.  However I was through by 3:15 and went up to my room.  Censored some mail and began another story.  I'm reading "Saratoga Trunk" by Edna Ferber and I think I'll like it.

          There is still no mail so I suppose when it does come I'll hit the jackpot.  Still no ALNAV, so the communications officer went over to another ship where it has already been received to get a copy.  A few days one way or the other don't really matter as my pay increase is still from June 1.  However officially I should be a lieutenant tomorrow.

          We have another excellent movie tonight.  It is "Lost Angel" with Margaret O'Brien.  We've really been lucky in the quality of our movies lately.  I do hope it keeps up.

          Our exec is going home on emergency leave tomorrow.  His mother is very ill.  I do hope he gets home in time.  Dan Graves left for the states yesterday.  He got his orders two months after Ivan Cox who is still waiting on his relief.  When my orders do get here, I hope I won't have to sit around and wait a long time for my relief.

          There isn't much more to tell so I'll say goodnight to my own darling wife.  Gosh but I wish the next few months were behind me. "Nite, nite," Sweet.  I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Smoking a Cigar

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Wednesday 13 June 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello my Darling, here is that guy again.  At present I'm smoking a cigar so draw your own conclusions.

          At 8:00 AM three of us shoved off for town. Each had with a particular errand.  I had the job of lining up a USO show. Though I got nothing definite I did get a promise for next week.  So I'll have to check up on it later.  We got back at noon just in time for lunch.

          After chow, just to make a day of it, I joined a group going over to the club for a few drinks and now you can see the results.  We got back at 6:00 and had a late dinner at 6:30.  Someone gave me a cigar.  Who I don't know but I'm smoking it anyway.

          When I returned, I had expected some mail. No luck.  Hope tomorrow does better by me.

          The movie tonight is Bob Hope in "My Favorite Blonde."  I think I've seen it before but hope it will be just as good a second time.

          We still don't have a copy of that particular ALVAV but I know it's out and the communications officer promised to have a copy for the old man (captain) tomorrow.  Then I'll be a lieutenant officially.

          Nothing more for now so I'd better sign off before I say something foolish.  "Nite-nite" my Sweet. I'll do better tomorrow night.

Love,

Gil

Gil in front of Officers' Club

I Made Lieutenant

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Monday 11 June 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Greetings.  Although our ship hasn't received the ALNAV, others have. I did make lieutenant this month after all.  The communications officer will pick up all past messages on Wednesday so I'll have to wait until then before it becomes official.

          Spent my usual busy morning examining and filling teeth.  After lunch I had my books audited.  Then I took a boat over to another ship in an attempt to run down some USO shows that are touring out here. Wednesday morning, I'll run into town and make final arrangements.

          The mail today consisted of two letters from you and one from Libby.  Even though we are considerably further from the states we still get seven day service.  All the letters were postmarked the 4th and yesterdays were through the 3rd.

          Somebody had a good idea about souvenirs from out here which I intend to follow up on.  He bought about $20 in unused stamps of different denominations.  They can easily be sold in the states at twice face value.  Also coins and a few bills will be added to my collection.  I already have quite a bit of the Japanese invasion money that is used here.  So all in all I'll have something to show that I was here.  Okay don't get excited.  I still intend to buy something for you and the kids.

          Now to your mail.  I'm sure glad Norma is OK.  I was a wee bit worried about her.  So Dick is in the "dog house" at camp. In spite of Ruth, soft jobs certainly won't be passed out to him.   It serves Ruth right for standing in the way.  She ought to lighten up for a change.

          I don't believe Sol's ship will go to Manila, but rather come here.  I'll keep a weather eye out for him.  It would be nice if Dave did make sergeant. Who knows?  Funnier things have happened.

          There you go again.  $4 to the Junior Hadassah.  Even if Mrs. G. did ask you, you could have said no.  Those $4 items here and there add up.  You've no business throwing money around especially if you don't intend to go to their meetings.  Do I have to chide you all the time or must I put you on an allowance a la Goodfriend.

          I don't have Vic's and Simmie's addresses but I've already written you for them so I guess they'll get here in a couple of days.

          I'm almost certain to be home by Xmas.  As a matter of fact I'd even bet money.  You know how sure I am when I bet.

          How about making up a small package of dime store cosmetics i.e. lipsticks and small vials of perfume.  Pack them in a cigar box or some such wooden container so they'll arrive safely.  I'd also like some glassine envelopes for keeping the stamps I'm going to buy.  See now, you've got another package to send me.

