Attended Kol Nidre Servuce--Chaplain Not Concerned About Pleasing Mr. and Mrs. Gotrock

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Tuesday 26 September 1944,9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from the Kol Nidre service and found six letters waiting for me.  You see I had liberty today. I didn't get back to the ship until it was time to go to the service so the exec and I shoved off immediately.  The Captain hasn't attended any of the services as far as I know.  I enjoyed this service much more than the last one because the place was much larger and cooler. The service itself was quite simple and the sermon was one that could well be repeated in all houses of worship.  But then the chaplain wasn't at all concerned about keeping his pulpit or pleasing Mr. and Mrs. Gotrock who contributed lavishly to the building fund.  He spoke his mind and we listened and liked it.

          While on liberty today I bought a couple of cute pinafores for the kids. Both are alike. I hope they fit because they set me back $8.80.  Glad pay day is soon because with all the shopping I've done I have very little left.  Besides I will have to pay $25.00 to the mess out of my next pay which will leave me about $35 for the next two weeks.

          This garden cafe I mentioned turned out to be a private club that opened its doors to officers.  Because they close at 7:00 P.M. all one can do there is drink and eat.  I imagine though that they've really had some beautiful affairs when times were normal.

          You ask if I enjoy your long letters.  That is what I and all the others aboard live for, a letter from home.  Regarding the San Diego business you ask about, everything is OK.  As far as my getting back to the states before my present tour of duty is up, the chances are very slim indeed.  I'll consider any such event as "manna" from heaven.

          Regarding music, how about sending along those dime store booklets you purchased last year.  Also send along the music notes I have.  There is a piano and I might find time to practice if I had the chords and base forms to follow.  There are two note books, send them both.

          Will finish in the morning dear, good night and sleep well.

Wednesday 10:45 AM

          Good morning Sweet.  Did you sleep well? Did both our girls behave all night and not disturb you?

          This has been a busy morning and this is the first free time I've had.  No more mail this morning but all the letters I got yesterday afternoon should keep me until 1:00 PM when I'll look for more.  I got a letters from the "Gs", Deb and Dave, Miss Earnest and thee from my Sweetheart.  Sounds like you had a busy week-end planned and now that Norma is well again you should take it easy and not overdo.

          Tomorrow my photos should be ready and I'll send them right along.  Will know more about Xmas card by then also (I hope)

          There is no use trying to guess where we going next.  I don't know so how can I tell you.  We will probable receive casualties because we are equipped to handle them but we won't be a hospital ship and when we get there it'll be all over but the shouting.

          Do you remember how I always wanted to be on the go and never wished to stay home? Well dear after this war I'll be satisfied to remain anywhere as long as I have you and our girls with us.

          Enough for now dear.  I want to get this off right away.  Goodbye for now, will visit with you again tonight.

With all my love,

Gil

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