Sailing to Okinawa Postponed

U.S.S. OCELOT (IX-110)

c/o Fleet Post Office

San Francisco, California

Thursday 6 September 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another busy day for me and again no dentistry.  The mess caterer's job is quite involved so I've taken the last day or so to get it squared away.  Now everything is shipshape and I can resume being the dentist once more.

          All morning was taken up with planning the seating in the wardroom and assigning various duties to the individual stewards.  In the afternoon I haggled with the flag personnel officer and got a Filipino steward to run the wardroom for me.  Then I ordered three hundred cases of beer to take to Okinawa with us.  Liberty is very poor for enlisted men there and the beer supply is limited.  We'll buy what we can up there and supplement it with the stuff we have aboard.  So the day went.

          It has been raining steadily all day and the ship has cooled off considerably.  At five I took my regular shower and changed into fresh clothes and then to dinner.  Now here I am.

          Our sailing date has been postponed till the 9th.  Because we were supposed to be sailing soon all our mail is already going to Okinawa.  So it'll be a week before I get any more mail.

          By the way when I was over at Tolosa last night I saw an Army captain dental officer who looked familiar.  He turned out to be a Captain Crump who graduated from USC in '31.  This is a small world isn't it?

          I still haven't answered any mail.  Maybe when we get underway I'll be in the mood to do some writing.

          Tonight's movie is "The House of Fear" with Basil Rathbone.  Hope I like it and that it's worth sitting in the rain for.

          What do you want to know?  I'd like to write more but don't know what about so--.  Goodnight Sweet.  I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

The Peace That Isn't

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday, 11 August 1945, 12:10 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Here is your night owl husband again.  Last night's news hopped me up so much that it was 2:00 AM before I fell asleep and I awoke at 6:45 AM.  I worked this morning and the let down about the peace, that isn't yet, was very evident all over the ship.

          This afternoon I dozed for an hour and at 4:00 PM. I got a message from a Captain Schurr asking me to meet him at the landing in town.  I immediately sent him a message and arranged to be there at 7:30 PM.  I went over in a picket boat.  No Captain Schurr. I checked with the communications office and found my message hadn't been received yet and that Schurr is an Army captain.  I can't place him unless he is related to Silvia and Sara.  Anyway I left without seeing him.  No sooner had we gotten out of the inner harbor that a storm hit.  So we turned back and waited over an hour for it to abate.  Though it was still quite rough and raining at 10:45 PM, we got underway again and got back without any mishap.  All I can show for the trip is two hours of lost sleep.

          We had a real treat for dinner tonight.  Fresh cantaloupe and ice cream.  It was good. Yum, yum.

          I got two letters from my Sweet today so here goes.  Yes the sub base had some wonderful things, but so expensive.  All stateside stuff that could be bought for less money at home.  I feel badly about your attitude concerning our anniversary.  I didn't forget and really the amount of time I put in plenty of time on the lapel gadget. Had I sent you $100, you'd have blown it, no doubt.  Money doesn't grow on trees.  No, not even on lieutenant's trees.

          About the cake, I just happened to mention that on the 25th I'd be married eleven years.  The baker overheard it.  So without a word to anyone he baked a cake and left it for me in my office.  It served eighty men, so it wasn't small.

          No more for now Darling, I can hardly keep my eyes open.  Goodnight with love and kisses.

Yours forever,

Gil

Still Sweating It Out

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 3 August 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Sweetheart,

          Here I am still sweating it out.  Worked all morning as usual but this afternoon was field day so no appointments. Instead I worked on the wardroom statement and read for awhile.  I'm reading "China to Me," by Emily Hahn. It is an autobiography and quite interesting.  Then I showered, censored mail and dressed for dinner.  After chow we played cribbage and now here I am.  My routine doesn't change very much, does it?

          It is still hot with no clouds to shade the ships and sea from old sol.  Just to give you an idea of the heat.  I was reading with a fan, just three feet away, blowing down on my back. My back was quite cool and yet sweat just poured off me where the air from the fan wasn't hitting me.  I've given up looking for rain though I suppose it'll rain tomorrow because it's my turn to take the liberty party ashore.

          Tom Glass, our supply officer, got his orders today and returns to the states in about a week.  Cox is still awaiting his relief.  Hope when my orders come that I don't have to sit around and wait like he is.  It has been almost 4 months.  That would drive me nuts.