          We have a 4.0 movie tonight.  "The Picture of Dorian Gray."  I'll have to hurry if I want to get a good seat.

          Goodnight Sweet and no matter what I say I still love you.

Devotedly,

Gil

Vessels in Leyte Gulf

Went to Hospital Ship

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Sunday 10 June 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Darling here I am again.  I began the day by examining members of the crew from 8:30 to 9:30.  Then I got a boat and went over to the hospital ship to visit Jim Lyons.  He is the officer who fell through an open hatch.  He was in the operating room. After waiting for thirty minutes I was told that it would be another hour before he was out.  In as much as I had a boat lying off and waiting, I decided to leave and come back again in a day or so.  Got back just in time for lunch.

          After chow I came down to my office and found nine letters.  There were six from you, one of "I" Bergman and one each from our mothers.  I spent this afternoon getting my wardroom statement for May completed.  Then I read for awhile.

          Now to your letters.  Didn't I comment about my wife when I wrote about the snaps?  How does she look?  Lady you'll never know how good those snaps looked to me and how many times I bring out my album and thumb through the pages and dream of days to come.  You look swell and not too fat.  Or were you holding your tummy in?

          I'd like our kids to have skates.  If we get them slow pairs to learn on, they should never exhibit anything more than a few black and blue marks.

          Naturally when I get orders, I'll try to get a ship headed for San Pedro but that is just a matter of luck.

          See you got a couple more days of teaching.  Guess there won't be many more since summer vacation will be here.

          You mention Norma's eye and hand being swollen but said nothing definite.  I do hope it was just an insect bite and she's over it.  She's had enough for awhile and so have you.

          Nothing yet about my promotion and frankly I'm not looking for it this month anymore.  However an ALNAV may come out and surprise me so we'll just have to wait and see.

          I like you idea about celebrating all the holiday and occasions that I missed.  Just think--Xmas 44, New Years, my birthday, Linda's birthday and Norma's too, 4th of July, our anniversary.  I shan't go any further.  Maybe we'll be lucky to celebrate the remaining holidays of the year on time.

          We have another old movie tonight but like "Old Faithful" I never miss.  This time it's "The Song of the Bernadette."

          Well Darling that is thirty for tonight.  Goodnight my Sweet.  I hope you're over your gas and bilious attacks soon and for good.

Loving you always,

Gil

Got Scotch Wiskey

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Friday, 8 June 1943, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, here I am again and this time just a wee bit tight. 

          I've begun re-examining the crew and checked twenty men this morning. Then I worked until 11:30 and secured for the day.

          After lunch I joined a party of officers going ashore.  We had a swell afternoon.  For the first time since I left the states, I was able to get scotch whiskey.  We all drank plenty of it.  We got back at 6:30 just in time for a late dinner.

          After dinner I went down to my office and found three letters from you, one from Libby and one from Mary Regan.  When I finished reading them it was time for the movies so I shoved off.  The picture wasn't too good.  It was "Leave it to Blondie" but there were two good short subjects with it, one a Leon Errol comedy and the other a travelogue about Cuba.

          Now your mail.  One was an oldie of 8 May and the others were of the 30th and 31st of May.  Looks like my wife is still trying to teach those brats and they just won't learn.  Oh, well!  No dear I'm not at Okinawa so quit worrying.

          Parkus is a lot of bull.  I know because I did business with him. If Foreman and Gordon are his busiest dentists then he must be slipping.  Nothing more to say.  I think I'd better turn in.

          Goodnight darling.  I'll try to do better tomorrow night for I do love you.

Devotedly,

Gil

P.S.    No ALNAV as yet but scuttlebutt persists that I'll make lieutenant this month after all.

Promotions

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Thursday  5 June 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey, here I am again.  Nothing exciting today.  Worked all morning and though I could have gone on liberty this afternoon, I didn't.  Instead I finished another one of the gadgets.  Now Linda's and Norma's are finished but what I'm making for you isn't.  I should finish up this week and I'll send a box of stuff home.

          Late this afternoon I censored a stack of mail and just as I finished I received two letters from you and one from Herman Stein.  Your letters were old ones and rather short so there is little to comment on.  I read over the clipping about the $2,500 fine against the Ocean Park Boxing Arena. The story isn't all there, so I couldn't tell what it was all about.

          We had a pretty good movie tonight, "Dangerous Passage," with unknown leads but still a good picture.  However it isn't your type so don't bother seeing it.  It's an adventure story with murder, shipwreck and grand larceny all in one.

