Wisdom Tooth

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Thursday 16 March 1944, 1730

Dear Eleanor,

          What a day.  Nice and hot and lots of work.  So far this month I'm top man for work done and if I wanted to I could even do a lot more.  I removed a wisdom tooth that was embedded and showed the doctor in surgery a couple of new twists.  It was really slick even if I say so myself.  

          Nothing new about a house but I'm still hoping.  I expect to leave early tomorrow so I should be home early.  I hope Norma is better now.  It's a shame that she had to come down with such a bad cold.  However Linda seems to have a lot more resistance than she used to have and that's a consolation.

          Going to a movie tonight and turn in early again.  Been a real good boy this week and haven't gone into town at all. After all this rest I should be raring to go this weekend and I hope so are you.

          Love to the kiddies.  I'll be giving you mine personally tomorrow evening.  As ever

Your diddler,

Gil

Treatment and Surgery

Wednesday March 15, 1805 o'clock

Dearest Wife,

          Just finished talking to you and now I'm writing to you.  As I told you a few of us- Taylor, Gilman, Thompson and I went to the dance last night.  The dance was held at Pacific Square, a ballroom as large as the BonTon.  A navy band furnished the music.  Admission was open only to Medical and Dental Corps and associated services i.e. nurses, Waves, etc.  There were lots of extra girls but I didn't feel much like dancing.  So, we sat around and drank and felt pretty high by the end of the evening.

          You asked about my work.  Well today a case was sent to me that I began to turn down because I felt the treatment would be futile.  However, when I was told that the Captain had suggested the treatment I didn't have much choice but to accept the case.  It's a treatment to be followed by surgery to remove a large infected area.  I'll do it all myself.  The fact that I've gotten at least one such unusual case each day this week and that none of the other doctors are getting any indicates to me that I may get some kind of break here.   As far as corpsman instructor, no one has been chosen yet.

          Tonight is my duty night.  It's my turn to sleep in B.O.Q. so I'll turn in early and get a good night's sleep.

          Please don't let the way you feel get you down.  I'm certain this time everything is okedoke.  And this weekend we'll have a little more fun.  From you letter it looks like you have a pretty busy week--good!

          I'll place our ad tomorrow and keep my fingers crossed.

Love and kisses to all,

Gil

Gold Inlay

UNITED STATES NAVY

Tuesday 14 March 1944, 15:45

Dear Eleanor,

          Still plugging away.  I like the change even with the increased amount of work.  Today I was given a large gold inlay to make.  Business is really picking up.

          Went to the move last night and saw "Heavenly Bodies," a very amusing picture.  When I came out, it began to pour and I never did get to the B'nai B'rith meeting.  However, tomorrow noon I'll go down and place those ads in the paper for the weekend.  Let us pray.

          Monday and Tuesday have come and gone but still no word from you.  I hope my mail reaches you more promptly.  Tonight is the monthly "Hospital Dance" and all the corpsmen and some of the doctors have been egging me on to go.

          They promise plenty to drink even if I don't care to dance.  I'm weakening, but I feel funny about going to a dance without you.  I'll tell you more about it tomorrow.

          Tomorrow night is my "watch: and then it is Thursday and on Friday I'll be home again.  I hope everything is OK by you then and we'll take up where we left off last weekend.

          Give Norma and Linda big kisses from Daddy.

As ever your lover,

Gil

P.S. Excuse this paper.  I couldn't get any Red Cross tonight.

Gil

         

Measles

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Thursday 9 March 1745

My Dearest,

          Received two more letters from you today.  Of course we'll take an unfurnished place from Diller if that's what you want.

          Saw "Soul" last night.  I never did see it before--pretty good. Tonight they are showing "Sahara" so I'll pass it by.  Got a nice box of candy and your pics.  After lunch I went over to the pistol range and shot a pretty good score--got five bull's eyes out of the first ten and six out of the second ten. Then a hot game of volley-ball. Now after dinner I am writing you.

          Tried to reach Diller but was unsuccessful.  Will try tomorrow again.  For a change I'm going to try an ad for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

          Dr. Waterhouse, one of the dental officers, came in this morning feeling low.  He was sent to the hospital with the measles.  Hope I'm immune.  I was kidding around with him this morning.

          Nothing new in the clinic but I expect something different before the end of the week.  Got another inlay to make today and also a Commander from Medical as a patient.

          Hope Norma's cold is better and you have gotten over the blues.  A big kiss for each of you.

Love,

Gil

Examined a "Draft" of Men

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Wednesday 8 March 1944,  1615 o'clock

My Dearest,

          Please don't upset yourself like you have been.  We must be patient and keep looking.  Something is bound to turn up.  I'll call Diller tomorrow and try an ad in the San Diego paper this coming weekend again.

          Going to see "Souls at Sea."  The movie shown last night was so putrid that I didn't go.  It was the same one that was shown on Monday and the opinion seemed to be unanimous.

