Won 25 Dollars Last Night and Lost 25 Cents Tonight

Thursday 18 October 1945, 11:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another day gone and another day closer to when we'll be together again.  Just loafed around all day.  It sure is hard to keep busy when there isn't a darn thing to do.  I did find an Ellery Queen mystery.  I read part of that today, but all in all today was just another one wasted.

          Today I got some more old mail dated the 1st and 4th October.  Wish I could tell you when we are leaving but I can't.  The Navy announced a three point reduction in points with additional reductions in December and January 1st.  It could happen that I'll be a civilian by the time I'm thirty-six.  I couldn't think of a nicer birthday present.

          I think I'll be home in time to help you with your Xmas shopping, but to be home by Thanksgiving and your birthday is cutting it pretty thin.  However, it could happen.  They've started decommissioning the "Mighty O" and they could be finished by the end of the month.

          I think I remember Mary Billings.  Is she a thin, nervous type of girl around thirty-five?  No use asking as I'm not expecting any reply.  By the time any answers get out here I hope to be on my way home.  Why only 200 men aboard?  The flag carried about 500 enlisted men, yeomen, radiomen, storekeepers and signalman.  When they moved, they took them along.  The men we had aboard were just those necessary for running the ship.

          You've been talking long enough now about how you've been feeling.  How about going to a doctor and getting the low down once and for all.

          Talking about weight, since we've been ashore I've been doing lots of walking up and down hills and my appetite is tremendous. Hope I keep my weight down to what it was.  Here the food is better so I eat plenty.

          Your honeymoon schedule is excellent, but I do have one complaint.  Don't you think you should allow more time for loving?

          Saw a real good, though old, movie tonight.  It was "Knute Rockne All American," with Pat O'Brien.  After the movie we played a little poker.  I won $25 last night and lost about 25 cents tonight.  I'm not doing too badly, am I?

          That is all for tonight so I'll sign off and go to bed.  Hope I dream about us I love you so.

Yours forever,

Gil

Thanksgiving Day

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
                Thursday 23 November, 1:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          This is Thanksgiving, the first one we've been apart for more than fifteen years and the last one I am sure.

          Yesterday was a bitch.  It was hot and I was swamped all morning and part of the afternoon.  I had seven extractions, nine fillings, and several treatments and examinations to make.  Then, when I was through, a few of the officers decided to go ashore for a couple of hours.  We hadn't gotten more than a hundred yards from the ship when the engine began to smoke and the boat had to be towed back to the ship.  Thus ended the shortest liberty of my career as there were no other boats available at that time.

          So I played a few games of checkers and before I knew it, it was time for supper.  After chow we sat around in a cool spot (comparatively only) and chewed the fat.  Then it was 7:45 PM and time for movies.  Another "oldie" but a good one, "Hollywood Cavalcade" with Alice Fay and Don Ameche.  Then I turned into my sack and read for a while but didn't get far because of officers dropping in for a visit.  My room seems to be one of the coolest on the ship, hence the popularity.

          Awoke this morning at 7:30 AM, showed, dressed and had a very light breakfast.  The enclosed menu will explain the reason why.  I had only one helping of everything and I'm stuffed like the turkey was before it was served.

          I had a light routine this morning so I spent an hour helping my corpsman get the library in order.  It is quite a job, but the end is now in view.

          Well Sweet tomorrow is Friday and a whole week since I got any mail.  Service out here is rotten so I hope you won't worry or be upset if you don't receive any regularly.  I bet though when it does get here there'll be a stack of it.

          Darling, remember how I hated to write?  Well except for our visits, I still hate it and after the war you'll be appointed my chief and only letter writer so help me!

          That is all now honey.  I'm going to say "adios" for today.  I wish I could wax poetic and express my deep love for you as I'd like but I can't so I'll wind up with my usual "loving you as always."

Your devoted

Gil