          The promotion ALNAV is not out yet but there is scuttlebutt out that from now on promotions will be few and far between.  From what I could learn the Navy is reverting to the plan the Army used early in the war.  If a ship calls for a j.g. or a limit in a certain job, an officer cannot be promoted past that rank unless he gets a change of duty.  However I'll wait and see what it's all about.  If it is so, I may get a change of duty sudden-like. If I don't I'll write in asking for one.  In the meantime keep your fingers crossed.

          No more for now Sweet, so I'll sign off.  Love and kisses to you and our girls.

Yours forever,

Gil

What Budget?

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Friday June 1, 1945, 4:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          This morning I hit the jackpot.  I got thirteen letters, eight from you, two from Deb, and one each from Libby, your mother and mine.  However, I was busy all morning.  It was noon before I had a chance to read any of them.

          Now to your letters.  They were all written prior to the one I received Tuesday and cover the 15th to 18th inclusive.  I'm glad that Norma is about over her illness and pray that Linda will escape catching it.

          You didn't draw down too pleasant a teaching assignment this time, did you?  Oh well, the school year is about over and every dollar helps towards balancing the budget.  Don't ask me "what budget?"

          Sure wish I had a camera of my own.  This is a swell place for taking pictures.  Send on any film that you can get and I'll borrow a camera.  Even some 116 film will do.

          Sorry dear but even out here we don't have all the pens we need.  I only got the Sheaffer through some pull.  Besides $6.50 is too much for a gift.  Remember please, my total income is only $300 per month.  Take it easy we'll need plenty of surplus when I discard my blues and set up in practice again.  What do you want me to do? Put you on a budget like someone else we know?  Sorry to say it but you don't seem to realize that you're spending too much and expensive gifts are one place to cut down.

          Talking about candy and diets.  You know I have practically all the "vitamin pills" you sent me and also the salt water taffy from my mom.  I seldom eat any sweets though I do drink a coke two or three times a week.

          I'm glad you found my fountain pen.  I know it wasn't a very good one but they are hard to get.

          It's hard for me to understand anyone saying "gosh it's nice and hot."  If I never see hot weather again, I'll be satisfied.  At this moment the back of my shirt is soaked with perspiration.

          I've had my say on the fur coat dear.  However, if you've still got your heart set on it, you can have $100 cash for our anniversary.  My reserve is down to $275 now and I'd like to keep it around $300.  One never can tell when he'll need money in a hurry.

          Your mention of Monskey reminds me of an article in the April 7 Colliers called "Repelled and Miami Beachhead." Special mention is made of it in the B'nai B'rith Bulletin.

          When you get your budget worked out I'd like to see it.  I know things are high but still you're spending over $300 a month means that you're spending as much as before I got into the Navy.  How do I figure it?  Well we ran $500 a month then including payments on the house which you aren't making now.  Then we spent no more than $150 on amusement together so you figure it out.  I hate to harp on money but I'm getting a little worried when you say than soon there won't be any surplus.  Remember I have about $100 a month for insurance, too and there'll have to be a surplus to pay that until I get rolling again.  Don't tell me we have bonds. Those are savings and should stay so.  I really feel that with the $50 increase I'm expecting this month, you should be able to get by without using up too much from the bank account.  Bet Ruby doesn't spend that much a month. She still has a few friends and you can do it too.  I've had my say about money and I won't talk about it again.

          Let me explain how the ALNAV works.  The Navy Department sends out a message to all ships and stations saying advance to lieutenant all line and staff lieutenant (j.g.) with date of rank January 1 to January 31.  Individual names are seldom mentioned.  We won't get the ALNAV out here until around the 10th.

          Sweet I am enclosing a $100 check for Norma's birthday bond and incidentals.  Please don't feel badly about my harping on our finances.  I do love you and I know you aren't willingly squandering money, but I also know how big hearted and generous you are and I'm not there to apply the brakes as I used to.

          It is 4:55 and I must shower and change so I'll sign off.  Goodnight Darling until tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

P.S.    The movie tonight is "Eadie Was A Lady" with Ann Miller.  Don't know a thing about it.

Gil

          

Fillings, Extractions, Abscesses,Trench Mouth, Pyorrhea

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Saturday 5 May 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweetheart, how's about a kiss.  Gee thanks, I haven't had one in a long time and I'm really getting out of practice.

          Today was the usual busy day.  Before I was through I had placed nineteen fillings, did two extractions, lanced an abscess, treated a case of trench mouth and one of pyorrhea.

          The new ALNAV came out and promotions are in order for men through January 1, 1944.  As I reported January 17 I'll have to wait for next month's which should go through to Feb 1.

          The mail brought me a lone letter from Libby.  She tells me she got the negatives and was sending them to you.  By the way can you get any 35mm Kodachrome film?  I could get some prize shots if the film were available.  Ask Dave, maybe he can help you locate some.

          Last night was the coolest night we've had in weeks.  I woke during the night and had to pull up the sheet.  However the rain came and went and it's been as hot as ever today.

          We have another repeat movie tonight, "To Have and To Have Not." but I'd rather see a good one again as some of the tripe we've been getting.  Last night's "Night Club Girl" was another stinker.  I suppose seeing movies nightly, we should expect good and bad ones alike.

          No new scuttlebutt dear.  Still the same old stuff but nothing to go on as to when I'll return.  I know it is hard on you but believe me, though I haven't complained and won't now, this is no picnic out here either.  Of course I'm safe but seeing the same faces of several hundred men daily and living in the confines of an area under 500 feet long and 40 feet wide does have its drawbacks.  It is really surprising how little friction exists and how well we all get along with one another.

          Germany is practically out now.  One minute we hear over the radio of an unconditional surrender and next we hear of more fighting going on someplace else.  Anyway a lot more of our power will be moving to the Pacific Theater and maybe Japan will see the light and surrender before her country is also reduced to rubble.  It's very possible, even probable that the whole thing may blow up unexpectedly.

          No more for now Darling.  Now you have put up with me being away for nine months and a week.  I should be coming home within the next few months.  Good night Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Devotedly

Gil

Officer's Names Aren't Mentioned Because of Censorship

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Wednesday 25 April 1945, 7:15 PM

My Dearest,

          Hello Sweet, here I am again, tired from physical exercise instead of hard work at the chair.  After lunch today, I joined a group going over to the island for some volleyball (and a few incidental beers).  We played from two until four.  We got back to the ship at 5:15 just in time to shower and dress for dinner.

          After chow I came down to my office and treated a man with a bad toothache.  Then as long as I was there I spent some time on the coconut shell and carved up a "Linda" which I will put on a chain for a bracelet.  It worked out so nice that I'm planning to make one for Norma and one for you.  How about some more of those chains.  By the time I'm through I'm going to have a whole mess of stuff to send home.

          This morning I was busy as usual and didn't finish work until 11:30.  Then lunch, a little reading ("Martin Eden" by Jack London) and later off to the beach.

          The mail today brought two letters from you and one each from your mother and mine.  Yours were of the 10th and 14th and now I know about Linda's eyes.  I'll tell you more about the 1-1/2 units as soon as I've talked with the doctor.

          The $225 plus your earnings should cover your monthly expenses.  I can't see why you should need an additional $100 a month from our reserve.  Don't worry about me. I have plenty of reserve for any emergency that might arise and I may draw as much as three months in advance if I ever find it necessary.  With the money I have on the books, I'm sure I'll never be in such a spot.  Even if I miss the May ALNAV, I'm sure to catch it June 1.

          By the way in addition to the letters I got a beautiful money clip from the B'nai B'rith Lodge.  It is a silver dollar with a clip on it and has my name and the lodge's name engraved on it.

          I don't know anything about the San Diegans.  Haven't heard from them in months.  I have met Dr. Love out here though.  He is on the "Enterprise" and he can have it.

          I don't mention the officers by name much because of censorship.  At least that was the way it was when I first came aboard and it really isn't important.  You wouldn't know one from another.

          Yes dear the beginning of your letter of April 13 was a real "lady type" letter but nothing you write will ever bore me.

          My course grades have been 3.94 to 3.99 so I'm not doing badly.

          I still want to see those snaps.  Some of mine weren't so hot either but I'll send them along as soon as I get them.

          The movie tonight is another oldie "The Human Comedy."  Last night's "Suspect" was excellent.

          No more for now my darling. Goodnight, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Impacted Molars

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Sunday 22 April 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Today was Sunday; my day of rest.  So I didn't go to work until 9:00 AM but from then on I worked.  In addition to a full morning I had three emergency patients. Two of them were impacted molars. I really earned my pay today.

          After lunch I took a liberty party ashore.  We returned to the ship at 4:30 and wow when I came into my room there were seven letters from you, the package with the canned fish and some literature from the Bureau of Medicine.

          So I showered and relaxed in my bunk with my mail.  The letters were postmarked 11, 12, and 13 and so here goes.

