Wild Goose Chase--Used Wrong Form for Requisitions

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Saturday 14 October 1944, 9:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Went on a wild goose chase this morning.  Got some requisitions made out, borrowed the Captain's jeep. After chasing around for an hour getting it okayed, I was informed that the form used was wrong and so I've got to do the whole thing again.

          Well I returned to the ship and worked the rest of the morning.  After lunch, I rated liberty so I went on a shopping tour.  By the time I was through it was 4:00 PM so I returned and stowed my package aboard and then went over to the Officers' Club for a few beers.

          After dinner one of the officers and I played checkers until movie time.  My game is really improving.  We had a swell movie tonight, "Janie."  If you haven't seen it you must.

          No mail today except the enclosed card from Rabbi Lifschitz.  So no quiz program.  I have so much to do in the morning that I won't be able to write until tomorrow night.  You see, if I don't get the letter off early in the morning it won't leave the ship the same day.

          I've had a slight cold the last couple of days.  First I thought I was getting one of my sore throats but a few doses of "sulfa" and my throat cleared up.  The Doctor says as soon as we leave here my cough will clear up.  A harbor cough is what he calls it.  However, there are several colds aboard and I believe it's being passed around.

          Darling do you remember how much we've always enjoyed boating and how I wanted to buy a small craft for our pleasure?  Well Sweet, I haven't had too much of the sea yet and after the war I wouldn't be surprised if the Steingarts turned up with their own boat at Arrowhead or Catalina.

          How are my two little darlings doing these days?  Hope Norma soon gets over the crying spells she has when left outside to play.  And Linda must be getting to be quite the young lady now.  Did Dutchy get over her illness?  Every time I send a letter off I think of dozens of things to say but when I'm writing I forget.

          Well honey, it is time to turn in because I'm going to have a busy day tomorrow.  I love you Sweetheart and am counting the days till we are together again.

Love

Gil

 

Jewish Chaplain Visited

Sunday 27 August 1944, 10:45 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,

          Boy, wouldn't I love to be home this morning with you in bed alongside and Linda and Norma climbing all over us.  Guess we'll have to put it off for awhile.

          Got my liberties all fouled up.  Thought I was off today but instead I was off yesterday.  So I don't go ashore again until Tuesday.  Saw "Sensations of 1945" again last night and enjoyed it.  There is so much good music in it.  You remember I saw it at the Repair Base when I was there.

          It's always warm here but there is a cool breeze coming down from the hills that makes it quite comfortable.  You can lean over the rail and watch the rain come in off of the hills and in the past few days it has rained frequently.  However, no one pays any attention to it because it rains but a few minutes and you are completely dry in another few moments.  In the past few days I've seen several rainbows and thought back to those happy days at Niagara Falls.

          This morning we had three chaplains come aboard.  Two conducted services and the third, a Jewish chaplain just visited around.  He comes from the same town as the executive officer who has known him for years.  He also knows Rabbi Lifschitz.

          Dear, I am enclosing some papers which I want you to file away for future reference.  Nothing else to say since my last note except I love you and miss all my three girls.

Love,

Gil