Penicillin Is Wonderful

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday, 20 August 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          A real hot day for a change and on top of that I was swamped under with work. It was past 3:30 when I finally called it a day.  Then up to my room, off with my clothes and a cold refreshing shower.  After that I censored some mail and read a little from "Try and Stop Me."  First thing I knew it was 5:30 PM and time to dress and go to chow.  After eating we played cribbage and then to the movies.  We had an oldie tonight, "The Cowboy and the Lady" with Merle Oberon and Gary Cooper.  It was so old it was new.  I couldn't remember a scene.

          The mailman brought me four letters from you and one from Mary Regan.  She was home on leave and now is back in Miami.

          Three of the letters were of the 8th and 9th and there is lots of repetition.  The other is of the 13th and that is the newsy one.

          Sorry to hear Deb is having so much trouble with her breast.  Penicillin is a wonderful drug but oral administration is experimental.  I guess the doctor knows what he is doing.

          I couldn't write the Bureau until I had a year out and now the letter is on its way.  In spite of your unfounded hunch, I feel pretty sure of getting the Long Beach area for my next duty.

          No I haven't seen Sol.  I've checked on his ship but couldn't find it listed.  I'll look it up again tomorrow morning.

          There isn't any more for now.  Goodnight Darling and please be patient.  The next few weeks will be difficult and then we'll all know more about what to expect.  Goodnight again.

Love,

Gil

Sunbeam Electric Razor Broke

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 12 July 1945, 7:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweetheart, how is my favorite girl today?  This has been one hot day and to top it all I was extremely busy all morning and afternoon.

          I retired to my room at 4:30. Censored some mail and read Esquire until 5:30 when I showered and dressed for dinner.

          After chow we played cribbage until just a few moments ago and so here I am.

          My Sunbeam broke down this morning.  The broken part couldn't be fixed out here, so I've airmailed it home.  Please have it fixed and send it back as soon as possible.  The head on my Schick is also in bad shape. I may have to resort to a safety razor before many days.  If you possibly can, get a "hollow ground" head for a Schick Model "S" shaver and send it to me.  I've heard that items can be airmailed to personnel overseas if a request for airmail is made.  Find out and if that is so, use this letter to substantiate your claim.

          I got three letters from you Sweet and one from Libby.  All are postmarked July 5.  The colored photo of you isn't bad and the picture of Deb is excellent.

          I'm glad Norma is well again. I hope all stay well now for a long time.  Sol is back again, eh? Good.  I guess my dope was okay again.

          I'm sorry your 4th wasn't too pleasant.  Out here it was like any other day except for the special dinner for men and officers.  Next time I get a story I'll send it along.  You'd be surprised how few I hear.

          Our movie tonight is an unknown quantity but I hope it's good. It is "Delightfully Dangerous" plus a color short "Devil Boats."

          No more for now Darling so I'll sign off.  Goodnight Sweet.  I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Could this be the photo of Deb?

Were either of the following the color snap of Eleanor?

Looked for Sol's Ship

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 29 June 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Sweets,

          How are you tonight?  I do hope you've gotten over your blue spell and are smiling again.

          I worked all morning. But my usual routine changed with the mail.  I only received the National Jewish Monthly.  No letters.  Guess I'm getting spoiled.        

          I had another disappointment this afternoon.  I got hold of a boat to go out to see Sol.  We looked for his ship for two hours; the last hour was in the rain.  I returned to the Ocelot wet and disgusted.  His ship was to be here until the first, but instead it sailed this morning.  I think back to the states.  Oh well I did see Sol for a few minutes on Tuesday.  Maybe our paths will cross again soon.

          Seeing as I was drenched to the skin I drank a hot cup of coffee and went to my room to change into dry clothes. I showered and found I still had an hour before chow, so I censored some mail and began another book, "Strange Woman" by Ben Ames Williams.  I didn't get very far but it is interesting.

          After dinner we had our usual game of cribbage and then went to the movies.  We had "Cabin in the Sky" and though I'd seen it before, twice I think, I still enjoyed the music in it a lot.  Now here I am.

          I wrapped the bracelet that I made for Ethyl and will send it off in the morning.  Outside of that there is nothing else to tell.  No news--good, bad or indifferent.

          Goodnight my Darling. Please keep that chin up for me Sweet.  Soon this bad dream will be over and we'll be together again.