          I got two letters and the hunting knife from you today.  It's a good knife. Although I don't expect ever to need to use it, it's good to have one.  I had bought one aboard for $1.35 and sold it for $2.00 today.  So everything is okay in that deal.

          When you are busy, I've notice that you are in much better spirits.  I'm glad that you are able to occupy your time so well.

          God knows when the shaver will get here by parcel post.  Packages are received out here via air mail but all the dope I could get on it was in the request letter I sent you.  Anyway it is on its way now and maybe it won't take too long.

          Penicillin was first used by the Army and Navy.  Its application is quite simple and its usefulness is quite universally known.  Just some more Goodman propaganda I guess.

          Tonight's movie is "Don Juan Quilligan" with William Bendix.  It should be good.  I enjoyed "A Medal for Benny" last night.  I hope you did too.

          That is thirty for tonight Sweet.  So goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Yours forever,

Gil  

   

4th July 1945

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Wednesday, July 4 1945, 6:45 PM

My Dearest,

          Yesterday was the first day I missed writing you.  This was the first time since the promise I made  many months ago.  However, I know you'll forgive me this once after I tell you how busy I've been. 

          You recall my mentioning trying to get a USO show aboard.  I finally got one scheduled for last night.  However there were several things that had to be done before the show went on.  First a stage with lights and curtains had to be rigged up. I spent an hour yesterday afternoon with the electricians and carpenters getting my ideas across and getting them started.  Then I had to take a boat into town to pick up the show.  We got back to the ship at 6:00 PM and we fed them before they performed.  The show went on at 7:00 PM and ended at 8:00 PM.  Following that we had our regular movie "Hotel Berlin." The performers asked to stay and see it.  After the show we had some coffee. Then I had to take the troupe back.  We left at 10:45 and it took us till 1:30 to make the run that usually takes an hour in daylight.  It was pitch black out and there is only a narrow channel surrounded by reefs with only a few buoys for makers.  Were they hard to find!  We almost ran aground twice but did make it safely and made the return trip in 1 1/2 hours.  Anyway it was 3:00 AM before we finally returned to the ship.  I was really dead tired and turned in immediately. 

          The troupe was made up of natives with five girls, ages 7, 10, 14, 17 and 21 and four men, all adult.  The show is built around a magician who is excellent and has traveled throughout the Far East and Europe.  The girls, all his nieces, sang and danced.

          The 7 year old was very clever and just panicked the audience. They were more interested in her than the older girls so she must have been very good.

          During Japanese occupation here these people lived in the hills with the guerillas.  They entertained the guerillas and developed the show for them. They are very professional now.  We asked them if there was anything special they wanted and they said. "Yes, rice."  They pay fifty cents a pound for it .We gave them one hundred pounds. They were they grateful.  The show is put on six days a week, three times for the Army and three for the Navy, so they really work hard.

          I awoke this morning at 8:00 AM and just had a cup of coffee for breakfast.  For lunch we had our regular holiday menu for the enlisted men and for dinner we had the enclosed menu in the ward room.  I took the liberty party ashore this afternoon and so my day was well taken care of what with a busy morning with patients.

           I got two letters from you and one from Libby this morning.  The pictures of Linda are darling but my little girl is growing up and I'll have to hurry home.

          I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your little trip to Oceanside.  It does seem like everything you plan goes wrong but remember it is always darkest before the dawn and maybe something will happen soon to make us all very happy.

          I got those earrings you sent but they don't make up nicely with the shells.  I'll make up a pair and send it on.  The coconut shell bracelet is a lot of work, but I'll make one up for Norma and one for you if you want it.  I sent Ethyl a bracelet like yours but didn't put a catch on it.  I'm sure Doc will be able to fix it up for her.

          If you work out plans with Yetta I'm sure that the change will be for the best.  You'd probably enjoy each other's company much more and the kids do get along well together.

          Tonight's movie is a Western thriller, "The Great Stagecoach Robbery" but it may be better than it sounds.

          No more for now my sweet so I'll sign off with love and kisses to all my girls!

Yours always

Gil

Menu for Enlisted Mens' Lunch

Wardroom Menu for dinner

Wardroom Menu Reverse side explaining that Pom Pom is the native word for nucki, diddle, yevee, or to be refined sexual intercourse

Linda

Linda Again

Army Life is Rugged

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 27 June 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello my darling, how are you tonight?  Last night's movie "Phantom Lady" was an oldie that we saw together. Franchot Tone is the villain who strangles people with ties, scarves etc. Another is accused and convicted of the crimes because his alibi disappears.  Do you remember it now?  Of course everything turned out right in the end.

          Guess taking a whole day off is a bad idea. I was quite busy all day today and didn't finish up until 3:30.  Then I went to the barber's for a haircut.  After a nice shower I crawled into my bunk.  In my skivvies I censored and read mail until 5:30 when I dressed for dinner.

          Because of some connections I was able to buy a case of coke (36 bottles) and a case of "Toddy" chocolate milk drink (24 cans).  The whole thing set me back $3.85.  Guess I can afford it.

          Today, I've been thinking more about Army life--it is really rugged.  They get rationed about one egg a week while we get all we want.  They live on hard cots in tents while I have a bunk with a box spring and mattress.  The water they drink is so highly chlorinated that the fumes hit you in the face when you raise your glass to your mouth; our water comes from distilling plants.  Fresh meat is a delicacy while on our ship we are able to store enough fresh food for one thousand men for three months and we reprovision more frequently than that.  There are so many other advantages to Navy over Army life that I often wonder why more men didn't try the Navy in preference to the Army.

          Our movie tonight is Judy Garland in "Presenting Lily Mars."  I don't remember seeing it.  No mail today so that is thirty for tonight.

          Goodnight my sweet until tomorrow when we'll meet (poetry!)

Love,

Gil

Toddy

1945 Coke Bottle?

Movies

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.

My Mouth Waters

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday  6 June 1945, 10:00 PM

My Darling,

          Here I am again honey so how's about a great big kiss, huh?  That was nice and thanks but I sure could stand a little of that at closer quarters.

          Today was just another day.  I worked all morning and saw two patients this afternoon. When I was through I finished a little something I was making for you.  Now I have but one more piece to assemble and off they'll go.  I do hope you and the kids like them.

          I got five letters today, three from you and one each from our mothers.  You sure are getting absent minded, going to see a movie you'd seen just two weeks before.  I've noticed in your letters too that your days of the week and the dates don't always match up.

          Guess I'll have to hurry home and wake you up.  What a pleasure that'll be.  Yes dear you may definitely hope for me to be home in the fall.  Another of our officers got his orders today and will leave on Friday.

          Sounds like Slapsy Maxie's is still tops.  We've got a date to go there when I get back.  I'm really surprised at Dick's actions.  If the MPs ever catch up with him, he'll be a sorry boy.  The best thing that could have happened to him did when he was drafted.  The Army will straighten him out (I hope).

          Quit worrying about my next station.  I'll ask for Long Beach and should get it.  If not wherever I go my family goes too.  Satisfied?

          Your dinner party sounds like a success.  My mouth just waters when I think of sour cream, radish and green onion salad, tomatoes and all the other things we never get.  Bananas and pineapple can be purchased from the natives.  As a matter of fact, I'm planning a trip into town and will see what I can buy.

          I'm really surprised at the Spivaks. We won't forget it when I get home.  Evidently Frieda Marcus didn't make any impression on Leon.  Correct me if I'm wrong.

          I'm sorry to hear about your mother.  It's up to you and Deb to get up on your hind legs and tell Ruth once and for all that she'd better hire a maid and let you mother relax.  I'm sure you sister can afford it.

          We had an excellent movie tonight, "A Royal Scandal" with Tallulah Bankhead and Ann Baxter.  See it; I know you'll enjoy it.

          No more to tonight Darling so bye and pleasant dreams.  I'll close with those three little words "I love you,"

Yours as always,

Gil

Mothers' Day 1945

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 13 May 1945, 10:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          It is Mothers' Day. Many times today I've wondered what you were doing. Since we married, we were always together on this day.  I hope you got your gift on time and liked it.  I would have liked to have sent you something more but there really wasn't much choice.

          Though today is Sunday I was quite busy all morning.  After lunch I took a liberty party ashore.  Passed out six cans of beer to each man and then hunted up a few more shells.  My collection is getting larger and more interesting all the time.      

