Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert
Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O.
San Francisco
Monday 15 January 1945,
7:20 PM
Dearest Eleanor,
Well I did
it! I hit the jackpot again. There were thirteen letters and cards and all
but three from my own sweet girls. I
must be getting soft because I just couldn't hold back a few tears when I read
the sweet sentiment and love in the cards from you and our little ones. Besides that I got a letter from Libby and
birthday cards from the Leavys and my mother.
Now to your
letter. First, the continuity is all
mixed up because the letters were written December 30, 31 and January 1, 2, and
3. Four days ago I got mail dated
January 4. Anyway here goes. I thought Anne had decided to stay and Joe
was to get leave and come home. What
happened? Why is she leaving now?
Glad you saw
"Gypsy Wildcat" I liked it too.
I'm not sorry
about those guys who quit defense jobs as soon as the heat was off and now have
to go back. What we should have is a
National Service Act and draft all men into defense jobs who don't meet
military requirements. It's about time
that people learned that buying a few bonds at 2.9% interest isn't really
contributing much to our war effort. If
I could get home and tell a few of our patriotic civic leaders what I and
thousands like me think of them, I'd probably lose the few friends (?) I still
have.
Probably Sol's
"shakedown" cruise hadn't begun yet.
Usually right after that the ship goes on its way.
Dear my
instruments and records are valuable.
I'd prefer having them in storage to lying around in the garage. No dear I can't tell you how many items I
have down there.
No dear I
wouldn't care for any newspapers. They
are at least thirty days old by the time they arrive. We get all war and national news daily. Besides paper clutter up the mail and slow up
delivery of other pieces men would much rather receive.
So you are
back teaching! Guess you were wise in refusing that half time job. Between your work and household duties, I do
hope you aren't overdoing.
Darling do
you remember that night at Arrowhead when we hired a speedboat for an hour's
ride? We rode in the back seat and got
all wet. But we had fun as we will again
when I get home.
Must sign off
now and go to the movies. We are having
"Alaska" and it is rated 3.9 so it should be good. Also the will be a "March of Time" and
a cartoon.
Good night
sweetheart. Love and kisses to you and
my two darlings.
Your lonesome
"daddy,"
Gil
Birthday Card Mentioned
