Philippines Ransacked

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Monday 26 February 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Back to the old "grind" again.  Worked all morning and afternoon until 3:00 PM.  Then I censored some mail, read a little, showered and dressed for dinner.

          The mail brought two letters of the 19th in the morning and eight letters from 5th to 13th in the afternoon. All from you.  I should be about all caught up now on your back letters though there are still a few on their way.

          Sorry you missed Abe Weinberg.  However I doubt that there was much he could have told you that you'd like to know.  As for Hansen, if he gets anywhere near Santa Monica I am sure that he will contact you.

          Looks like Ruth is still the same and there is nothing that you can do about it.  Don't spend much on a gift for Libby.  Those bags I sent were expensive and with the dough Nat is making, a couple of cheap hankies was very little from her.

          Mary and Willie probably had similar trouble before we knew them and will continue the same way forever more.  I don't place much stock in her saying she's through or even his leaving her.  You wait and see.

          "The Apostle" is on my book shelf.  I've never read it nor can I find anyone else who wants to.  Yes I know Ruth.

          If I ever get to the Philippines I'd like to pick up some nice things but from what I hear the Japs have probably ransacked it clean and the men who are already there will do a good job cleaning out what is left.

          The "heat rash" isn't serious nor does it bother me except just when I turn in.  It stings a little but some sunshine usually clears it up.

          I'm not surprised about Nina's not liking the WACs.  She has to compete with many much younger and in many cases prettier girls and has to take orders from many who are much less qualified than she is.  All of this tends to make her wish she were civilian again.  I thought she and Jack were all washed up, or is it strictly platonic now?

          After censoring many letters and from my own personal experiences I've come to the conclusion that much of the mail is to raise the morale of the civilians at home rather than the men away from home.  I still think you are oversensitive and wait for others to make the first move, which they won't.  Of course you and I expect more from Ruth and some of our friends because we always went out of our way for everyone but that won't work.  If you want entertainment or recreation, or even companionship you've got to go and get is so--go get it!

          The Center doesn't sound like it's going over or am I wrong?  If you ask me, Santa Monica has too many individual projects and as a result some are going to suffer.  Some people don't realize that this making of money won't last forever and that the projects will need support as much later as now.

          I'm glad you're back on the Bulletin.  You always like that kind of work and it will kill a couple of evening now and then.

          You're mentioning of taxes again.  I'm enclosing some information that should come in handy.  You should get a refund on 1944 when the final reckoning is made but leave it alone until I get back.

          Sorry you didn't enjoy the party for Leon.  When I get back no one else will get a chance to dance with you or sit and talk either.  I'll take care of that.

          Always excitement.  Norma sure gave you a scare.  Oh well, all's well that ends well.  Hope from now on both kids stay well.

          No, I still won't write Leon until he answers my last letter--bet he'd wonder why I was writing if I did.  Anyway I won't do it so forget it.

          Well that winds me up for tonight.  I'll have to dash or I'll be late for the movie.   We have "Lake Placid Serenade."

          Bye Honey, I'll be with you tomorrow.

Love

Gil

Navy Changes Its Mind Just Like a Woman

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 22 January 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from another 4.0 movie.  We had "From the Bowery to Broadway" a musical with Maria Montez, Jack Oakie and several other stars.  See it, it's entertaining.

          The mailman was good to me today and brought me nine letters.  There were six from you, a letter from Deb and two birthday cards--one from Libby and Nat and one from Loretta.

          Now to your letters.  They're postmarked the 7th, 9th and 12th which still leaves the 11th and 12th to come plus whatever comes after the 13th.  Packages are still coming through so here's hoping I get mine soon.

          First darling, don't get you heart set on my being home in three months.  You know the Navy changes its mind just like a woman.  My chances still look good but still there is always the possibility that____.  Also if we did return in three months it would take somewheres between twenty days and a month's sailing time to get back to civilization. So be patient and hope for the best, but please don't work yourself up into what could turn out as a big disappointment.

          Glad Dave made corporal but Deb writes he's in the "line" which means he is due for overseas duty and that aint good.  I don't know what instructions Dave can give Sol.  For the amount of time Sol has been in he has progressed further than Dave. I bet he comes out of this war with the higher rate.