          In the meantime I'll see you in my dreams and be with you in my thoughts.

Loving you always,

Gil

Thrilling Day

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 26 June 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Darling,

          Hello my Sweet, here is that guy today.  Had quite a thrilling day.  I cancelled all my appointments and made plans with Dr. Law to look up Simmie.  An hour before we were to leave Sol walked in on me and was it good to see him.  His ship is quite a ways from where we are (fifteen miles).  He came over with someone who was on business, so he had to leave with him.  I'm going to find out how long his ship will be here and then plan as to when I'll go over to see him.  We visited for an hour.  Then my boat was alongside so we shoved off.

          We left at 9:45 and hit the beach at 10:30.  We walked through a small town and got out on the main highway.  We thumbed a ride and reached the 118th Hospital in about fifteen minutes.  We no more than walked through the gate, past the sentry when the first medical officer we ran into was Simmie.  Since I last saw him some thirteen years ago, he really hasn't changed much.   He has a little more weight on him which he well needed.

          We visited until noon and then had lunch with him.  After that we sat around at talked some more about old times and mutual acquaintances.

          We left at 1:30 and thumbed a ride thirty miles up the coast to another town.  From there we bummed a ride back to the ship arriving at 4:30.  All in all we covered about fifty miles.

          I've invited Simmie to be my guest aboard ship for a weekend.  He is going to try to make it the weekend after next.  Now that I've seen how the Army lives I'm twice as glad as I ever was that I was able to choose the Navy.  The food, comfort and working conditions in the Army are quite crude as compared with the clean, comfortable, well equipped shipboard life.  By the way it is now Captain Marcus and not lieutenant.  So much for that

          When we got back I showered.  Until chow time I relaxed in my bunk and censored mail.  After dinner I came down to my office and found two letters of the 17th and 18th awaiting me.

          Your report on Cappy and Edna needs no comment on my part.  By the way Simmie never did see Vic Spitzer as you reported.

          What shall I make for Ethyl? A bracelet like the one I sent you or one like I made for Linda.  I favor the shell bracelet, but I'll let you be the judge.

          What size film do I want?  Some 616 or 116 and some 35 mm.  Kodachrome (if available).  Otherwise some more black and white 35 mm. film.  Wrap the stuff in tin foil.  This heat is rough on film

          I really forgot all about Father's Day until I received all those beautiful cards from my three darlings and they were only one day late.  Pretty good timing.

          In many ways the Siegers are funny people but I do think that you'll have a nice time up there at Lake Arrowhead.  However I don't see why you should put up with Ruth, Babs, and probably Harry.  You don't owe them a thing and don't you forget it.

          I think tonight's movie is "Phantom Lady" and I don't' know who is in it.  I'll report on it tomorrow.

          In the meantime, my sweet, take it easy and don't let everything upset you.  Even if some people are thoughtless and forget you, there is one guy out here thousands of miles distant who loves you and thinks about you all the time (asleep or wake).

Yours as ever,

Gil

On this day Gil received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon but didn't mention it.

I Made Lieutenant

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 11 June 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Greetings.  Although our ship hasn't received the ALNAV, others have. I did make lieutenant this month after all.  The communications officer will pick up all past messages on Wednesday so I'll have to wait until then before it becomes official.

          Spent my usual busy morning examining and filling teeth.  After lunch I had my books audited.  Then I took a boat over to another ship in an attempt to run down some USO shows that are touring out here. Wednesday morning, I'll run into town and make final arrangements.

          The mail today consisted of two letters from you and one from Libby.  Even though we are considerably further from the states we still get seven day service.  All the letters were postmarked the 4th and yesterdays were through the 3rd.

          Somebody had a good idea about souvenirs from out here which I intend to follow up on.  He bought about $20 in unused stamps of different denominations.  They can easily be sold in the states at twice face value.  Also coins and a few bills will be added to my collection.  I already have quite a bit of the Japanese invasion money that is used here.  So all in all I'll have something to show that I was here.  Okay don't get excited.  I still intend to buy something for you and the kids.

          Now to your mail.  I'm sure glad Norma is OK.  I was a wee bit worried about her.  So Dick is in the "dog house" at camp. In spite of Ruth, soft jobs certainly won't be passed out to him.   It serves Ruth right for standing in the way.  She ought to lighten up for a change.

