Corpsman Painting

Tuesday 8 August 1944, At Sea

Dearest Eleanor,
     What a beautiful day. I wish you could enjoy it with me. It is warm and sunny and the Pacific with its gorgeous blue is as smooth as a great big pond.
     Not much doing in the way of activity. They finally finished messing up my office and now my corpsman is painting it. I hope to be back to work tomorrow. Bought some shirts and trousers and a slipover sweater for nights when it's cool out.
     I'm going to miss a few meals. I'll bet I've already gained 5 pounds and I'll be darned if I'll keep them. Been trying to get someone to work out with the medicine ball but no takers.
     Well, my Sweet, when this is over, you and I will have to take a cruise together. Just think, you and I away on a holiday and it won't be long you'll see.

Bye Sweets,

Gil

Medicine Ball

Pitching and Rolling Dentistry

Sunday 6 August 1944, At Sea

Dearest Eleanor,   

     Another day well on its way.  I awoke this morning with the ship pitching and rolling. Went in for breakfast and all I could get was breakfast cereal, toast, bacon and coffee.  It seems the stove went on the fritz and they were just finishing the repairs.

     Wish I had my camera aboard.  The sea is a beautiful aquamarine blue with white caps crowning the glory of the waves.  It is a little rough and has been since I turned in last night. Aboard there are lots of seasick passengers laying all over the decks. Even some of the crew are not too happy.  

     After breakfast I went down to my office and began work by examining the pharmacist mates aboard and found plenty of work to do.  By that time it was 11:00 o'clock so I retired to my quarters and read a little while.  Thorne Smith's "Glorious Pool" is the book and it is very amusing.  Had dinner at noon.  Salad, fried chicken, and peas.  I passed up the potatoes. For dessert apple pie and cheese and of course coffee. 

     Then I returned to my office and removed an embedded wisdom tooth for my corpsman.  It came out so easily that he was surprised and so was I.  Working on patients with the deck pitching and rolling underneath you is quite an experience and I'll probably have more before this present tour of duty is over.

     This being Sunday makes no difference when you're at sea--just another day and really it is quite difficult to keep busy.

     Did you hear over the radio where Lloyd's is betting 8-5 that Germany will be out by the end of October?  Just think every day that goes by now means that many days less before we'll all be together again.

     Bye my Sweet and my two little lovelies 'til tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

Gas and Light

Tuesday 4 April 1944, 1800 o'clock

Hello My Sweet,

     One day closer to our new life in San Diego.  This business has got me to the point of becoming absent minded.  I almost forgot to write.

     Went down at noon today and arranged for the gas and light.  I'll have to leave the keys with one of the neighbors because there is no way of telling what time of the day the utility man will be down.

     Saw "Cover Girl" with Rita Hayworth last night and really enjoyed it.  Lots of good singing and dancing routines.  No plans for tonight though we are thinking tentatively of having dinner out.

     How about the house rental?  Anything happen?  I hope you don't have to turn it over to an agent.  It's too much money to give away.  Guess we'll have to do the best we can.

     My corpsman gave me a one way ticket from San Diego to San Francisco.  I'll use it to come home on if no ride turns up.  Nothing has.  You'd better not expect me on Saturday 'til rather late.

Love,

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 Bon Ton. 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

   

Pacific Square Ballroom in 1941

Corpsman Cleans Teeth

Wednesday 8 March 1944, 1530 o'clock

Dear Eleanor,

     And another busy day.  I did twenty fillings and a treatment.  I got tired and put my corpsman to work cleaning teeth.  As long as my chair is in use I can take it easy.
     Nothing panned out on the ad I ran. Guess I'll run another for the rest of this week and see what happens.

     Another man, Dr. Matson, who had been here six months got orders to go to Port (I don't know how to spell it) at Oxnard for duty with the Sea Bees.  Things seem to be moving right along.

     Was wakened last night a little after midnight by some dope who had been suffering for three days and "just couldn't wait any longer." You see I stood watch at the clinic.  Earlier in the evening I went to the movies and saw "See Here Private Hargrove." A very amusing picture.

     Dr. Doughty is coming back with me Friday night so maybe we'll leave early.

     The "Padre" was in here trying to convert some of the boys and we had a lot of good natured kidding.

     Adios my Sweet until I phone you tonight.

Love,

Gil

Click the link to see a YouTube video about World War II Dentistry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJLyH0sveNc