Posed at Native Cemetery

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday  29 April 1945, 6:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, here I am again.  Today was a real easy one.  This morning I had a few appointments and was through at 11:00 A.M. After lunch I took the liberty party ashore.

          While on the island Navy photographer asked three officers and myself to pose in front of a native cemetery. However I was looking away when the picture was taken. He took our names, ship, and home address.  He said that the photos would hit the local newspapers in about one month's time.  So you can be on the lookout around June 1. 

          My roommate Cox just got his orders to return to Long Beach for shore duty.  The catch is that he must wait until his relief arrives and that can be anytime from tomorrow to ninety days from now.

          There were no letters for me today, but I did get a luscious box of dried fruit from the Jaffe family.  Just in time too because I just did away with the last of the box of fruit and nuts you sent.

          We have a 4.0 movie tonight, "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn."  After having no movies for two nights it'll really be a treat.

          Well Darling there isn't any more new or different scuttlebutt so I'll sign off.  Goodnight and keep smiling.

Loving you always,

Gil

Native Cemetery on Mog Mog

Gil (on the left) and other officers

Wrote Five Letters

United States Navy

 

Tuesday 1 February 1944

9:10 P.M.

Dearest,

          Went to the movie tonight and saw "Phantom Lady," an interesting psychological murder story.  Returned to my quarters at 8:30 and wrote a few letters--Ethel and Doc, "Wally," Bruce Stern, the Jaffes and the Lodge.  Five letters in an evening is quite a record for me but I expect to do the same each evening until I'm caught up.

          Now that I'm through I sure wish you were here for a little "diddle" or something.  And maybe Linda and Norma would want me to put them to the bed.  Well maybe sooner than I think we'll all be together again.  I hope.  Won't we have fun--you and I and the kids!

Love and kisses,

Gil