Pearl Harbor--Butter

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

 U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Thursday 19 October 1944, 3:00 PM

My Sweet,

     This afternoon's mail brought two letters from you and one from my cousin Fay Springer. I dropped her a note after you sent on her New Year's greeting. Already having an answer is a surprise to say the least. She is a very unhappy woman as you can see from her enclosed letter.

     I got off a letter to Edith so I hope she'll take care of the watch for me. Outside of that all I've been doing all day is work, work, work.

     I am a little surprised at Deb's actions but I always told you that you were more concerned about her than she would be about you. On the other had she is probably pretty upset if Dave is really going overseas; the 15 day leave would indicate just that to me.

     Of course I want you to read the book! I guess the title is a surprise so I'll be patient till it comes. So the Corsos are at it again. My, my. Tomorrow they'll kiss and make up and get stiff again. Guess I'll have to drop my mother a note though why she should be upset about Libby is a mystery. By now they should be able to afford a home of their own. Sounds like there are a lot of changes at home. I didn't know butter was so low. Is it a lack of points, butter or both? What does Anne hear from Joe?

     I'm going to sign off now but will write more after the movie tonight. Bye my love till tonight.

Gil

10:10 PM

Hello Darling,

     Had a pretty good movie tonight, "Step Lively" with Frank Sinatra and George Murphy. A light, fast, and enjoyable musical

     This has been a nice day. This evening it was especially enjoyable, sitting out on deck with the breezes blowing, enjoying an amusing picture. Gee, it sure would have been fun to reach over and hold your hand or better yet to put my arm around you and have you rest your head on my shoulder. Ah well, nice dreaming anyway.

     Honey, do you remember many years ago the first time we went to Arrowhead? It was a beautiful starlit night and Eleanor and Gil took a walk along the lakeshore and held hands and then Gil stole a few kisses. After this war let's go back and take that walk again or shall we just turn in early. OK you talked me into it.

     Nothing more for now, Sweetheart. Goodnight and I'll see you in my dreams

Loving you always

Gil

Red ration stamps used to purchase butter.

Pearl Harbor--Philippines Invaded

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 18 October 1944, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     After a busy morning, I had lunch and went on liberty. Began with a couple of beers at the Officers' Club and then took a bus down to the beach. Didn't do much. Browsed around in a couple of book stores and window shopped but really couldn't find a thing I wanted to buy. So after a couple of hours of looking, I returned to the ship and just in time for dinner.
     After dinner, Ambie, my new roommate Cox and I went over to visit a civilian couple living

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They live in

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similar to what we saw all over Southern California near all war production plants. The only difference is that the interior is finished much more attractively. This particular place was a studio duplex, the living and dining room and kitchen downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. They have two boys and have lived here

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     We visited and hoisted a few and returned to the ship just a few moments ago with an invitation to come to a party Saturday night which I'm hoping

censored.

     No mail yet, but I'll bet I get a stack in the morning. So darling, until then, adios my Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Love

Gil

Thursday 8:30 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,
     Got three letters from you and one from your mother so now I've got something to work on. Was glad to read that you had gotten out and had a pleasant evening for a change. Why do you worry so much about money? Even if we run a little over our present income we can still hold out for a while. After the war I'll make up the difference, just wait and see.
     I'm not too surprised about Norma and her dancing lessons. After all she is still an infant and though I didn't want to say so, the $10.00 a month would have been just wasted. A year from now she'll still be plenty young to resume dancing.
     What happened to Dave's commission? I thought it was all set and now you tell me about he's getting ready to go overseas. Was that just another of his pipe dreams or what?
     I'm sure electric shaver will be satisfactory just hope it reaches us in a reasonable period of time. I will write to Edith this morning and see what can be done about a watch for you.
     The Pacific War is moving right along. I notice that now the Philippines have been invaded. I just caught the headline of a newspaper so I don't know any more about it as yet. However as soon as I'm through I'll read all about it.
     Honey, every day and every military action brings me closer to home. Time does drag but still it is almost three months since I reported aboard. Before you know it, my time out here will be up and I'll be on my way back.
     I must sign off now darling. Remember that I still love you always have and always will. Give my two girls a big kiss from their daddy.

Love

Gil