          Be sure anything you send is well wrapped.  The package I got today was pretty well beat up.  Both of my watches are fixed now. The little Westclox is in my room.  No it doesn't tick at all loudly.

          I saw both "Practically Yours" and the "Jade Mark." Don't worry about me being short.  If the May ALNAV doesn't catch me the June one will. I'll have over $400 on the books May 1.

          I'm experimenting on the shell of a coconut.  I think I'll have something pretty to send home one of these days.

          The war news does continue to sound good.  Maybe this whole mess will be over soon.

          You have Ambie's address correct.  I'm sure he'll answer you.

          Did you enjoy "Atlantic City?"  I didn't.

          You plan the new home.  I have a hunch we'll have one a lot sooner than either of us dreams.

          It was April 13 when we got the news of Roosevelt's passing.  Don't worry dear, he was a great man but I'm sure that his untimely death will not slow the coming victory.  We must have faith that there are other men who can and will lead us capably.

          I've written to my mother twice in the past month.  She'll probably get the letters soon, if she hasn't already.

          The movie tonight is "I Love a Mystery" with a bunch of unknowns and is rated only fair.  I'll take a look-see anyway.

          No more for now darling so adios my Sweet until tomorrow.

Loving you always,

Gil

Didn't Make Lieutenant

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Saturday 7 April 1945, 6:50 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey, here I am though a wee bit tight.  I had my usual busy morning. Because Dr. Law and the chief engineer were both celebrating birthdays, I decided to help a worthy cause along and help with the celebration.

          We left the ship at 2:00 PM and our boat came back for us at 5:15 PM.  So you see we had about three hours and made the most of it.  By the time we got back it was too late to shower and change before chow so I'll take care of the bath before retiring.  I have a mess of mail to censor but I'll take care of that later as well.

          There was no mail today so I'm practically barren of stuff to write about.  The movie tonight is a good one and is entitled "The Lady Vanishes."  It is an Alfred Hitchcock production so the story should have plenty of suspense.

          The new ALNAV came out and by the look of things I may not make Lieutenant until June 1st, unless the next one covers a thirty day period which it probably won't.  Oh well, if I can wait sixteen months I can wait seventeen and then again maybe it will catch me May 1st as I had expected. Keep your fingers crossed and we'll see later.

          No more for now Sweet, so I'll sign off.  Goodnight and love and kisses for my three girls.

Yours as always,

Gil

Extra 1/2 Stripe

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Monday 2 April 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another busy day today.  I worked all morning and afternoon and wasn't through until 3:00 PM.  I went to my room and censored some mail.  The sun was out in all its glory so I spent from four till five on the poop deck improving on my tan.  Then I returned to my room, showered, and dressed for dinner.  After chow we went back up on the poop deck and just relaxed and enjoyed the cooling evening breeze.  Now here I am.

          Beginning with the May allotment, the check will go to the Santa Monica Bank of America so be sure and notify them to accept same and credit it to our account.  I've increased the amount to $225 a month because I'm expecting the May ALNAV to give me that extra 1/2 stripe you've been looking for.

          I'm enclosing a money order for $100.  Buy Linda a $100 bond and use the difference to buy her something more material for her birthday from her daddy.

          The mail today brought three letters from you, one from Herman Stein and one from your mother.  Honey, I don't know what to say about the house except that if it needs paint and repairs why have it done.  Of course I agree.

          I hope you won't get the "G's" down on you for the dress deal.  You know how they like Ruth and may not like your giving her the dress.  Anyway I'm too far away to know and say what to do.  Use your judgment.

          You're sure making a great to do about Linda's eyes. With all the fuss you're making it's no wonder she's all a twitter about wearing glasses.  Take it easy dear and don't cross any bridges till you have to.  Although Dr. Kinney is a good man, I wish you could have taken her to a Navy outpatient clinic. 

          Your letter written 5:00 PM on the 22nd is not complete.  The last paragraph says and "now to your letter. Didn't you see Claudia, etc" and nothing more.  No signature or anything.  Guess you're all excited and busy getting ready for the Mah Jong game.  I also gather that you've been teaching, but there are several letters still to come to fill in the blanks.

          The movie tonight is a stinker entitled "Tahitian Nights" with I don't know who but I guess I'll go anyway.

          So much for today darling.  It is almost time to go to the movies and I'm all run out of stuff and such so--

          Goodnight, I'll see you in my dreams.  Love and kisses to you and our sweet girls.

Yours always,

Gil