Japan Peace Feelers

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 27 July 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, this is me broadcasting again.  News remains the same as yesterday except that promised showers did not materialize

          Today was the usual work day.  In the afternoon we held field day so I had time to read.  As hot as it's been my room has been cool. It was very pleasant stripping down to my skivvies and relaxing in my bunk.  I'm reading "Leave Her to Heaven," by Ben Ames Williams.  I do recommend it to you.

          At 5:15 I showered and dressed for dinner.  Then we had our usual cribbage game.  Now here I am.

          I am pessimistic about the end of the war.  In spite of my attitude, Japan has put out some peace feelers.  I pray that I was wrong.  However they'll get no easier peace than Germany did.  Lord alone knows if they'll quit under those terms at present.

          The only mail today was a letter from Ivie.  He still sounds very unhappy.  Aren't we all?  But crying about it doesn't help.  One just must be cheerful and make the best of an unpleasant situation.     

          Our movie tonight is "Horn Blows at Midnight," with Jack Benny.  I hope it is better than his past efforts at humor.

          No more now Darling so I'll say goodnight.  How about a visit in my dreams?  I haven't seen you in a long time.  I love you.

Always yours,

Gil

Looked for Sol's Ship

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 29 June 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Sweets,

          How are you tonight?  I do hope you've gotten over your blue spell and are smiling again.

          I worked all morning. But my usual routine changed with the mail.  I only received the National Jewish Monthly.  No letters.  Guess I'm getting spoiled.        

          I had another disappointment this afternoon.  I got hold of a boat to go out to see Sol.  We looked for his ship for two hours; the last hour was in the rain.  I returned to the Ocelot wet and disgusted.  His ship was to be here until the first, but instead it sailed this morning.  I think back to the states.  Oh well I did see Sol for a few minutes on Tuesday.  Maybe our paths will cross again soon.

          Seeing as I was drenched to the skin I drank a hot cup of coffee and went to my room to change into dry clothes. I showered and found I still had an hour before chow, so I censored some mail and began another book, "Strange Woman" by Ben Ames Williams.  I didn't get very far but it is interesting.

          After dinner we had our usual game of cribbage and then went to the movies.  We had "Cabin in the Sky" and though I'd seen it before, twice I think, I still enjoyed the music in it a lot.  Now here I am.

          I wrapped the bracelet that I made for Ethyl and will send it off in the morning.  Outside of that there is nothing else to tell.  No news--good, bad or indifferent.

          Goodnight my Darling. Please keep that chin up for me Sweet.  Soon this bad dream will be over and we'll be together again.

          In the meantime I'll see you in my dreams and be with you in my thoughts.

Loving you always,

Gil