Xmas and Valentines Cards

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday, 22 February 1945, 7:30 PM

My Darling,

          Had a busy day today.  Worked until 11:30 AM. When I got back to my room I found a package from you.  It contained some socks, Reader's Digests, films and a recording.  I haven't had a chance to play the record yet.  Will do so after the movie.

          After lunch I censored some mail and had some more appointments.  Finished at 3:00 PM and read until 4:00 PM.  Then a few of us went ashore for a few beers.  We got back at 5:30, in time for dinner.

          In the afternoon I got a letter from you. The Xmas card I sent to Mrs. Brown at the Tower Building was returned.  Guess she finally quit (or got fired).

          The movie last night was lousy.  It was "Eve Knew Her Apples."  Tonight we have "One Body for Many" with Bela Lugosi.  No further comment is necessary.

          You letter is marked the 15th so there are a few letters still to come.  Something is mixed up.  The Valentine I sent was to add to your collection.  I sent Libby one as well.  Did I address it wrong or what?  Let me know because I want one to have as a memento.

          Yes darling, Dave's guess was right (I hope).  The technique I'm referring to is surgical.  I've been doing lots of it. Some that I never did in private practice.  When I get back to civilian life I have certain ideas that are radically different from what I had before I joined the Navy and I have some facts to back me up.

          Now that you are busy again with your social life you seem to be happier.  I sometimes think that when you're teaching you lose out on your contacts and are more lonesome.  That's the way it seems from your letters.

          No more for now so good night and I'll be seeing you again (in my dreams) soon.

Love,

Gil

How About a Kiss

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 6 February 1945, 7:00 PM

My Dearest,

          How is my Darling today?  How's about a kiss?  Gee thanks, Honey, but take it easy, what will the censor say?

          Worked all morning as usual.  Got to my room about 11:15 AM.  Surprise! Mail! I finally got the package containing socks, "vitamin pills," American Mercury Magazines etc.  I also got a beautiful leather picture frame folder from Deb and Dave.  In addition I got some Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Bulletins, the National Jewish Monthly and a greeting card from the Goodfriends mailed on November 30.  Hope the rest of the packages come through soon.

          The socks are not longies and are swell.  If you haven't done so already how about half a dozen more.  Got hold of an "Omnibus," a magazine with best seller condensations.  It had "Immortal Wife" and I read it between 4:15 and 5:30 PM this evening.  Then I censored some mail, showered and dressed for dinner.  Enjoyed the breeze topside and here I am.

          Now that I have some coloring pencils, I'll do another Valentine to add to your collection.  I finished "Fountainhead" last night and I must say all the characters are most unusual.  It's hard to believe people would act like they are portrayed.  However it was most enjoyable and easy to read.  In fact it was about 1:30 AM when I finished and turned the light out.

          Darling do you remember when I wanted to read at night and you wanted to turn the lights out and go to sleep?  Well I'll let you turn the lights out but I don't know about the rest.

          Good night honey until tomorrow.

Loving you always,

Gil

         

          

Valentine Someone Dreamed Up

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 3 February 1945, 10:15 P.M.

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from the movies.  We had "The Thin Man Comes Home" with William Powell and Myrna Loy.  It was pretty good.  Last night's "Carolina Blues" was very poor but it did help pass a couple of hours what with shorts and such.

          Today was an unusually hot day with very little breeze to make it comfortable.  Did very little work this morning.  Was standing by for inspection.  However I made up for it this afternoon by seeing six patients.

          Was through with work around four.  Had a cold, refreshing "coke" and then retired to my room, stripped down to my "skivvies" and read a little from "Fountainhead."  Soon it was 5:15 P.M. and time to shower and dress for dinner.

          After eating I indulged in the usual routine of enjoying the cool evening breeze on the bridge deck, but not for long.  Soon it began to rain so I had to go below deck for shelter.

          I'm enclosing a valentine (?) someone dreamed up.  But the sentiment is way off the beam.  Do you think so?  Well anyway! Add it to your collection.

          The mail brought me just one letter, a note from my mother mailed the 26th.  Besides all the packages I'm expecting, I'm missing letters of the 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th.  I'll probably get them very soon now (I hope).

          Nothing new out here.  However the war news is most encouraging on both fronts.  It does look that there is a good chance of a sudden collapse in Germany.  As far as Japan is concerned, I wouldn't be surprised to see her surrender once the Philippines have been completely retaken.  Japan has much to gain by an early surrender and thus preserve her industry in Japan proper.  Then she can hope for a comeback and another try again in 25-50 years just as Germany did after the First World War.  However I do hope that this time we'll win the peace as well as the war and give neither Germany nor Japan the chance to become strong enough to wage war again.

          We've been at this place a lot longer now than I'd ever expected.  I do hope that we get out of here before the real hot weather sets in.  However no one tells me anything. We could leave tomorrow or six weeks from now and then again we could stay here until June or July.  Who knows?

          Oh well, everyday is that much closer to my homecoming and the end of the war.  One thing I'm pretty sure of now.  When I do get back to the states, I'll never have to leave you again.

          I'm all run out now Sweet, so I'll sign off with love and kisses to all my girls.  Good night and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil