Novocain Has a Wonderful Effect on Patients

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
                  25 September 1944, 10:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Is everything alright? No mail today and with Norma being sick I'm a little concerned.  I hope the morning mail brings the glad tidings that Norma is up and kicking again.

          This has been a busy day for me.  I worked steadily all morning and afternoon up till 4:00 PM.  In addition to ship's company I've been getting patients based ashore who can't get taken care of.  As a personal favor to officer friends aboard I've taken care of several men based elsewhere.  It is wonderful what effect a shot of Novocain has on a patient and how grateful they are for the little extra consideration

          We finally got our movie equipment rigged up so that we can see pictures on deck.  What a relief it was to sit and see a movie with a nice cool breeze blowing all the time.  It has been much warmer lately and the stuffiness took all the pleasure out of seeing a movie.  The picture tonight was "The Avenger," a British production, and good.  A propaganda story about Norway before and after Nazi occupation

          There are several changes to be made in my operating room which will make my work easier.  We've been discussing the changes for the past half hour and now the plans are complete.  Nothing more for now.  I'll finish in the AM after I've gotten the morning mail (I hope).  Good night dear and pleasant dreams.

Tuesday 8:15 AM

          Good morning darling.  Hope you slept well last night.  No mail again this morning and now I'm really worried.  Hope the mail this afternoon brings me good news.  In the past a day or two went by and then I'd get a whole stack so here is hoping.

          There really is nothing new to write about since last night except that I'm alive and kicking.  Do you remember how you and Linda would meet me at the steamboat landing at Catalina and what a reunion that was every week?  Well after this war when I come home that reunion will be our last.  Then we'll always be together wherever we go.

          So long dear, I'll write again tonight.  I do love you.

Your anxious

Gil

 

Honolulu Aquarium and Scenic Beaches by Bus

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Sunday 24 September 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Wife,       

          Just saw "Ghost Breakers," a typical Olsen and Johnson movie.  I got a big bang out of it though you probably wouldn't like it.

          I hope Norma is better now.  Didn't get any mail this afternoon except the service edition of the Outlook.  However Sunday is a bad day for mail so I'm looking to tomorrow morning.

          Had liberty so after 1:00 PM mail call, Ambie and I hopped a bus with no destination in view.  Went to the end of the line, took another bus and went on. This drive was along the beach and very scenic.  Came back on the same bus and stopped at an aquarium of tropical fish.  Wish you and the kids could see it.  All sizes and such shapes; "nightmares" could describe some of the fish very well.  Got back to the ship at 7:15 PM and so another liberty.

          Again dear, don't worry about me.  I'll be quite safe.  Our duties won't bring us into actual combat and I expect you'll be hearing from me more or less regularly.

          About Xmas cards--I am working on something now.  If it materializes all the crew and officers will have Xmas greetings to send home free of charge.

          I played back Dave's record which had a personal message from him to bolster my morale (supposedly) and a cute story on the other side.  As soon as our public address system is in operation I'll plays it so the whole ship can hear it.

          As far as studying after the war is over, where I go will depend on what is available.  How can I say now where I want to go when I don't know myself?  Good night dear.

Monday 9:00 AM

          No mail this morning.  I hope Norma is better.  Got a letter from your mother and mine yesterday along with yours which I failed to mention.  Here it is 11:00 o'clock and this is all I've gotten written.  The next patient will wait until I'm through.

          Sweet, are you feeling better this morning?  Hope you got a decent night's sleep.  Do you remember how we went sailing on Lake Arrowhead and how scared you were?  Well we're going again and let's try sailing once more.  Maybe you'll have more confidence in me.

          I'd better close and make sure this gets off today.  Bye Sweetheart until tonight.

Your loving husband

Gil