Lack of Points, Butter or Both?

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Thursday 19 October 1944, 3:00 PM

My Sweet,

          This afternoon's mail brought two letters from you and one from my cousin Fay Springer.  I dropped her a note after you sent on her New Year's greeting. Already having an answer is a surprise to say the least.  She is a very unhappy woman as you can see from her enclosed letter.

          I got off a letter to Edith so I hope she'll take care of the watch for me.  Outside of that all I've been doing all day is work, work, work.

          I am a little surprised at Deb's actions but I always told you that you were more concerned about her than she would be about you.  On the other had she is probably pretty upset if Dave is really going overseas; the 15 day leave would indicate just that to me

          Of course I want you to read the book!  I guess the title is a surprise so I'll be patient till it comes.  So the Corsos are at it again.  My, my.  Tomorrow they'll kiss and make up and get stiff again.  Guess I'll have to drop my mother a note though why she should be upset about Libby is a mystery.  By now they should be able to afford a home of their own.  Sounds like there are a lot of changes at home.  I didn't know butter was so low.  Is it a lack of points, butter or both?  What does Anne hear from Joe?

          I'm going to sign off now but will write more after the movie tonight.  Bye my love till tonight.

Gil

 

10:10 PM

Hello Darling,

          Had a pretty good movie tonight, "Step Lively" with Frank Sinatra and George Murphy.  A light, fast, and enjoyable musical

          This has been a nice day.  This evening it was especially enjoyable, sitting out on deck with the breezes blowing, enjoying an amusing picture.  Gee, it sure would have been fun to reach over and hold your hand or better yet to put my arm around you and have you rest your head on my shoulder.  Ah well, nice dreaming anyway.

          Honey, do you remember many years ago the first time we went to Arrowhead?  It was a beautiful starlit night and Eleanor and Gil took a walk along the lakeshore and held hands and then Gil stole a few kisses.  After this war let's go back and take that walk again or shall we just turn in early.  OK you talked me into it.

          Nothing more for now, Sweetheart. Goodnight and I'll see you in my dreams

Loving you always

Gil

Wish I Could Transmit A Little of the Love in My Heart to You

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Friday  October 13, 1944, 8:25 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Good morning sweetheart.  Gilbert was a bad boy yesterday.  Ambie and I went on liberty and we both got pretty high. The best place to go when I guy is in that condition is right back to the ship and that is what we did.  Ambie turned in immediately but I had to see the movies.  The picture "Tell It To The Irish," with James Dunn was lousy and in my condition everything about it is very vague.  Considering everything I feel swell this morning.  No hangover, headache or even bad taste in my mouth.  Oh well, this is only the second time I've done this and I think under the circumstances it is the best thing to do, blow off a little steam and now I'll relax and go back to work.

          From the sound of things Norma is really making rapid strides in her development.  Wish I could see some of it but then I'll make the best of the situation as long as you keep me posted.  What is Linda doing these days?  The only time you mention her is when there is some kind of difficulty. Or is she at a standstill now?

          Sounds like Dick is really going places.  It would be too bad if the draft did pick him up now but on the other hand a little discipline might do him a whale of a lot of good and he could continue on with his music while he is in the service.

          You are still worrying about what the Corsos say and do.  As I remember we never did see much of them Saturday nights.  We very often tried to get together but seldom did.  Now that you're alone you just notice it more, that's all.

          What happened to Irving Fink that he is being released on a medical discharge?  I received only one letter in the past 2 days and when I do get several from you they all bear the same date on the postmark.  The pickup service must be just as poor at your end as it is here.  However, honey don't worry.  I'm writing everyday and you'll get all my letters eventually.

          I'll look for my Xmas packages and hope that when I get them I can hold out till Xmas.  You know me darling.  I'm very restless and just like a little boy when it comes to waiting for anything.

          So, Sweet, until later, good-bye.  I just wish I could transmit a little of the love in my heart to you.  All I can do, however, is say I love you, my darling, my own.

Love,

Gil

Keep My Fingers in the Groove Doing Lots of Dentistry

Wednesday 13 September 1944, 5:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another buy day working in my office doing what I came into the Navy to do.  Dentistry and lots of it.  When I came aboard they all said I'd change my tune but I still feel the same way about it.  I'd rather keep busy than sit around doing nothing.  The time passes more quickly and I keep my fingers "in the groove."

          There has been so much favorable comment about our beach outing that I'm going to plan similar activities whenever possible.  Believe me, the training and experience I got in B'nai B'rith and A.Z.A. work is standing me in good stead.

          I've been writing letters for a change.  Wrote to the Corsos, Duncans, Libby, Ruth and my mother.  Will try to write a couple extra each day and get caught up with my correspondence.

          Got five letters today.  Two from you, one from Linda, one from Ruth and one from your mother.  I hope by now my letter has reached my mother and her fears about me have been allayed.

          Leon made some pretty good guesses but no one knows for sure.  In any case mail will be coming regularly for a while yet.  Wherever we go I feel that we'll be as safe as anyone can expect to be in time of war.  And, as I told you previously, as far as I've been able to find out sea duty for dental officers usually is for a term of 12 months.

          Well dear, (10:00 PM ran out of ink) so much for small talk.  Do you remember the cozy cabin at the Grand Canyon?  Well we didn't stay there long, so after this is over in between home and Chicago let's stop there and relive those hours we had together.  Since the "well dear" at the beginning of this paragraph, I had supper and saw a movie aboard. "Marine Raiders."  This picture is better than what we've had lately.

          Good night my darling.  I'm going to be with you in my dreams (I hope).  I do love you and miss the fun we could be having together.

Your only,

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

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