Friday the 13th--Treated 13 Men

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
              Friday 13 October 1944, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          This has been another busy day for me.  This is Friday the 13th.  I examined and treated 13 men.  If only I were superstitious I could begin worrying right now!

          This afternoon's mail brought a letter from you, one from Ethel and a card from my Mother.  Mary was all wet and in more ways than one.  They seem to be a sore spot with you so I'll not mention them anymore.

          Now for the quiz program. The Mess Treasurer collects the monthly mess charges from officers, pays for all food and supplies drawn from the ships commissary and submits a statement monthly of the status of the officer's mess.  What a mess! Just couldn't resist the pun.  No I didn't run in Al accidentally.  Yes darling I now have plenty of music.  In addition to what you've sent I chiseled a couple of song books from the local welfare and recreation office and also purchased a book in a music store.  Regarding John York: If you just turned the account over to them call them and tell them the account has been paid and to forget about it.  However, I believe they have had the account  for some time and you may have to pay them 25% for collection.  However, when I left they still owed me some money so you won't need to send them any payment.  What you wrote about Jules is typical of the Army.  They need dentists and yet the dentists they have do everything but dentistry.  However as for Germany fighting on to the bitter end, did you read where Lloyds of London is giving 4 to 1 odds that the European war will be over by November 1?

          I'm certainly not surprised about Dick.  Keeping the hours he's been keeping and the things he is doing certainly doesn't do much to keeping a fellow fit.  Yet I venture to say that Ruth and Harry will probably not do much about it and after a couple of weeks Dick will drift slowly back to his old routine.  I hope I'm wrong but that is my guess.

          Well honey, I've just about run out now.  One more item.  The movie tonight was "Rainbow Island," with Dorothy Lamour and Eddie Bracken and very enjoyable.

          Sweetheart, do you remember the El Dorado and our singing in bed before turning over?  Bet the neighbors thought we were drunk.  Maybe we were drunk with happiness.  After this war we must try that routine again if we can without waking the kids and the maid.

          Good night my darling.  I'm going to close this letter tonight because I have lots to do tomorrow morning.  I love you.

Devotedly

Gil

 

 

Anyone Who Hasn't Made a Payment Needs Jacking Up

Monday 4 September 1944, 8:15 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Yesterday was my duty day--just another day aboard.  Nothing of interest to talk about.  The movie we had was "Dark Mountain."  If it comes your way, miss it--just a waste of time.

          I forgot to answer a question in yesterday's letter regarding accounts.  You don't have to bother with Miss Earnest.  Anyone who hasn't made a payment since August 1st needs jacking up.  If they have a phone, call them.  If not turn them over to the California Professional Bureau.  A small piece is better than nothing.

          A few of us got together yesterday on the subject of babies, obstetricians, etc. and I was able to make several enlightening remarks on the subject.  Then we talked about buying items of wear for the better half and again I put in my two cents.  You see, we have so much time with so little to do that I really solve all worldly problems.  Yes, I can hear you now, "If you have so much time why not write longer letters and more often?"  Yes, my sweet, but for reasons that I can't mention it is difficult to write now and besides what shall I write about?  The weather is constant, warm with blue skies and occasional white clouds.  No rain in the past week.  Evenings are cool and comfortable.  I'm well and miss you and the kids terribly.  So I can repeat the above twice a day, day in and day out.  The censors will pass that but it is silly to repeat same and nothing else.

          I'm going on liberty this morning.  Your package has been on its way for about a week.  Maybe I'll find something for the kids that I can send off immediately.

          Well Sweetheart, nothing else to gab about and besides I have a couple of patients waiting.  Will write again tonight when I return if there is anything at all to tell.  In the meantime be good and don't upset yourself about nothing.  I love you and always will.

Your loving husband

Gil

Lt (jg) G. Steingart

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