          I don't believe Sol's ship will go to Manila, but rather come here.  I'll keep a weather eye out for him.  It would be nice if Dave did make sergeant. Who knows?  Funnier things have happened.

          There you go again.  $4 to the Junior Hadassah.  Even if Mrs. G. did ask you, you could have said no.  Those $4 items here and there add up.  You've no business throwing money around especially if you don't intend to go to their meetings.  Do I have to chide you all the time or must I put you on an allowance a la Goodfriend.

          I don't have Vic's and Simmie's addresses but I've already written you for them so I guess they'll get here in a couple of days.

          I'm almost certain to be home by Xmas.  As a matter of fact I'd even bet money.  You know how sure I am when I bet.

          How about making up a small package of dime store cosmetics i.e. lipsticks and small vials of perfume.  Pack them in a cigar box or some such wooden container so they'll arrive safely.  I'd also like some glassine envelopes for keeping the stamps I'm going to buy.  See now, you've got another package to send me.

          We have a 4.0 movie tonight.  "The Picture of Dorian Gray."  I'll have to hurry if I want to get a good seat.

          Goodnight Sweet and no matter what I say I still love you.

Devotedly,

Gil

Vessels in Leyte Gulf

Hospital Ship Damaged and Suffered Numerous Casualties

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 4 June 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, how is my favorite wife tonight?  I spent a not too busy morning in my office, grabbed a steak sandwich and took the liberty party ashore.  We are now taking our men to an area fourteen miles away because it has swell facilities.  We go over in an LCI.  The skipper of the LCI, a Joseph Goldfarb, is a nice chap from New York.  He is an architect by profession and went through Columbia on a scholarship.  He must have something on the ball.  He has been married for 3-1/2 years now and has a nine month old baby which he has never seen.

          Anyway Joe and I went over to the native trading post, but the prices were so ridiculous we didn't buy a thing.  Soon it began to rain and we made for the only shelter available, the Officers' Club.  We had a couple of beers and at 3:00 PM went back aboard the LCI where we just sat around and visited.  We got the liberty party back aboard at 4:45 and got underway for our ship.  I had dinner aboard as Joe's guest and he came over to our ship to see the movie. It was lousy, entitled "What a Blonde" with Leon Errol--nuff said.

          When I came down to my office I found four letters from you.  I really wasn't expecting any letters for awhile.  Nina's is very hard to read; it looks like you'll be stuck with her for a couple of days.  Maybe it'll give you something different to do for a change.

          We had "Tomorrow the World" some time ago and I did enjoy it.  I'm not so fat; at least the scales don't think so.  I'm just about what I was when I left the states.  However I could stand some more exercise, although walking around the ship and up and down ladders is more exercise than one imagines.

          Linda's show seems to keep you quite busy with costumes, rehearsals and what have you.  I'd love some snaps of our girls in costume if that could be arranged.

          Sol's ship did see some action which is probably why she returned to the states.  I don't believe he saw a hospital ship sink though one of ours was heavily damaged and suffered numerous casualties.  I can't mention its name.  I don't know whether the information has been released officially yet.

          Nina mentioned the Franklin.  That carrier really took a beating.  I saw it soon after the engagement--what a mess.  You probably saw pictures of it in the papers.

          Well Darling, that is all for this time.  You complain about my originality or lack thereof in making love.  I always liked the old fashioned way the best.  Bye Sweet until tomorrow.

I love you as always

Gil

          

Scuttlebutt Is Unreliable

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 2 June 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,   

          Hello Sweet, I hit the jackpot again today.  I got ten letters in all, eight from you and one each from Deb and Ethyl.  Outside of that today was very uneventful.  I worked all morning and didn't get to read my mail until after lunch.  Then a few of us went ashore and got back at 6:00 P.M. and now here I am.

          I really was disappointed about missing Sol. As an enlisted man it is pretty hard for him to get around but if I had known the ship he was on (and I would have if I'd had the name), it would have been a simple matter for me to make the run. Of course it would be nice if our ship would make the states once in awhile, but I really wouldn't care for duty on an APA.  They are always in there when the going is tough and they have plenty of casualties.  Don't say anything to the "Gs."  You see even Sol didn't know he was going back to Frisco when I did.  I can find out about others but not about myself.  Oh, well!

          I've never given up about getting back soon.  However so much of the scuttlebutt is unreliable, I don't mention stuff unless it is well founded.  Don't worry, I'll ask for Long Beach and I'm pretty sure to get it.

