Used Up Our Pyrotechnics

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 18 August 1945, 10:25 PM

Dearest Eleanor

          It was raining last night when I turned in and continued to come down until late this afternoon.  As a result it is much cooler today hitting a new low of 82 degrees.       

          I had quite a busy morning but the afternoon was mine.  I had planned to go ashore but the rain changed my mind.  If it's nice tomorrow I'm planning a little trip.  I have a tug promised but it all depends on the weather.

          I finished "Earth and High Heaven" this afternoon.  I enjoyed reading it.  I also censored some mail and at five o'clock showered and dressed for dinner and then cribbage.

          We had a good movie for a change, "Flame of the Barbary Coast" with John Wayne, Ann Dvorak and Joseph Schildkraut.

          I got two letters from you my darling and one from Libby.  You sure didn't have to spend $5 on Harry's birthday after the two cheap books they sent me on mine.  Jesus gal, money doesn't grow on trees.  No wonder it costs you so much to live.  Instead of telling me how cheap Ruth acts at times, why don't you give them the "business" instead.

          Glad you've decided against continued diet.  Dieting never did your health or disposition any good.

          Cox finally left last week.  Glass is also on his way.  Another officer Roger Kirk is now awaiting his relief.  Of the officers I found when I came aboard only the captain, Dr. Bushyager, Kuhn, and Aspinwall remain.  In another month I expect only I and Aspinwall will remain and not for very long, I hope.

          No dear, I haven't lost any weight.  This heat makes a guy pepless enough without diet.  However, if we do move up to Japan before I go back, the change will do me and my waistline good.

          As I wrote before we did all our celebrating Friday night.  As a matter of fact we used up all our pyrotechnics. When peace was officially announced there was little excitement out here.

          Well darling another week is over, another week less of being apart.  From the looks of things the rotation plan is continuing and I still hope to be home this fall and that isn't far away.

          So Sweet until tomorrow with love and kisses.

Your lonely husband

Gil

Pyrotechnics used up before official peace announcement.

The movie

Beers at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Now a Navy Officers' Club

Friday 1 September 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

              censored 

morning.  I don't like it but I guess I can stand it if others can.  By the time I got squared away it was time for lunch, so I showered and changed.  After eating Graves, Hansen, and I went on liberty.

          We stopped at the hotel taken over by the Navy.  I have mentioned it before.  We had a few beers.  Walked around and window shopped and back for some more beer.  Then we had dinner and caught a bus back to the ship.  Hansen and Graves have already turned in and I'm going to also.  I'll finish this letter in the morning.

          Good night Sweetheart and pleasant dreams.

Love

Gil

 

Good Morning Honey,

          During the night we were attacked by insects and you should have heard the "bitching" at breakfast.  I'm not sure what they were but I think they were mosquitoes.  Anyway they bit me here and there and most everywhere except?

          Did you know I've been on a diet? Started last Saturday and during this week I've lost 8-9 pounds.  Not bad, eh!  I shall stay on a modified diet indefinitely since there isn't much physical activity that I can get into.

          No mail yesterday so I should get some today.  Time to go to work and besides there is nothing more I can say so bye darling.  I still love and miss you more than ever.

Your one and only,

Gil

 

P.S. Tell Ruth and Mother and Deb I'll write as soon as there is something to write about.  In the meantime, give them all my love.

Gil

 

Pearl Harbor Makes the Base in San Diego Look Like a Pigmy

Saturday 26 August 1944

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just received a letter dated the 24th, so mail is not always slow.  You ask several questions and here are the answers.  I've already written about the last night out in Diego.  When I go on liberty here I usually go with the chief engineer "Ambie" Hansen.  He's a lot of fun.  Forget buying anything for me.  I'd rather travel light and if I need anything I'll get it wherever I am.  As far as the temple is concerned, do whatever is the most economical and convenient.  Of course I want Linda to go to Sunday school.  As for visiting Jimmy, I still don't have his address and wrote Libby for it.  I'm trying to locate Alvin K. but this place makes the last base I was at a pigmy in comparison.  I'm well, and if I had you and the kids with me there isn't a thing more I'd want.  So much for that.

          Since I've been aboard I've gained 12 pounds and now I'm going to lose it.  Just got a call so will finish later.

          Here I am back again.  Yes, I'm on a diet as is Ambie.  No bread, butter, cream, sugar, potatoes or dessert.  If either of us catches the other cheating for the next week he loses $10.00.  Guess I'll get along.

          Liberty has been changed.  Instead of being off every other day from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, it is now every 3rd day.  Guess it could be worse.  My next liberty is tomorrow, Sunday, which is a poor day to shop.  However next Wednesday I should be able to do lots of spending and will my three girls be surprised.

          Well my Sweet I'm really tired now.  I forgot to mention that I worked out with a medicine ball just before I began this letter.  So--bye honey till tomorrow.  I love you and look forward to the time we'll be together again.

Yours forever,

Gil