Some Navy Employees Invited Us to Their House. I Made Lunch and Dinner.

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
                 September 28, 1944, 10:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Well here I am again.  Just got back from liberty and now for our little visit.  Several navy civilian employees invited us over to their house for some drinks and dinner.  Nothing had been started in the way of food when we got there so I volunteered to make spaghetti.  The shelves were loaded with mushrooms, tomato paste, tomato sauce and the condiments I usually use. I went to town.  There were seven of us men and we sure cleaned up.  I also fixed a bit of lunch, one of my crazy omelet combinations.  The place was up in the hills so we left at 8:30 PM to get back at 10:00 PM and we just about made it.

          Got a letter from you this morning and am pleased to hear that you are getting settled.  What happened to Wally that he is on crutches?  A thirty days leave is usual when one returns from overseas.

          Glad to hear that you were too tired to write a long letter.  I love to read your letters, but being so tired shows that you are keeping busy and I bet you'll sleep better.

          Just got a short note from Dr. White.  He says he has had difficulty getting together with you on an appointment.  Try to get your teeth completed and out of the way.

          Good night dear and I'll be with you again in the morning.

          Friday 29 September 1944, 8:30 AM

          Good morning dear, isn't it wonderful what a good night's sleep will do?  This climate would be ideal for the kids.  You'd never have to worry about whether they were warm enough or dry.  If they did get wet, they'd dry in no time.  Living in a place like this does have its advantages.

          Well, I wonder what the morning mail brings.  I've gotten replies to all my notes except those to Earl, Leon, Harry Sieger and Nina Hursey.  Wrote Aranoff and Bergman but it is a little soon to expect a reply.

          Do you remember how much we enjoyed Wednesday night at home?  After the war we'll continue but we'll know better about whom to ask.

          Bye Sweetheart must go to work now.  How's about a nice big kiss before I go?

I love you,

Gil

Ocelot Being Outfitted With Communications Equipment for Role as Flagship

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
           Friday 22 September 1944, 10:00 PM

Hello Sweetheart,

          Just got back from liberty and now for our little visit.  Nothing important this morning until mail call.  Got a letter from you and a home recording from Dave, but I haven't been able to play it back yet.  Hope I can tomorrow.  After lunch the exec and I went on liberty together.  We sat around and drank all afternoon and then went to the beach for dinner.  After dinner we played some miniature golf and got a ride back to the ship with some marine flyers. And here I am.

          I wish I could take you to the dance at the "G's" but--well why say it?  However dear, when this is over there'll be many dances. We always have and we always will go again together.

          Yes dear I am sorry to say the Ocelot "ain't" what she used to be and I won't be home for some time.  What is the $29 storage bill for? You didn't explain.  If you have anything you wish to send me send it on.

          Certainly you are going to Chicago with me.  You didn't think I'd come home just to leave again.  Silly girl! And Grand Canyon is our first stop.

          Last night I wrote to the Aranoffs and the Bergmans. So two more off my list.  And as far as Leon is concerned, he is right, but I wouldn't worry.  Everything will be all right.   

          Nothing more for now Sweet but I'll be with you again in the morning.  Good night and sleep tight.

Saturday 8:15 AM

          Good morning darling.  Just had my juice and coffee and now for a few more minutes together.  Just you and I.  I had hoped for some-thing in the morning mail but no such luck.  I'm sure there'll be some letters this PM.  I hope you slept well, that our girls were good and also slept well.  Gee, even to be awakened at night just to cover Linda or Norma would be fun.

          I have a pretty heavy program scheduled today.  About five patients this morning and a couple this afternoon.  That with some non professional duties should keep me busy today.

          You should be well on your way to being settled by the time you read this note.  Hope you haven't worn yourself all to a frazzle but I know how you are when you begin cleaning and straightening.  Maybe you've learned by now.

          Dear, do you remember the Coconut Grove and Freddie Martin, how we loved dancing to his music?  Well Sweet, after this war it's you and I at the Biltmore, Ambassador, Slapsy Maxie's etc, etc.

          Goodbye for now.  Will be with you tonight and who said I like to sleep alone?

Loving you always

Gil

         

         

Red Pony

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Wednesday 16 February 1944

My Dearest Eleanor,

          Another busy day.  Guess they weren't kidding when they said the loafing was only temporary, but who cares.  I would rather keep busy than sit on my fanny all day.

          After the movie last night I returned to B.O.Q. and wrote six letters--the Fleischers, Collons, Goldie M., Frances and Jack, Ruth and Harry and the Aranoffs.

          At noon today the doctors got together and played volleyball.  We're going to do the same every noon.  We had a lot of fun and exercise but we sure looked soft.

          Dr. Tyler, who has been here for six months, got his orders for fleet marine duty.  This is considered the most rugged outfit there is.  The dentist trains right along with the marines and goes on all hikes under full pack.  In combat he goes over with the second wave.  All of this has made him very happy as you can well understand.  Now all the men who have been here for six months or more are expecting orders any day.

          Don't let this worry you.  I still will be here for at least six months and it can be a year or more before anything happens.

          You should be through riding the red pony by Saturday night and then we'll have a little serious business to take care of.  So until Saturday night keep those panties on and it'll be my pleasure to take them off.

Love,

Gil

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.