          What do you mean my course grades should be 4.0?  Don't worry I won't flunk and anything above 3.9-- is excellent.

          It is getting close to movie time so I'll secure until later.  Don't go away.  I'll be back soon.

          9:45 and here I am again Honey.  We had an excellent movie tonight.  It was "Conflict" with Humphrey Bogart, Alexis Smith and Sidney Greenstreet.  Now back to your letters.

          Bet I know the photography place Wallie is taking over.  Do you remember the young Jewish fellow who took some pictures at Linda's 4th or 5th birthday party? He is married to a shiksa and is in the Army.  It all ties up very nicely.

          Your news of Iz Goldman is interesting.  By the by, you sent me Simmy Marcus' address once and I misplaced it.  Also Vic Spitzer's.  How about sending them to me again.

          Cox is my roommate.  He is married and has three kiddies.  He has been in the Navy for about ten years and is a lieutenant (j.g.) with a permanent rank of chief yeoman.  You see after the war all men's rank will revert back to what they were at the beginning of the war or when they were first commissioned if they came in after the war started.  Peacetime promotions are very slow.  Of course invite him over.  He still hasn't left here.  Lord alone knows where his relief is.

          I love your ideas about our new home.  They certainly are not too crazy.

          Yes I went to a lot of trouble for my shells but it was lots of fun, and the effort well worth the results or vice versa.

          Linda seems to be spending lots of time on her dancing and it sounds like she is getting quite good at it.  Gosh it's been so long now since I've seen any of you that I wonder if I'll know how to act when I get back.  I've really been living in the present and try not to think of the past or future.  Thinking of the past brings back many loving memories and thoughts but also makes me homesick and blue.  Looking to the future makes time drag, so it's just today.  Tomorrow will take care of itself.

          I do love you Darling and while all those couples you write about are together, we are far apart.  That is, far apart physically, yet you are always in my thoughts.

          I'm all writ out for tonight so I'll sign off.  Goodnight Sweetheart, until tomorrow.

Yours alone,

Gil

Fillings, Extractions, Gingivitis and Examinations

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Friday 27 April 1945, 7:20 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Darling, here I am again.  The morning was another one of those days.  Between 8:30 and 11:30 I filled twelve teeth, extracted four, treated two gingivitis cases and examined two men.  I was really glad that today was Friday, "field day," and no appointments for the afternoon.

          After lunch seven of us officers went ashore for a few beers and relaxation.  At 5:00 PM our boat picked us up and we returned to the ship.  We had just enough time to shower and change before dinner.  After eating we stood up on deck and watched the sun set in a glorious blaze of red fire and a great big yellow, tropical, moon rise in the heavens.

          I really hit the jackpot today.  I got six letters from you and one each from "I" Bergman, Herman Stein and Ethyl and the Arrowhead card from you.  So-o-o- here goes.

          Don't do a thing about income taxes until I get home.  It'll be perfectly OK. There is no reason to worry.  
          The old set of golf clubs contains several of my original clubs. They are worth $3 or $4 each so don't give them away.  However the old irons with the wooden shafts can be passed on to Dick if you like.

          Sounds like you have lots of flowers around the house.  Wish I were there to cut and arranged them you around the house.

          Don't worry. When I get back, wherever I go we'll be together, all four of us.  That is a promise.

          The snaps of Linda and my mother are swell but where are my other two girls?  Yes, I know you looked terrible (or so you say) so you didn't send them on.  You'd look good to me anyway and don't you forget it.

          I see you got a couple more days of teaching.  Swell--that makes two days less to have to fill up some way."Winged Victory" was good but I didn't enjoy the Durbin movie, "I Want to Sing" or something like that.  Did you like it?

          Don't worry about "babies."  I'll take care of everything when I get back and that's a promise.

          Ruth is no different than she always was.  It's Ruth first, last, and always.  No there wasn't anything in the letter I wrote her.

          Where is Sol's address--is it a military secret?  Get it and sent it along.

          Darling, I'm worried about you again.  You accept any and all invites.  Don't worry about how cordial they are.  The chances are they do want you but you are just too sensitive about the whole deal.  Ethyl wrote me, evidently right after you called her, but she never mentioned your crying.  Guess she didn't want to worry me but still you do.  Snap out of it gal and maybe soon this will all seem like a bad dream.