          Don't feel badly about my not hearing from you daily.  I still hold the record amongst the officers for the most mail and when I do get any it is always a stack.

          I don't know what more to say about Arrowhead except wait and see.

          The Willie, Wally,and Mary story is interesting but it isn't new except that now that Mary caught up with Willie the cat is out of the bag so the cat (Willie) may as well play.  What surprises me is that his health stands up to it all.

          Yes dear by the time I get home it should be Lieutenant without the j.g.  I hardly know what to ask for as a gift from Libby.  "Coronet" would be nice but it really doesn't matter.

          I'm glad to hear about Abe Weinberg.  He is a bright chap and should go far in the Navy and out.  Right now they are crying for men in certain fields for additional training. Many men are really getting terrific training at no expense to themselves and it will stand them in good stead after the war.  There is just one catch.  I doubt very much whether these fellows who are getting all this training will be released.  It is my guess that they will be kept on for many years.

          Enjoyed your report on the installation.  Next year we have a date to attend it together.

          The Arnerichs, Paul and Vincent are brothers.  One graduated in '31 and one in '32.  They are both in the Navy one being stationed at the hospital in San Diego and the other out here.

          Don't stop sending packages or mail.  Goodness gal. That was scuttlebutt and it depends entirely on the progress of certain military campaigns.  Besides if we return, mail will always go to our next port and held there until we arrive.  So, take it easy and keep those panties on.  I'll take them of personal-like when I get there.

          No more for now so good night my Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Loving you always,

Gil

Roosevelt Is Still President

NOTE ON LETTER IN ELEANOR'S WRITING: Received November 17.  Postmarked November 11

 

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
             Thursday 9 November 1944 1:45 PM

My Dearest

          Here I am again.  It's so blasted hot that I have a sheet of paper under my right hand and forearm to prevent this sheet I'm writing on from getting soaked from the sweat off my arm.

          I had an interesting experience today that I can talk about so here goes.  I was talking to the doctor in sick bay when a young ensign who was visiting one of the patients saw my B'nai B'rith ring.  He asked me what lodge I was a member of and it turned out that he is a Long Beach boy.  He knows many of our friends.  His name is Bill Spitzer and he is acquainted with Herman Stein, Mort Eisner, Bruce Stern, Dave Gindoff and Abe Weinberg.  Isn't this a small world?

          Well, my Sweet, the election is over and Roosevelt is still president.  We have a couple of "diehard" Republicans aboard and we've really had quite a time discussing politics and the future of our country.  Personally I am happy about the results and do feel that our country will be better off than if Dewey had been elected.

          How is by you?  I haven't received and mail since the last jackpot but I do hope to get another batch tomorrow.  Don't worry about the irregularity of my mail, it just can't be helped.  Anyway when I get back I'll have some interesting stories to tell.

          In the meantime, Honey, please be patient.  My love for you is unending and you are in my thoughts always.  Will write again tomorrow.  Until then

Love

Gil

Can't attend B'nai B'rith Past Presidents Night

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
                     Friday 15 September 1944

Dear Earl,

          Just received your letter and am answering immediately.  I sure wish that I could attend the lodge meeting Past Presidents' night and help initiate the new members.  That being impossible will you please act as my proxy and convey my best wishes to the lodge and my congratulations to the new initiates.

          Through the bulletin and the news Eleanor writes me I am keeping up on lodge activities.  However, I have been wondering how the War Service Committee is getting along.  You know it was my baby last year and at the present time I feel it is as important a committee as any that we have.  How is the letter writing project going?  I never realized how important that was until I shipped out.  When a fellow is thousands of miles from home it's amazing to see how much of a lift a letter brings.  I sincerely hope that my not having received letters is no indication that the project has fallen by the wayside.

          I'd like to tell you all about my ship duties and whereabouts, but the censor would cut most of it out.  I can say that I am the only dentist aboard and that my office is as modernly equipped as was my office at home.  In addition to my professional duties for the ship, I act as Welfare Officer which includes arranging recreational activities.  In fact just recently our ship had an all day outing at a nearby beach.  All the beer and coke the crew could drink was on the house (ship).  Also charcoal broiled steaks and hot dogs.  We engaged in games of volleyball and baseball and swam in the ocean.  Everyone had such a good time that I'm planning another outing as soon as possible.  I am also acting as Division Officer for the "H" or Hospital Division.  All officers take turns censoring mail.  So you see with my extra professional duties, I manage to keep busy.

          Recently I stopped in at an Officers' Club for a drink and ran into Abe Weinberg.  What a jolly reunions that was.  As a matter of fact I am constantly running into people I knew in the states.

          I know you and the men are interested as to whether I've run into any discrimination.  No!  As a matter of fact I'm very surprised at the total absence of it.  The officers and men aboard seem to be very fine and accept men at face value.

          There isn't much more I can say now.  Convey my best wishes to all for a victorious New Year. I do hope that when the next Past Presidents' Night is held I shall be able to attend personally.

Sincerely and fraternally yours,

Gilbert Steingart

A Roller Coaster Is Safe and Sane Compared to the Bus

Sunday 10 September 1944, 10:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from liberty and hoped for a letter from you.  There was none so I'll probably get yesterday's, today's and tomorrow's all at one time. Received a note from Libby asking about Jimmy and I answered immediately.  I recently saw him and we had quite a visit.  That is all I can say except that he looks well and hasn't aged a day.

          I keep on running into people I know wherever I go.  Ran into A. Weinberg and Dr. Jackson again.  Wish I could run into you next, but that really is some wish.

          Well dear, with no questions to answer I hardly know what to tell you.  I recently rode in a bus operated by a native.  The roller coaster is slow, safe, and sane compared with that trip.  Curves and oncoming traffic meant nothing in his life.  The passengers lives meant nothing to him either.  However, we all enjoyed the ride and the scenery which you are going to see with me later.

          Linda must be about ready to start school now or has she already started?  Probably telling Norma all about it if she has.  Gosh, I wish I could see all of you tonight.  Just to play with my girls and put them to bed would be so much fun.  And then--well fun would be putting it mildly.

          One of the officers aboard had a porcelain bridge broken and I've the problem of making a new one without any laboratory facilities.  However I expect to have him fixed up in a couple of days.

          Monday, 11 September, 9:20 AM

          Good morning Sweet.  I thought I'd have plenty of time to write this AM but have been busy till now.  Have a patient in the chair, one waiting and another due at ten so I must hurry because I want this to go in this morning's mail.

          By my darling, will write again this evening.  Until then will all my love.

Your one and only,

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

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

 

Jeep Ride in Hawaii

Saturday 9 September 1944, 9:20 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Good morning Sweet.  My office is being torn up for a change, and I am still in temporary quarters.  I'm writing on my cot so excuse please if any scribbling is worse than usual.

          I'll try to answer your questions as fully as possible.  Greys or tans are worn both at work and when on liberty.  I'm hoping to see those you mention but for reasons I cannot mention I' haven't been able to yet.  Having no work to do this morning I'll try to catch up on my correspondence.  I'm glad you liked what I sent.  That package went through OK but the kid's package got held up.  Will get that off as soon as possible.

          Hansen and I got a jeep yesterday and for three hours we drove around.  Do you remember the ride around Catalina?  Well much of this country is surprisingly similar but I saw some things which we must enjoy together once this mess is over.  And by the way, I still expect to take a refresher course before returning to private practice.

          After our sightseeing tour we stopped at an Officer's Club and who do you think I met?  Abe Weinberg--in person.  So far from home and yet look at all the people that I've run into.  This is really a small world.

          I hear there are some packages at the post office for me but they were closed when I looked in.  Will try again as soon as I'm finished writing.  Received the Binai Brith Bulletin yesterday so you can forget that item.

          Darling, if you get a chance to to San Francisco go ahead.  It is fairly certain that we won't go back to the states for some time.  I'm running out of small talk so I'll have to sign off.

          I love you Sweetheart and miss you and Linda and Norma more and more all the time and writing about it makes me feel all the bluer.  You'll have this letter in a few days and yet weeks and maybe months may pass before I'll have you and the girls with me.

          Bye, darling till tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

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