          At two o'clock a party of ships' officers came ashore bringing along seventy-five steaks, all the trimmings and four cases of beer.  We pitched horseshoes, played cribbage, drank beer and had a swell afternoon.  At 4:30 PM I sent the liberty party back to the ship and rejoined the officers' party.  I put away two steaks.  Boy were they good! Quit drooling.

          We returned to the ship at 6:30 PM. I showered and changed into fresh clothes.  For the movie tonight we had "For Whom the Bell Tolls" which I saw for the second time.  Why I'll never know.  I still think it was very slow moving and Gary Cooper was lousy.

          I came down to my office to write you and found two letters.  Yours was postmarked May 4th and your mother's May 6th.  I guess tomorrow I'll get your letters of the 3rd to 6th inclusive.  I hope!

          You say that your letter "is #4 for today" and you still have something to say.  I have trouble writing one decent letter a day.

          It is really surprising that they are still going after men well along in their thirties. 

          If Dick had pneumonia, taking chest x-rays is just routine before release from the hospital.  He is very silly to hope for a discharge.  If that happened it would be because he was seriously sick boy without much hope of returning to normal.  Of course I don't blame him for trying to get a specialist rating.  However the Army has plenty of them. Even If Ruth did write the chaplain, she'll probably be disappointed.  Her letter will probably be placed in what we call the circulatory file--the waste basket.

          Are Ruth's anniversary party and musicale going to be on the same night or are they separate affairs?  I'd love to be with you Sweet, but I guess I'll miss this big blow this time.  I don't know why I should write Ruth and Harry.  It's been a long time since I heard from Ruth.  She probably thinks of me when she thinks of you and you know how often that is.  She even asked me to write to Dick.  Like hell I will.  He never wrote to me before he went into the Army. If he'd like to have me write, he can drop me a line first.

          I'd like prints (black and white) of the negatives Libby sent.  By the way we had some more snaps taken on the island today and I should have some new photos to send you in a few days.

          It's 11:15 PM and I still want to write a few lines to our mothers so I'll sign off now.

          Good night Darling and don't give up hope.  One of these days I'm hoping to have some well news for you.  Pleasant dreams.

Yours alone,

Gil

Fourteen Fillings and Three Extractions

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 6 March 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          I really worked this morning.  I only saw five patients but the count for the morning was fourteen fillings and three extractions.  Besides that there were a couple examinations and a denture adjustments thrown in.

          I hit the jackpot this morning.  I got nine letters and a card from you, a card from Linda, and a letter from Ruth.  I also got a snapshot album from the Goodfriends and a can of almond butter crunch from Deb and Dave.  The album is very nice and covered with tan leather.  The candy is delicious and is practically gone.  Everyone enjoyed it.

          This afternoon I attended to my Mother's Day shopping.  Saw two more patients and then got forty-five minutes of sun.  After that I had my hair cut, returned to my room and censored some mail.  By then it was 5:15 so I showered and dressed for dinner.  After chow we enjoyed the cool breezes and the usual pretty sunset and here I am.

          Honey, I know you are busy and if you don't get a letter off right on time don't let it worry you.  I still have the sweetest, truest, most loving wife of any man aboard and I will understand.

          I'm glad you enjoyed the ballet and it's a date for next season--just you and I.                   

          It is swell about Deb and Dave.  Whether it's an accident or intentional I know they'll be happier for it in years to come.  Yes dear it is their show and none of your business anymore than it was theirs when you were infanticipating. 

          Honey your outlook on life bothers me.  You hate to see anyone happy or making money and seem to delight when upsetting things happen to others.  I know they say "misery loves company," but you never were that way.  When I come back I want you to be as I knew you, a lovely gal with a great big heart.  Please understand Dear that what I'm saying is not a reproval but rather that you were so much happier with your previous attitude.  I won't say anymore about it, but please snap out of it.

          Unless he is very careful about the care of his feet, Dick's athlete's foot business will be recurring as long as he's in the Army.  We have it aboard and it's a "bitch" to cure.

          I'm placing the bag and bracelets on my list.  Hope we get to somewhere that I may be able to buy some more novelties.

          The donations to the center fund are very heartwarming.  It is an important project and will do our community more good than any temple ever did or will.  I'm just sorry that some of the diehards won't quit and continue to block any attempt to accomplish anything worthwhile.

          The movie tonight is "The Angels Sing," with McMurray, Dorothy Lamour and Betty Hutton.  It's 4.0.

