Star Was Dennis Day

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday, 26 March 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          This has been one busy day. Believe it or not this is the first free time I've had since I got up this morning.

          I worked all morning and at 12:30 I took a liberty part of eighty-eight men ashore for a little recreation.  It rained most of the afternoon and by the time we got back to the ship at 5:15 we were all thoroughly soaked.

          I peeled off my wet clothes and after a hot shower dressed for dinner.  Just as I finished eating the exec informed me that Claude Thornhill and his show had been obtained for us for tonight and to get ready.

          The first lieutenant got his carpenters together and a small platform stage was rigged. I got the electricians busy on lighting and got our PA system hooked up.  For a backdrop we hung a number of colorful signal flags.  We were all ready at 7:45 and that was really making time.

          I met the entertainers on the quarterdeck and took them below.  As I wrote before Jackie Cooper, Bobby Riggs (Mary Lou imitator of the radio) and several others are in the show.  Claude Thornhill was an arranger for Castellanez (?spelling) as well as a band leader in his own right.  His musicians are taken from many well known bands such as Goodman, Weeks, and others.  The star attraction was Dennis Day and he really is good.  He is an ensign. After the show he came up to the wardroom and we sat around and talked until his boat came for him.  By the way, after the show we served ice cream to all hands.  Now here I am.

          I hit the jackpot today.  This morning, I got eight letters from you and one from your mother. When I came down to my office to write to you a few minutes ago I found two V-mails that came this afternoon, one from Libby and the other from Edward Rubin of the B'nai B'rith.

          Linda is getting to be quite the young lady.  Movies on Saturday, dancing school and soon the piano.  Well I'm hoping to be there when she starts in the fall.

          You mention Sophie and Fay several times.  Are they the two service wives you recently met?  Anyway I'm glad you've found some new congenial acquaintances.

          Such dreams!  I have only one girl friend and you know who she is.  No matter where I go when I get back my three girls are all going there with me.

          What about my girls' Mommy?  Well gee whiz can't you wait and be surprised?  If you can't you'll have to anyway.

          So Jerry and Marty are still feudin'.  Well it's a small world with many "small" people.

          "The Angels Sing" and "A Song to Remember" are both very enjoyable and I'm glad you got to see them.

          I didn't know Dr. Lewis was back.  Guess one of your letters telling me more about it will bounce in one of these days.

          I can't tell you what kind of shots we got but it really doesn't matter now, does it?

          I really didn't enjoy the American Weeklies much.  Really, I have plenty of reading matter so please don't send any more unless there are some novelty books or magazines you think I'd enjoy.

          The Coast Guard pharmacist you mentioned--does he know the Ocelot or is he just speaking generally?  Don't let it get you down dear.  He could be wrong.

          Well this has been a long winded letter.  I hope I didn't tire you out.  I'll sign off now as it's 11:20 and I should turn in.

          Good night Sweetheart and the next time dream about us being together.

Loving you always,

Gil

Chief Engineer Fell Down a Ladder

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 8 March 1945, 10:15 PM

My Darling,

          This is the end of another busy day.  Worked all morning again and it was 11:45 before I was through.

          After lunch I relaxed and read the morning's mail.  I got four letters from you postmarked February 8, 10 and two on the 28th.  I also got a short note from Leon.

          At one o'clock I went down and sat in on a court marshal.  At two I had my wardroom mess statement audited, after which I returned to the court marshal.  However it was too hot so at three I gave up and came topside.

          Then I went to my room and read until 5:30 when I showered and dressed for dinner.  I was tired all afternoon and finally decided that the shot I got this morning (yes, another one) must be giving me a mild reaction.  Oh well in the morning I'll probably wake up fresh as a daisy.

          The movie tonight was "A Song to Remember" with Paul Muni and Merle Oberon and is a story of the short but productive life (musically speaking) of Frederick Chopin.  You must see it if you haven't already.

          Excuse me for a minute.  Somebody fell on his face and I've got to go.

          Well, all is well that ends well.  The chief engineer fell down a ladder in the engine room and hit his jaw.  However X-rays show no break so outside of a sore face for a couple of days he'll be OK.

          Now your letter. The 8th and 10th are about Mary and Willie and I've said my piece about them.  I do hope she either quits taking poison and then changing her mind or takes something quick acting and gets it over with.  Callous aren't I?  Yet I don't know why they bring all their troubles to you. I don't like it.  I see you are teaching again. Well after a week's layoff you're probably glad to be called again and the color of the money looks good too, I'll bet.

          I owe the lodge a letter. Joe Orenstein wrote me and I'll answer through him.  On second thought I'll write him and the lodge as well.  Last night I dropped a line to Marty and Ruby but I bet I don't hear from them for a long time.

          Glad to hear you are active as program chairman for the Auxiliary.  I am looking forward to the clippings you say are coming.

          I liked the poetry of Sara Teasdale. More please!  Don't send any funny papers somehow I didn't enjoy them as much as I thought I would.

          Glad to hear you're getting all dolled up.  It'll give you a lift and believe me I can tell just how you feel by just reading your letters.

          So darling, no more for tonight.  If I was home now we would both have a "nite nite snack" after the movie.  I feel like it.  Then to bed, listening to the radio---?

          Good night Sweetheart until tomorrow.

Love,

Gil