Learning About the Ship

Monday 31 July 1944

Dearest Eleanor,

     Another busy day doing nothing.  Saw one patient this morning and spent the rest of the day learning about the ship and some of my duties.

     The chow is excellent.  Ate three meals today and that is one too many.  I'll have to really watch myself or I'll put on plenty of weight (and you Dr., who is censoring this letter, will have to take steps to reduce me).

     Saw a movie tonight--"The Canterville Ghost," a most fantastic picture.  I spent most of the afternoon and evening showing some of the doctors, whom I worked with ashore, around the ship. Methinks that practically all would trade with me. 

     I expect to see you tomorrow night and am looking forward to a very pleasant and thrilling evening.  I am hoping, but I can't be sure.  Anyway it won't be long before I see Leon's old haunts and the---? Who knows?

     In a couple of days I intend to begin a survey of the dental health of the crew and that will keep me busy for awhile.

     I still miss you and my two girls and feel that it won't be too long before I will see you all again.

Your loving husband

Gil

Replaced Fuse in Long Beach

Monday night

17:30 o'clock (5:30 P.M.)

Dearest,

    Just finished chow.  This is the first free time I've had today.  Been pretty busy.

    When we arrived in San Diego last night, it began to rain, and it was doing quite well by the time we reached the base.  The car really runs swell although a fuse did burn out in Long Beach.  However there was a box of fuses in the car, and I fixed it in a jiffy.

    Applied for my "A" ration and expect to get my book on Wednesday.  Then I'll apply for my "B" book.

    All your cake is gone. There is a steady flow of corpsmen and doctors to my locker where I keep the two boxes of cookies I brought last week.  They are practically gone.

    At 6:15 a few of the doctors are going to the movie," The Phantom Lady" with Franchot Tone.  I don't know what it's about but it'll kill a couple of hours. then a shower and early to bed for a good night's rest.  It was 2:00 A.M. before I got unpacked and into bed this morning.

    I hope you got a decent night's sleep.  Don't worry dear.  Things will work out so that soon we'll have more than just weekends together.

    Kiss Linda and Norma for me.   Until tomorrow I am

Your loving,

Gil

Free for Nothing

Monday 24 January 1944

 1630 o'clock (4:30 P.M.)

Dearest Eleanor,

     Well--at last I can sit down.  We've really had a busy day today.  I put in twenty-four fillings and most of them were large ones.

     I took my time driving and got in at 7:30 A.M.  The other doctors here say I shouldn't take chances like I am.  If you're late for duty, car trouble is no excuse so I may have to rearrange my schedule.

     There really isn't much I can say.  I worked steadily all day.  Just dozed a little during the noon hour.  I really am sleepy and can't decide whether I should go to the B'nai B'rith meeting tonight.   I'll probably yawn and yawn.  However I shan't decide until after "chow."  Maybe a cup of coffee or two will wake me up?

     How is Norma's cold today?  Is Linda still naggy?  I hope they'll both be good this week.  I talked to the officer at the desk.  Long distance calls are hard to get through unless on official business.  So if you must reach me, you'd better wire instead of phoning.

     Your cookies made a big hit.  There were lots of seconds and thirds and they are practically gone.  I hope this week goes fast so I can get back to my three girls.

Love,

Gil

Note: The Red Cross supplies all this stationery "free for nothing."