          I'm all run out for now so I'll sign off.  Goodnight Sweetheart and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Got 200 Books From Another Ship

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 9 February 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Got four letters from you today and a couple of dental periodicals.  About Cousins, the Army is like that.  Promotions are sometimes rapid.  However in the Navy everybody short of God has to put in his time in a grade or rank before he can expect any advancement.

          About the Professional Bureau.  If and when they turn an account back to you and you turn it over to Posner, notify the Bureau what you have done.  After they turn it back to you they can't expect any collection commissions if you have, in the meantime, turned the account over to someone else.  Regarding the Ottis-Kelley account.  There are three cards, one for Mrs. Kelley, one for her daughter and one for her mother Mrs. Ottis.  Don't let them confuse you by claiming credit on one card when the credit is given on another.  If you get in a jam, phone Miss Earnest for a hand.

          After all these months I'm surprised at the long letter from Blanche.  It goes to show something, but I don't know what.

          So you are reading "Forever Amber" eh?  What a gal.

          The dinner party at the Beverly Hills Hotel sounded especially nice.  Wish I could have been there for a couple of rumbas and sambas with you.

          You're right Honey.  Dave hit it right on the head this time.  But then a guy can't be wrong all the time.  He's bound to be right once in awhile.

          Yes dear, I'll try out that technique you mention first chance I get and I know you can do it.

          Now back to me.  Today began as usual with work and more work.  I knocked off at 11:15 AM and read Esquire until chow time.  This being field day, I "crapped out" while my corpsman worked all afternoon.  One of the ships had 200 books they wanted to get rid of so I took them off their hands.  Nice of me wasn't it.  The books aren't new but there is still plenty of good reading in them.  They are mostly mystery and detective stories.  I think they'll be quite popular.

          The movie tonight is "Music Over Manhattan" with Ann Savage but only rates 3.  However I don't believe I'll miss it.  Not me.

          Well Sweet, this thirty for tonight.  Good night and pleasant dreams.  I love you, I love you, I love you.  (note the repetition for emphasis).  When I get back I'll show you how much.

Impatiently,

Gil

Leper Colony Is Not Close

Saturday 7 October 1944, 11:00 AM

Good Morning Sweet,

          Another busy morning.  Found a couple of patients waiting when I came down to my office.  It was 9:00 o'clock by the time I was through, and I had to dash over to the Welfare and Recreation office to get tickets for a U.S.O. show.  Also attended to some library matters and checked with the Red Cross about getting additional recreational material.  Just got back and I hope I can get this off in today's mail.

          Wish I could hear Norma talk.  Maybe Dave will make a record for you to send on to me.  A few words from you and Linda would also be a real surprise.  The civilians are male shipyard workers.  I met them through our chief pharmacist mate.  We went over early and made lunch for ourselves and dinner for all.  It isn't too bad that I didn't go into the Army.  Two reasons:  First Ray Davis was made available the same time as I and he has been in nine months longer than I have.  Second, I know I'll do dentistry in the navy, but in the Army I might be recruiting, setting behind a desk, drilling men, in fact anything but dentistry and when a dental officer does work in his own line he likes to have good equipment to work with.  Besides dear, all the Army isn't in Europe.  There are plenty in the Pacific area and they'll stay there along with the Navy and the Marine Corps until they are good and ready to send them home.  I have no regrets and please don't worry your little head about what might have been.  The past is behind us and we must look to a happy future together.  That clipping doesn't mean a thing so forget it.

          About my accounts.  Turn everything over to the bureau that you don't get any action on by the end of the month.  Regarding John O. York. Check with the bureau and Al Posner.  If either has the accounts, have them follow through on the information you have or release the account to you.  Then turn it over to the Santa Monica Credit Association.

          Put in a claim with Al Blumberg for lost and damaged personal property.  He'll collect from Bekins faster than you can.

          The leper's colony or any other place is not as close as it would seem. Ten hours is not much time to do any sightseeing at any distance from the ship.  I'll get in the learning mood as soon as we get underway; I won't have so many other things to do.

          Honey, do you remember the summer of 1932 when you rode the trams with me and brought me my dinner? After this war we'll always ride together wherever it may be and enjoy every minute of it.

          Bye my darling, till tomorrow.  I love you and miss you more each day.

Your one and only

Gil