          As I told you over the phone, I examined a "draft" of men going out for sea duty.  Along with me as Dental Officer there were four Medical Officers.  The 175 men are all lined up in their barracks and stripped down to the skin except for shoes and stockings.  One doctor examines the throat, another the chest, another gives a "short arm" inspection and a fourth checks for rupture.  I walk around with a flashlight and look in each mouth as I go by.  If a man doesn't have enough teeth for chewing, I am supposed to pull him out of the "draft" until he is rehabilitated.  I passed them all.  It took me about eight minutes to make the inspection.  I got credit for 175 oral examinations.  That's the Navy.

          Nothing more my Sweet.  Keep your chin up.

Love,

Gil

 

3 hour 15 minute Drive from Santa Monica to San Diego

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Monday 6 March 1944, 1200

Dearest,

          Had a nice easy trip back--3 hrs. and 15 min.  Talked to Dr. Doughty this morning.  He has decided that he likes his shift now so no change there.  I also phoned the newspaper and there isn't even one response on both ads.  Guess you'll have to try the Los Angeles Examiner.

          I really enjoyed the sandwiches and everybody came around.  All wished they had a wife who could fix them something for lunch once in awhile.  One of the corpsmen had a birthday Saturday; his mother sent him a big spice cake which he disposed of without any trouble.

          I am now biding my time till some of the fellows return from lunch.  Then I'll play some volley ball.  Tonight we are all going to the Dental Meeting (after dinner).

          There really isn't much more I can say--it's only fourteen hours since I left home nine of which were spent driving and sleeping.  The rest working.

          Kiss my girls for me. A real big one for you too.  Isn't it nice to know that by next weekend you'll be well and raring to go again?

          'Til tomorrow.

Your lover,

Gil

         

.

              

         

A Record

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Tuesday 29 February 1944, 1720 o'clock

 

Dear Eleanor,

          The same routine again today.  Worked all morning, lunch at 1130, volleyball at 1200, back to work at 1300 and plugged away all afternoon.  At 1530, instead of the regular lecture, we were shown pictures of the different types of ships and their armament and a reel on first aid aboard ship.  Went to chow at 1700 and back here at the clinic twenty minutes later to write my daily note to you.

          I got another letter from you today.  That makes three in two days--a record.

          I'm going to go to town tomorrow noon and place an ad for a place to rent.  If there are no results, I'll contact Sipper's friend at the Grant.  Or should I see him right away?  I'll discuss it with you by phone tomorrow.

          Don't know what I'll do tonight.  Saw "Lady and Monster" last night--a very interesting movie but you wouldn't like it.  It is also on tonight.  Taylor and Gilman are going downtown.  I may join them.  I'll see later.

          I really feel good today and hope that you and the kids are O.K. too.  Four more days and I'll be home and this is going to be a hard weekend.

Love,

Gil

 

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.

 

 

A Lot of Ships

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Monday 28 February 1944, 1745

Dear Eleanor,

          Am surprised--received two letters from you today.  I'm going to advertise as you suggested with rent in advance.  If I don't get any results by the end of the week I'll see Sipper's friend.

          Yesterday was very uneventful.  Last night I saw "Where are our children" with Jackie Cooper.  Tonight I'll see "The Lady and the Monster.  I hope it'll be more entertaining.

          A lot of ships are in, so we are keeping pretty busy.  At noon today I played volleyball and had lots of good exercise and fun

          How is the weather now?  The sun came out Sunday early and it has been beautiful ever since.

          Glad to hear the kids are well and that you are keeping busy.

          Nothing more except a big hug and kiss to Linda and Norma.

Love,

Gil

 

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.

 

 

Nothing New

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Thursday February 17, 1615

Dearest,

          Hello my Sweet this is me again.  Nothing new, nothing exciting.  Couldn't go to the movie last night; I had already seen it.  Tonight they are showing "Jane Eyre" so again I won't go. Some fun!

          Went down and placed the ads at noon.  Who know?  Maybe by Monday I'll have some good news.

          We are still working pretty hard here.  A new man is expected within a week.  He is a full Lieutenant, so he should be able to ease up the load considerably.  No letter from you today.  Guess I'll get one tomorrow.

          How are you feeling now, any better? I hope your Mother has completely recovered.

          It sure will be nice when we are down here all together.  With nicer weather coming on and longer days we'll have lots of fun together.

          'Til tomorrow night when I'll give you my love personally.

Your husband,

Gil

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.

         

Disgusted

 

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Tuesday 15 February 1944

Dear Eleanor,

          This has been a very busy day.  Worked steadily from eight this morning until four.  Went to class from four until five, then chow and now this letter.

          Went to the B'nai B'rith meeting last night. Was I disgusted! The Santa Monica lodge really has something to be proud of.  These fellows are as tight as they make them and just as conservative.  They give fifteen cents apiece to war service and think they're doing their part.  I was going to make a few remarks but I kept quiet when I saw what the situation was.  You were certainly right when you said that I would get a cool reception.  They were friendly alright but when housing was mentioned they all clammed up as if I was asking for a donation.

          I am going to see the "Fighting Seabees" tonight and then to bed after a little work on my course.

          How is everything with you?  I haven't received any letter as yet.  Hope nothing is wrong.  Will make a point of investigating those three bedroom flats this week and when you come down next week I am sure everything will be settled.