          Well, there is no more for now.  Good night Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Love

Gil

P.S.    Can you tell by my handwriting--am I tight or not?

G.

Snaps of Gil's mother (Lena Steingart) and Linda

Poured Ether

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 27 February 1945, 11:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey, here I am again.  Began today as usual with work and was hard at it all morning.  After lunch a few of us went over to the recreation island for a few beers.

          There is a grove cleared and picnic tables are scattered throughout.  Five of us sat down at one of the tables and played hearts all afternoon.  Whenever we were due for another round the highest score player bought the beer.  It was really a nice quiet restful afternoon.

          We got back to the ship just in time for dinner and after eating, low and behold there was another stack of mail for me on my bunk.  There were seven letters, four from you, one from Deb, one from Ethyl and one from Joe Orenstein writing for the B'nai B'rith.

          We had a double feature movie tonight.  One was "Vigilantes of  Dodge City" and the other was "Sergeant Mike."  The second feature had just begun when I was called down to sick bay.  The doctor was doing an appendectomy under spinal but the patient was so scared that he wanted me to pour ether.

          We just finished a few minutes ago and will be doing another one in about twenty or thirty minutes.

          Now to your letters. They at dated he 5th through the 17th and the 19th.  I don't know why you're afraid to buy more "G" bonds.  They are negotiable, redeemable at any bank and bear interest.  If you need money, it will always be available.

          You seem to be doing quite well with your teaching.  Two or three days a week should help take up the financial slack and also keep you busy.

          Don't do anything about a lot.  There will be plenty of time and lots later on and the prices won't be as high.  You just wait and see.

          So Ruth has Gus Loeb to gush over now.  My, my aren't you thrilled?  Gus is a swell guy and I hope he doesn't get stuck with Goldie.  He's pretty smart though so I won't worry about him.

          I've gotten many nice notes from patients.  They seem to miss me a hell of a lot more than some of my friends (?).

          Yes dear we can play back 33-1/3 as well as 78 RPM records.  Be sure they are cut deeper and play them back once on the regular turntable not the recording unit.  That should help to fix the groove better.

          Wish we were someplace where I could buy some of the things you ask for.  Outside of Navy, to all intents and purposes we could be in the middle of the Sahara.  There isn't a damn thing I can say good about this place and there certainly isn't anything to be purchased as a souvenir.  I'm still hoping those boxes will come through.

          Again I ask, send me the addresses of Sol and Art.  If they are on a ship I may be able to see them if they come out here.  I'm in a position where I can check on who is here.

          Send the salami but no "borsht" or "gefulte fish."  Some nice sardines or anchovies would be good or even some caviar.  See what I mean?  OK Honey, go to work.

          Well my time is up.  Do you remember when I'd go to the office at night and you'd wait for me first patiently and then not so patiently?  Well I promise to spend all my evenings with you.  No more night work for me once I'm back with my three girls--no mam.

          Good night sweetie, until tomorrow.

Love,

Gil


Recreation Island
 Mog Mog, Ulithi

Playing Hearts and drinking beer

Hearts all hearts plus the queen of spades too

Another game of Hearts

My Pen Is Writing Better

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 13 February 1945. 6:45 PM

My Darling,

          I am a little early. It is raining so there is no sunset to witness tonight.  Note my pen is writing a little better.  I worked the point down a little finer; it'll do me until I get home.

          This has been my busiest day aboard.  I worked steadily all morning and afternoon until about 4:00 PM.  By then I was pretty tired so I undressed and relaxed with an Ellery Queen story.

          Don't worry about me working too hard.  I'm really enjoying keeping busy as it helps the time to pass more quickly.  This month seems to be flying by and I think it is because I'm working most of the time.

          Got five letters this morning.  Three from you, a valentine from Linda and a nice letter from Ethyl.  She sure is swell.  I wish all our friends were like her, and then I wouldn't worry about you being so lonesome with me away.

          I see you're still teaching.  Swell as long as you say it isn't too much for you.  Bet you are making more money than I am, considering the time we both put in.

          The concert sounds quite good and I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.

          No, I didn't know I was buying you a new mink coat but I'll save my pennies and by Xmas the coat will materialize.

          I'll weigh myself right now and report back.  Don't go away.  It's 170 on the nose, clothes, dinner and all.  Took some snaps the last time I went ashore.  When I get them I'll send them on.

