Hotter Than Hades

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday, 21 June 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Darling, how was our baby's birthday yesterday?  I'm missing so much now that it'll take years of catching and making up for it all.

          I had my usual busy morning and early afternoon.  I found out just where Simmie is and will look him up in a couple of days.

          There is really nothing new or different to talk about.  I haven't been ashore lately because the clubs have been so mobbed that there really isn't much fun in going over.  In a few days things should quiet down a little and then I'll make up for last time.

          The mail brought me six pieces today.  A letter marked the 14th, the Outlook which you sent and letters from my mother, Libby, Charlie Blume and Dave.

          My cold only lasted two days which is amazing because you remember how my sinuses would drain for days after a cold.  It must be the climate but I'd still give it back to the Indians or Japs or anyone who really wants it. In the past few days, there has been no rain or overcast skies. It's been hotter than Hades.  I sure miss the refreshing breeze we used to get at our last station.

          Last night's movie "The Great Mike" was a stinkeroo of the first order.  Tonight we had an oldie but a good one, "Dixie" with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour.

          Graves was only out of the states for a year and he has gone back, so I'm still optimistic about being home in the fall.

          No more for now so I'll sign off with love and kisses to you and out sweet girls.

Devotedly,

Gil

Beers at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Now a Navy Officers' Club

Friday 1 September 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

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morning.  I don't like it but I guess I can stand it if others can.  By the time I got squared away it was time for lunch, so I showered and changed.  After eating Graves, Hansen, and I went on liberty.

          We stopped at the hotel taken over by the Navy.  I have mentioned it before.  We had a few beers.  Walked around and window shopped and back for some more beer.  Then we had dinner and caught a bus back to the ship.  Hansen and Graves have already turned in and I'm going to also.  I'll finish this letter in the morning.

          Good night Sweetheart and pleasant dreams.

Love

Gil

 

Good Morning Honey,

          During the night we were attacked by insects and you should have heard the "bitching" at breakfast.  I'm not sure what they were but I think they were mosquitoes.  Anyway they bit me here and there and most everywhere except?

          Did you know I've been on a diet? Started last Saturday and during this week I've lost 8-9 pounds.  Not bad, eh!  I shall stay on a modified diet indefinitely since there isn't much physical activity that I can get into.

          No mail yesterday so I should get some today.  Time to go to work and besides there is nothing more I can say so bye darling.  I still love and miss you more than ever.

Your one and only,

Gil

 

P.S. Tell Ruth and Mother and Deb I'll write as soon as there is something to write about.  In the meantime, give them all my love.

Gil

 

Bought Grass Skirts

Wednesday 30 August 1944, 8:00 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Good morning dear.  How about a nice big kiss?  Thank you Sweet, that was nice.  Went on liberty yesterday.  Stopped downtown and did some shopping.  I am sending you a house dress, sun suit, and blouse.  For Norma and Linda I am sending grass skirts.  Here is an interesting item about the grass skirts that are sold to be sent out of the island.  The grass skirt that is straw colored is made of material purchased in the States.  The skirts that are made up of different colors are made of the bark of a tree obtained in the Society Islands in the French East Indies.  I'm sending the kids the East Indian variety.  Your sun suit is called a "malo" and has a sarong and skirt all in one piece and a bra.  The salesgirl put the ties through the loops and tied them so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting into it.

          After my shopping, Graves (one of the officers aboard) and I went to the beach.  As I told you

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What a difference!  By then we were hungry so we hunted until we found a good Chinese restaurant. I still like shrimp, et. al.  Did we eat!

          Well darling after dinner we walked around and at 8:15 caught a bus back to the base.  Hope I get some mail this morning.  Got a letter from Deb on Monday but none from you and none yesterday either.  But then, that's just the way the mail is nowadays.

          My yesterday's letter was slightly cut up just because I suggested the

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we would

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Sorry!

          No more for the present Sweetheart.  Time to go to work.  Till tomorrow then

Love,

Gil