Need Dry Docking

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday  21 September 1945, 11:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,   

          Hello Sweet, here I am and back to the old "grind" again.  Had my usual working schedule this morning and the early part of the afternoon.  Then I went to my room and tried to read but my eyes wouldn't stay open so I napped until after 5:00 PM.  I should be just about caught up on the sleep I lost.  I showered and dressed for dinner and right after that the mail came.  Another jackpot for me--six letters from you, one from Libby and one from Ruth.

          First about the Buick.  No dice, it'll cost five to six hundred dollars, at least, to trade and that is too much to spend now.  Besides the first cars off the line may repeat our experience with our '41 Buick.  After you get more definite information about the actual cost, let me know.  But at the moment I'm cold on the whole idea.

          Your second idea, the trip to Mexico sounds ideal.  Find out and let me know what the plane fare is and expected expenses.  We'll both rate a vacation together and a second honeymoon suits me to a "t." Maybe the fur coat will work out anyway.  Who can tell?

          At present we are anchored in Buckner Bay.  If Leon does ship out to Okinawa, he'll probably get duty here.  I don't think we'll remain here long however.  We need dry docking and there isn't one large enough here.  The closest one is in Tokyo Bay and that is where we'll probably go.  That is if they fix the Ocelot up.  That's the way it looks now.

          The pink slip should be in the vault.  I'm sure that by now you've located it.  I don't think Dave will get out any sooner than I.  He has a few more months of duty but my sea duty points will make up the difference.  I forgot that he is an enlisted man and that means only 44 instead of 49 points.  Guess I'm wrong and he will be out soon.

          I'll write and tell Ruth off.  With all her "thoughtfulness and consideration" of you and Deb, she has no business to criticize.  To hell with her.

          I don't believe I know Lt. Harris.  But in Dago, I met several dentists who I can't remember.  So maybe I did.  Anyway I'm glad you enjoyed the meeting of the Officers' Wives Club and are meeting more interesting people.

          After dinner tonight we sat around and read mail until movie time.  The picture,

"Her Highness and the Bellboy" with Hedy Lamarr, was excellent.  After that I played a little poker.  I didn't mention it before but this is the third time I've played recently.  I lost $4.00 the first time, won $5.50 last night and $3.00 tonight.  We play a 25 cent limit game but there aren't any real card sharps aboard and I can more than hold my own.

          No more for now Sweet, so goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Thumb Sightseeing

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 10 July 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Darling, here is that guy again.  This morning was the usual busy routine.  Then I received a typhoid booster shot and a smallpox vaccination.  My arm isn't very sore now but it will be by tomorrow.

          After lunch the captain and I went over to Joe Goldfarb's ship and he ran us up the coast to town.  We went ashore and via the thumb went sightseeing.  We must have covered plenty of miles because we were riding almost steadily from 2:30 to 5:00 PM when we returned to the dock.  We had a boat take us over to Joe's ship which was anchored in the stream.  It is an hour's ride, so we had dinner aboard the LCI.   We got back aboard about fifteen minutes ago.  It was quite and interesting trip and yet nothing outstanding I can write about.

          I received one letter from my sweet today so here goes.  Let me know what you find out about a lot in the Pickering Estate.  They are probably high but then one can never tell.

          There is a change in the flag setup which I can't go into at the time. Temporarily we have an admiral and commodore aboard.  Soon however (we hope) the admiral will leave, but the commodore will remain.  This commodore was a captain aboard before and was just promoted to his present rank.  So much for that.

          I do hope for Deb and Dave's sake that Dave gets into Officers' Training.  There is one catch that they may not be aware of and that is the officers trained at Navy or Marine expense, especially at this late date, will be the last to be released from active duty.  Right now there is a big drive on to get reserves to join the regulars.  So far the response is poor.

          No doubt Dick is ruining his health, but I for one shan't worry about it.  He is old enough to know better and his attitude about the whole deal is very warped.

          There is nothing more to say.  The movie tonight is an oldie "Boom Town" with Gable, Tracy, Colbert and Lamarr.  The trip ashore was very dirty and I'm filthy.  I'll take a shower before going to the movie.

          Goodbye now Sweetheart.  I'll see you in my dreams.

Loving you a always,

Gil

          

Captain Invited Me to Dinner Again

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 12 December 1944

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, how is my love today?  This morning I awoke with my cough practically gone and feeling quite chipper.  Took care of my appointments in short order and then selected a few choice library books for my new bookshelf.  After I read what I've chosen, I'll exchange them for others.  Any way my room looks very homey now with my family, lots of books and pin up girls besides.

          This afternoon we had the first meeting of our Glee Club and it looks like we'll have a nice organization.  It was called for 2:00 P.M. but I had to go around and round up enough men to get started.  But once we began, other began to drift in and when I said, "Let's quit" at 3:30 PM they said "OK" but sang several additional numbers before finally breaking up.  After tomorrow's rehearsal I'm going to spring a song fest on the boys before movies and use our glee club as a lead off group.  Will tell you more about it tomorrow night.

          The captain invited me up to dinner again tonight.  He also had another ship's officer and the Protestant chaplain as guests.  I enjoyed the best steak dinner since I put on a uniform.  The steak was delicious and tender and done just right. I can just see you drooling.

          After dinner I went to the move "Heavenly Body" with Hedy Lamarr and William Powell.  I saw it before. I believe with you.  It was amusing.  

          Well honey, no mail today so I've not much more to write.  Do you remember when all I had to do was dial the phone to talk to you?  And now---darn!  Oh well after the war telephones will be handy as ever.

          Good night darling. I do love you more than I could possibly say on paper so,

Love,

Gil

 

Bridges and Crowns

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Monday 13 March, 1745

Dearest Eleanor,

          I don't like this change.  Worked like a dog and feel like I used to after a hard day in the office.  The only consolation is that I'll get more variety.  I made a crown today.  Bridges and crows will be part of my work.

          Made good time last night. We got in at 1:15.  The sandwiches were delicious and everyone enjoyed the brownies.

          Well how is your "business?"  You'd better write and tell me all is well on that front.

          Tonight they are showing "Heavenly Body" with Hedy Lamarr and William Powell.  After the show I'll go over to the B'nai B'rith meeting.

          How is your mother today?  Has Norma's nose stopped running" Now that Linda is back in school things ought to be a little easier.  By the way everyone stops to admire the photos of our girls.

          Four more days and I'll be home to take up where we left off last weekend. Keep the "home fires burning" till later

Love,

Gil