          We got a new dental officer today and they made room here by sending one of the other doctors to the auxiliary clinic.  Nothing else to gab about.  I am looking forward to a swell weekend.

Your love,

Gil

 

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.

 

Seven Bull's Eyes

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Friday February 11 1944

Dear  Eleanor,

          Went down to see the apartment. The neighborhood was not as desirable as some of the other units that these builders have, but as far as they know now there probably won't be anything else available until April.  This place was an upper and I can't see much sense in taking it with two kiddies.  However I didn't say anything definite but will let them know Monday after I've talked it over with you.

          I asked about a larger place and he suggested the three bedroom units being built by another outfit in Crown Point, twelve minutes by streetcar to downtown Diego.  I'll look into it tomorrow noon if possible.  If we could rent a three bedroom place I wouldn't want to buy anything. After I got back from the apartment "hunt" I went over to the pistol range and took some instruction in firing the gun.  Didn't do badly.  Out of 17 shots I got seven in the bull's eye.  I should be a fair shot with a little practice.

          God, this has been a long week.  Last night I went into town and made a hotel reservation for the twenty-forth at the Grant.  No trouble at all. 

          Wish this was Saturday so I could be leaving in the morning.  Guess I can hold out another day.  How are the kiddies?  This is the second day this week that I didn't get any mail from you.  By the way I got the wire yesterday (Thursday) morning at 9:30.  I guess there is no use wiring ever unless it can be delivered before 5:00 P.M.

          This is all till I get home Sunday. Love and kisses and a great big hug.

Your impatient hubby,

Gil

 

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.

 

 

 

Apartment Available

 

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Thursday 10 February 1944

Dear Eleanor,

          Good news.  Mr. Diller phoned me this afternoon.  He said that there would be an apartment available the first of the month but he didn't think I'd like it.  However I made an appointment to go and see it tomorrow noon.  After I've talked to him I'll know better what the score is.

          I wrote seven letters last night including Miss Driver.  I hope everything is straight by now. 

          After I turned in last night, Levinson dropped in and we talked for about thirty minutes. He may ride back with me Sunday night.

          I am still watching the papers and if Diller promises something nice I'll stall until you get here.  I'd still rather move into a house.  I'm sure we can find something.  As a matter of fact I'll talk to Diller about it.

          Don't work too hard and keep you panties on (until Sunday) when I'll have more to say and do.  Trying to write here at the clinic with the corpsmen horsing around takes more concentration than I can compel.

          Adios Sweet, 'til tomorrow

Your lover,

Gil

 

 

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.

 

 

Evenings Are Lonely

Wednesday 9 February 1944, 10:40 o'clock

 

Dearest Eleanor,

          Please don't let yourself get so upset about every little thing.  I tried to phone tonight at 6:00 and the operator said that it would be 8:15 before I could get an open line.  I went to the movie and got back at 8:00 and found a note to call the Santa Monica operator.  It took another half hour to get through--so the delay.

          You keep on talking about phoning these different builders and realtors.  If you could only hear what the different officers on the base say about conditions but you would know that phoning a stranger will get one absolutely nowhere.  However, if we have an inspection Friday, I will have two hours for lunch.  It only takes a few minutes by car to reach these different offices.  I'll make appointments and run out and see what the situation is.  Monday night is the B'nai B'rith meeting which I will also attend.  Frankly, I feel more will be accomplished through one of their members than any other way.

          In the meantime dear, please don't be so impatient and make yourself so miserable.  In spite of my daily activity, the evenings are very lonely for me too.  I didn't even enjoy a gory murder picture this evening with Laird Cregar, Merle Oberon and George Saunders. Knowing me as you do I'm sure that sounds at least unusual. And then from 8:00 PM every evening--what?  Go out and get drunk or chasing women?  You must see I'm just as anxious to have you and the kiddies here as you are to be here. Good night my Sweet until tomorrow.

 

Your, just as impatient husband,

Gil

P.S. This stationery isn't worth a darn--it is too thin so I'm going to use it up writing home.

Gil

"Sirs" and "May I"

AMERICAN RED CROSS

9 February 1944

1735 o'clock

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another day gone and am I glad.  I had only three patients today and that was enough.  One had five cavities, another three and the last one twelve.  All were from a ship that is leaving tomorrow, and the work had to be done right now.  So, Steingart got the call.

          It began to rain when I left the clinic so I decided not to go downtown.       I am going to take in an early show tonight and then I'll probably run down and make the reservation.  They are showing "The Lodger," with George Saunders and Merle Oberon.  I hope it is good.

          I didn't get a letter from you today.  Anything new about the equipment?  Be sure to arrange the moving out of the stuff this week.  Store it in Bekins.

          Things have really been peaceful and quiet here as regards the corpsmen.  A lot of "sirs" and "may I' and "please" today.  I don't think I like it half as well as the way things were.  But this is the Navy.

          Bought a $1.10 box of Schraft's chocolates for 70 cents and finally got sections for my wallet.

          Nothing new about a place I think I'll do some chasing Friday noon if we have an inspection.  Guess I'll sign off till tomorrow.

Your lover,

Gil