Ulithi--Perfect "V"

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Wednesday 23 May 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Sweet, here I am once again. Today has been a most uninteresting day. I worked all morning at a nice easy pace. Censored some mail after chow and then back to work. I knocked off at 2:30 and paid a visit to the barber. Then I took a book, went up on the fantail and took a sun bath. Before I knew what had happened the afternoon was gone and it was time for dinner. After eating we stood out on deck, talked, and watched a most unusual sunset. In addition to an array of vivid colors a perfect "V" was formed in the skies. If I were superstitious I'd say it foretold a new great victory for us. However unusual skies are usual here so I won't say a word.
     We had an amusing movie tonight. It was "The Town Went Wild" with Jimmy Lydon, Fred Bartholomew and Ed E.Horton. We also saw a couple of shorts. We usually have them along with the feature but I skip writing about them.
     There was no mail so there is little more to tell. I am reading "Pastoral" by Neville Shute. Though I've only read a few pages I know I'm going to like it.
     I'm enclosing a list of Navy terms, many of which I use in my letters, probably to your mystification. The Flag had a bunch of new officers report aboard. For a joke, one of the old timers passed this list out to them. The terms are really part of our everyday vocabulary. A wall is always a bulkhead and floor a deck. In fact bed, ceiling, stairs, floor and other common words are actually becoming foreign to me.
     No more for now Honey. If you don't hear from me for a few days don't worry. I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil