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

Tacloban is the Capital

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 7 June 1945, 11:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, here I am a little late but still, I made it.  This morning was the usual deal of working on patients.  At 11:30 I took charge of the liberty party and we shoved off.  Dr. Bushyager and the exec came along.  On the way to the recreation area, we all had lunch with Joe Goldfarb on his ship.  I brought along the lox and gefilte fish, and the doctor brought some liver paste.  That was our appetizer.  We made the beach at 1:15. I logged in the recreation party and passed out the beer.  Then my time was my own until 4:30.

          I went back aboard the LCI and we ran over to the town across the bay.  This town happens to be the capital of the island and boasts several larger buildings badly in need of paint.  The town itself would compare as second best to the place in Mexico where the Weinstein's uncle and aunt lived.  Remember?  No paved streets and no sewers. Just deep ditches on both sides of the road.  The houses are old and run down and look dirty.  Yet the natives looked surprisingly clean.  The men and women wore a good deal of white and their clothes looked fresh and really white.  I'm going to find out how they launder their stuff because soaps and bleaches are at a premium out here.  We tramped around for over two hours, looking and shopping but bought nothing.  I'm getting a line up on values and the next time we go over I'll probably buy some things for my three sweethearts at home.

          We got back to the beach and picked up the recreation party and arrived at our ship at 6:00 PM.  After dinner until the movies, I played cribbage with the skipper and two officers.  The picture tonight was an oldie but enjoyable "Hail the Conquering Hero."

          After the movie we all went up to the wardroom for little farewell get together for Dan Graves who is leaving in a couple of days.  We had a great big cake and enough ice cream. I made a pig of myself as did most of the others.  Now here I am.

          There was no mail today so I'm just about run out of words.  Oh yes, you asked about our chaplain. Well we are ready for him but the lord alone knows where he is or if we'll even get one.  It has been recommended and approved but so far nothing has materialized.

          No more for now my love so I'll just say "nite-nite."  Loving you as always.

Your sleepy husband,

Gil

Tacloban the capital

The nightly movie