Ordered Dolls for Linda and Norma

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
             Wednesday 4 October 1944 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Had liberty today, but didn't do much.  As a matter of fact, I stayed aboard for lunch and it was past one before Ambie and I finally shoved off.  We stopped at a music store and bought a book of songs.  Then we stopped for a couple of beers and sat around in a hotel court just relaxing.  Caught a bus and got back in time for dinner.  After dinner, I broke out the song book, Ambie got the accordion and several of the officers joined us.  We sang and played until movie time.  The movie was "Atlantic City" with Constance Moore, Jerry Colona and a lot of old timers.  The picture had much entertainment value but for some reason didn't click.  I personally believe the continuity was lousy.

          After the picture, I went to my present quarters and found a letter from you.  You sound quite busy but the tone of the letter shows that you have more or less gotten over that "Tante" deal.  I hope you'll have better luck with help next time.

          I finished reading Louis Bromfield's "The Green Bay Tree."  It is really a woman's book but it was laying around so I picked it up and before I knew it, I was so far into it that I decided to finish it.  I expect to do a lot more reading once we get underway.

          Well Sweetheart, I'm going to end this letter short for now and will finish in the morning.  I love you darling and I'll be so proud of my wife and girls when I get back.  Good night, hone. Will be with you again in the morning.

Thursday 5 October 1944, 8:30 AM

          Good morning, Sweetheart.  Nothing new since last night.  I haven't seen the morning mail, and I'm in somewhat of a hurry.  I ordered some recreational gear, and I'll have a jeep available in a few moments to go to pick the stuff up.  I still have to shave, so I must close quickly to be sure this goes off in the next batch of mail.

          I've ordered dolls for Norma and Linda and they should receive them for Xmas.  I've been looking for a silver charm bracelet, but they all seem to have local items in miniature on them, so those are out.  I'll continue looking something may turn up.

          Honey, do you remember how surprised you were when you got your silver fox neckpiece?  Well darling, there are many surprises in store for you, but you'll have to be patient until they come.

          I'll sign off and dash now.

Loving you always

Gil

Played an Amusing Card Game Called Football

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
                     1 October 1944, 10:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello darling, here I am again.  This has been just another day aboard.  Saw four patients this AM and spent the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon making up some routine reports due the first of the month.  Showered about 4:30 and then went topside to relax.  Played a game called "football." It was quite interesting.  A board is marked off like a field and a 52 card deck is used for determining the plays.  After you decide whether you wish to pass, run, or kick you turn up the next card in the deck and then look on a chart which gives you the result of the play.  For example: I chose to pass and turned up the 3 of diamonds.  Under pass, the 3 diamonds shows a gain of 6 yards.  Catch on?  Really is quite amusing.

          I've ordered additional recreational material for the crew and will pick it up in the morning.  By the way we had a very good movie aboard today, "She Loved a Soldier" with Paulette Goddard.  It is quite cool and comfortable sitting on the fo'castle, and I must say I am enjoying our movies much more since they are being shown topside.

          How are you getting along with Tante and Dolores?  It doesn't sound to be working out as well as you had hoped.  Really, as long as they don't promise to be permanent, I'd keep looking.  You recall, when Edna came to us the situation was no better than it is now.  You never can tell who will turn up.  Anyway it still is your home, not theirs and such things as parties for Dolores seem to be expecting a little too much.  However, you're the boss and you'll have to make the final decision.

          How are Linda's feet these days?  Is she back at dancing school?  What about Norma?  What does she do to pass the time away?  Besides yours, I wrote five letters last night. Soon I'll be all caught up.  Nothing more for now.  I'll finish in the morning after mail call.  Good night Sweet, pleasant dreams.  I love you.

Monday 2 October 1944, 9:30 AM

          Good morning, darling, hope you slept well.  Read until after midnight last night and slept soundly until I was awakened for breakfast this AM.  Nothing new to tell about this morning.  The mail didn't bring anything but a New Year greeting from Temple Beth Shalom on a Uniongram form signed by Nan Goldman.  Am I surprised!  Guess I'll have to acknowledge it.

          Sweet, do you remember the night we spent up at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood?  After this war we'll go to other winter resorts and enjoy the snow.  Boy, wouldn't I like some now.  Have work to do now dear, so till tonight so long.

Love

Gil