          Wait until you get into "Forever Amber" more.  I found it more interesting every page I read and you will too.

          We could use some of the cold weather you are having.  I do hope Linda's indisposition was short lived and she is OK now.  Guess "Stinky" is over hers alright.

          Be sure that Sol has my address.  If he is shipping out our paths may cross.  Send me his address as well and I'll keep my eyes open.

          There aren't any seaman third class ratings.  A third class rating is a petty officer rating.  Examples: pharmacist mate, storekeeper, yeoman etc.  They all rate from third, second, first to chief.  Yes, my promotion should be soon now.  Another two or three months.  It takes fifteen to sixteen months to make lieutenant.  Leon and Jim can be Lieutenant Commanders for a much longer period.  Two years is nothing at the present time.

          I don't know why Libby's letter should upset you.  She doesn't have any more money than we have or had for the past five years.  I can't see anything to get excited about in her letter, and Honey it isn't like you to be so jealous and selfish.  I'll just blame it on the times and say no more.

          Got a valentine from Gilman but haven't heard from the repair base for a long time.  Guess I've been remiss in writing.

          Honey, I'm seeing my share of movies. Just to be with you I'll go anyplace you want when I get home.

          I'm glad you're going ahead with plans for Arrowhead this summer. It'll do the kids and you (too) a lot of good.  Maybe I'll even surprise you and join you up there.  I'm still hoping.  Plan to go in the late summer when the chances will be better.

          That was a pleasant day in Santa Barbara.  We'll spend our next honeymoon any place you say.  Even home will suit me.

          Well Sweet, I'm fresh out of words and stuff so I'll close with loving thoughts and dreams of days to come.

Yours only,

Gil

Navy Changes Its Mind Just Like a Woman

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 22 January 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from another 4.0 movie.  We had "From the Bowery to Broadway" a musical with Maria Montez, Jack Oakie and several other stars.  See it, it's entertaining.

          The mailman was good to me today and brought me nine letters.  There were six from you, a letter from Deb and two birthday cards--one from Libby and Nat and one from Loretta.

          Now to your letters.  They're postmarked the 7th, 9th and 12th which still leaves the 11th and 12th to come plus whatever comes after the 13th.  Packages are still coming through so here's hoping I get mine soon.

          First darling, don't get you heart set on my being home in three months.  You know the Navy changes its mind just like a woman.  My chances still look good but still there is always the possibility that____.  Also if we did return in three months it would take somewheres between twenty days and a month's sailing time to get back to civilization. So be patient and hope for the best, but please don't work yourself up into what could turn out as a big disappointment.

          Glad Dave made corporal but Deb writes he's in the "line" which means he is due for overseas duty and that aint good.  I don't know what instructions Dave can give Sol.  For the amount of time Sol has been in he has progressed further than Dave. I bet he comes out of this war with the higher rate.

          Don't feel badly about my not hearing from you daily.  I still hold the record amongst the officers for the most mail and when I do get any it is always a stack.

          I don't know what more to say about Arrowhead except wait and see.

          The Willie, Wally,and Mary story is interesting but it isn't new except that now that Mary caught up with Willie the cat is out of the bag so the cat (Willie) may as well play.  What surprises me is that his health stands up to it all.

          Yes dear by the time I get home it should be Lieutenant without the j.g.  I hardly know what to ask for as a gift from Libby.  "Coronet" would be nice but it really doesn't matter.

          I'm glad to hear about Abe Weinberg.  He is a bright chap and should go far in the Navy and out.  Right now they are crying for men in certain fields for additional training. Many men are really getting terrific training at no expense to themselves and it will stand them in good stead after the war.  There is just one catch.  I doubt very much whether these fellows who are getting all this training will be released.  It is my guess that they will be kept on for many years.

          Enjoyed your report on the installation.  Next year we have a date to attend it together.

          The Arnerichs, Paul and Vincent are brothers.  One graduated in '31 and one in '32.  They are both in the Navy one being stationed at the hospital in San Diego and the other out here.

          Don't stop sending packages or mail.  Goodness gal. That was scuttlebutt and it depends entirely on the progress of certain military campaigns.  Besides if we return, mail will always go to our next port and held there until we arrive.  So, take it easy and keep those panties on.  I'll take them of personal-like when I get there.

          No more for now so good night my Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Loving you always,

Gil