Ambie Took Us Through a Submarine

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

              SS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
          Saturday 30 September 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Sweetheart,

          What a busy day! Saw a couple of patients in the morning and then chased down to the Welfare and Recreation Office on the base.  When I came back I found a couple of letters from you and one from Libby.  I no sooner got started reading and Jim arrived and so I postponed that pleasure and showed him around the ship.  He really was surprised at the size and facilities of the Ocelot.

          Jim had lunch aboard with me and we had an amusing incident.  The Mess Caterer is an elective job that no one wants particularly.  The Captain announced ahead of time that I was to be the next caterer.  However all the officers got together and voted for another officer who wasn't expecting any such duty and boom he is now Mess Caterer. The Captain was a little provoked but couldn't do much about it.  However he did dig up something else for me to do, Mess treasurer.  That is that.

          Jim came over in a jeep.  So after lunch, Hansen joined us and we all drove over to a
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and I ran into Alvin Klein.  We had a little chat and plan to get together later.  We than returned to the base and Ambie who used to be a

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n main took us through a large

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You can't possibly imagine  how compactly built a

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is.  Every inch of space is taken care of and really was an interesting experience.  Then we returned to the ship and Jim had to shove off.  We still had an hour before dinner so we walked over to the Officers Club and had a drink or two.  They have scads of slot machines and having three quarters in my pockets I took a shot at it.  Got $4 out, put $1.50 back so I'm $7.50 ahead.  Then we returned to the ship for dinner.  I found another letter and the money order waiting for me.

          After dinner we sat on deck and listened to a recorded radio program until movie time.  Tonight we had "Crime at Night" and it was enjoyment, a murder mystery with a lot of humor.  And so here I am.

          Now for the "Eversharp program."  Keep my driver's license.  I won't need one until I get back.  I can't tell how soon I'll be back, anything can happen.  Dinner out runs from $1.50 to $3.00.  Most places just serve a la carte!  Haven't eaten any tropical fish, but have tasted papaya.  I didn't like it in the states and still think it's too sweet.  When I go on liberty I usually don't get back until past 7:45 when the movie goes on.  That's why I miss the movie rather frequently on liberty days.  I've got you a locket, bracelet and earrings to match but they aren't of the charm variety.  Keep you panties on till they get there.  You have the San Diego deposit book.  Look in my records file.  Whew!  Do I get the $64?

          I still think you should go to meetings and to h... with what people say.  I'm not worried about it so why should you care.  I'll write Ethel and Doc and the Vaneteks as soon as I close here.  Good night, darling, my Sweet.  I love you. I do!

 

Sunday 1 October 1944, 10:00 AM

          Good morning, darling.  Sleep well?  Sunday is just another day in the Navy.  Just injected my third patient and while I'm waiting for the shot to take effect I'll finish off here.  Nothing new since last night.  Have several first of the month reports to make and also a survey of the oral condition of the whole crew and expect to be through by tonight.  Sounds like I'm optimistic but I think I can do it!

          Do you remember when we would go out for breakfast on Sunday morning just for a change?  Well sweetheart, after the war we'll always have breakfast together and wherever you wish.

          Now for our daily quiz program. Your
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          After the war wherever we go our girls go and that includes Chicago.  Frequently a couple of days will go by with no mail and then bingo! The jack-pot!  Five or six all at one time.  Sweet I don't care whether you write or type.  Just hearing from you and knowing all is well is all I ask for.  Bye darling.  I'm getting to be just like Jim except he has been away 18 months instead of the 9 weeks.  I'm a man with

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          Figure it out for yourself.

Love,

Gil

Mosquitos and Ship Construction Disturbed My Sleep

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

29 September 1944, 10:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another day closer to when we'll be together again. A very uneventful day.

          Had my usual juice and coffee for breakfast.  Then worked for about two hours.  I've arranged another beach party for the crew and that took up the rest of the morning.

          Also, Jim called this morning. He is driving over to have lunch aboard with me tomorrow.  After lunch I had a little more work and then mail to read.  A card from my mother, a couple of letters from you and the September Journal of the Southern California State Dental Association.  After I finished reading, I had my hair cut, showered and got ready for dinner.  Then I sat around on the fo'castle listening to some more recordings of radio programs made for broadcast overseas.  The records play for half an hour and are just as good as the original program.  Then movies, "The Merry Monahans," with Donald O'Connor, Peggy Ryan and Jack Okie.  Very good entertainment--see it when you can.  After the movie we visited for awhile on deck and then--here I am.

          You mention Mike's visit.  I dropped him a line about 10 days ago.  Maybe that helped.  Anyway I'm glad you're able to get along and don't have to walk or ride buses.  Anything that is lost in moving should be claimed for.  Notify Al and let him worry about it.  That is why we pay those premiums.  Make a claim for the movies and glasses along with the rest.  By the way did you ever get that last roll of movie film back?

          I am drawing $118 a month.  When I'm at sea, $35-40 will be all I'll need.  However situated the way I have been here, money just goes.  Been having liberty every other day and a drink here, a cab there, and meals beside and--not enough money especially after a few shopping tours.  Figure it out for yourself.  Dear, a "fruit salad" pin is a must on my next shopping tour. You may wear it and when I want to wear one I'll get another.  Don't worry about Dr. White and his bill, although you might suggest paying him, he'll say no.  Then go out and buy him something nice.  I'm sure it will be OK.  That charm bracelet you mention runs into money out here, but I'll look around and see what I can do.  A couple of dolls are on my Xmas list as of now.  Enough for now.  I'll be with you again in the morning.  Good night, dearest.

Saturday 30 August 1944, 8:30 AM

          Good morning, Sweetheart.  Didn't sleep well last night.  Some men working on the ship made a lot of noise and woke most of the officers up.  Then those mosquitoes decided they had left me alone long enough and went to work.  I've several beauties--not mosquitoes--bites.

          Nothing new since last night.  Do you remember how you used to make lunch and bring it up to the office and have a bite with me?  Seems so long ago.  After the war we'll have lunch together often, won't we dear, and you won't need to bring it up.  That is all for now, will be with you again tonight.

Loving you as ever

Gil

P.S. Regarding Mrs. Numma, I advised against having her teeth extracted and she went somewhere else to have it done.  Then she came to me to make her a new set of dentures; the others didn't fit (?)  Unless you know her you wouldn't understand the problem.  However, dear, before communicating with patients in the future regarding any complaints, let me know first if possible.

Gil