Ship's Personnel Aren't Allowed to Make Phone Calls

Saturday 19 August 1944

Dearest,

          Just another day.  Kept pretty busy this morning taking care of men from one of the ships here that doesn't have a dentist.  Nothing much doing outside of that.  We're just waiting to see what happens next.

          I suppose you've wondered why no phone call.  Well if one is based on the station here phone calls are permitted, but ship's personnel may not make any phone calls so that is that.

          Tomorrow is Sunday and I'm going on liberty at 10:30 AM.  That is the thing about sea duty.  When one is at sea he is on duty 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  But when we hit a port, conditions being favorable, liberty is in a sufficient amount to satisfy most of us.  You see, I have every other day from 10:30 AM to do as I like and nothing to do and no one to do it with.  Gosh I wish you were here.  I'm going sightseeing tomorrow.  I should be able to see plenty in a whole day and then when this war is over we'll come here together and I'll really be able to show you around.

          How are my girls?  I've been wondering what I could send them.  Maybe as I look around I'll get some inspiration.  And what would you like (besides me)?  I'm going to wait until I hear from you before I buy anything foolish.  Really, I'd rather buy something you particularly want instead of some useless souvenir.

          Sweetheart, don't worry about me.  I'm well and safe.  This separation certainly isn't going to allow us to drift apart.  No as long as we have those ten happy years behind us, two darling little girls to love and care for and a whole life to live after this war is over.  Just start making plans now and write me all about them and then will we enjoy life!

          Well darling, time for me to turn in.  A big hug and kiss for you and another one for each of our little ones.  Good night and pleasant dreams.

Loving you always,

Gil

Plumber to Connect Gas Range

 

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Wednesday 5 April 1944, 1730

Dear Eleanor,

          Another day is over--another day closer to Saturday night, then Sunday, and then we'll all be together again.

          Went downtown with Gilman last night.  Had a couple of drinks and turned in at 10:30 P.M.  At noon today I bought a couple of emblems and a box of Nestlé's chocolate.  After posting this letter I'm going to play volleyball till it gets dark and then over to B.O.Q. for a little bull session and so to bed.

          Glad to hear that you've got everything straightened out.  I'm going to have to get a plumber over Friday afternoon to connect the gas range.

          Nothing new happening here, so no gossip to spill.  I said I was going to play ball, but I was wrong.  I must go and place my call to you. God alone knows when I'll get through.

          Love and kisses to all my girls.

Your daily lover to be,

Gil

P.S. Got a card from Ruth today.  Identification bracelets in sterling silver are $10.40.  Priced same downtown last night at $18.50.  Do you think Deb really wanted to go that high for a gift for Dave?

 

Flat Will Look Nice with Sticks

Thursday 30 March 1944, 1900 o'clock

Dearest,

          Here I am.  Been waiting almost an hour for the call to you to come through.  I'm sure I won't have to wait much longer now.

          At noon today I went down and saw the flat and was pleasantly surprised.  It really with look nice with a few decent sticks stuck around.  The living room is quite large about 12x18.  The kitchen is small but there is room for a refrigerator and stove such as we have at home.  However, I do think we ought to buy one of those four burners just half the size of the one we have now.  I saw one in Sears for $69.50.  All the rooms have ceiling lights except the living room so you needn't worry about the light problem.  Tomorrow I'll go back to the Supply Depot and find out about storage.

          I really wasn't very excited about this change but now that I've seen the place and its possibility and the prospect of having you and kiddies here with me all together again, I can hardly wait.

          I'm writing in B.O.Q. and Gilman is here to annoy me.

          Forgot to find out what's at the movie, guess I'll walk down and take in the second show if I haven't already seen it.

          I won't seal this letter until after I've talked to you which should be any minute.  Until tomorrow.

Love,

Gil