Greeting From Al Klein

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 21 December 1944, 10:35 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          This has been a busy day.  I began by working in my office all morning.  Then twenty-four sacks of mail, all packages, were brought aboard and the normal routine was completely disrupted.  My haul amounted to the Xmas cards, the package of assorted candy and gum from our daughters, two books ("Strange Fruit" and "The Apostle") from Ruth and a box of luscious glazed fruits and nuts from Deb and Dave.  Then I got some more song books from you. Don't send any more.  I have plenty now.  A copy of the Santa Monica Evening Outlook was forwarded from San Diego along with couple of dental magazines.  In the afternoon I got the enclosed Xmas greeting from Alvin Klein.

          In the afternoon we had a session with the Glee Club and by the time I showered and changed it was time for dinner.

          I went to the early show tonight.  We had Wallace Beery and Binnie Barnes in "Barbary Coast Gent." It was quite amusing.  Last night's movie was Bob Crosby in "Singing Sheriff" also an amusing picture.

          After tonight's movie (about 8:15 PM) I returned to my office and have been addressing cards ever since.  No wonder my writing is so poor.  I bet I've got corns on my fingers.  Anyway I got all but twenty-five addressed and ready to go.

          Darling, do you remember how in past years you always checked my Xmas mailing list and supervised the whole job?  After tonight's session you are rehired. Just try and quit.

          I'm dizzy so I'm going to cut this note short.  Good night my Sweet, gosh how I could do with a little loving tonight.  Will see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

 

Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Tetanus Shots

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
              Monday 16 October 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another busy day.  Right after breakfast I borrowed a Navy sedan and drove over to pick up the rest of the recreational gear I had ordered.  When I returned I saw a couple of patients and then attended to some changes in my quarters.

          I got two letters from you this morning and one from Uncle Mike.  This afternoon I got one from Libby. Showered and changed after lunch and went on another shopping spree and spent a little better than $35.  Now I'm through.  I have plenty planned for the next couple of days.  Lots of letters to write and I must get all these gifts packed and sent off.

          When I returned from my shopping, I went over to the Officers' Club for a few beers and took 1 1/2 hours to lose $1.00 in a slot machine.  Some fun!

          Returned to the ship for dinner and then went back to the Officers' Club to see the movie.  There wasn't one aboard tonight.  The picture "Married by Mistake" with Ruth Hussy and Allan Marshal was very amusing.  Do see it if you get a chance.

          It has been raining on and off all day and over last night.  I got wet at the movie (it was in the open) and I'm going to my room and change into something dry.  There was some painting done there today so I'm writing from my office.  I'll finish in the AM.

          Good night, Sweet, I love you.

Adoringly

Gil

Tuesday 9:00 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,

          How about a big kiss?  Mmm!!  Gee thanks, you didn't have to bite me, did you?  I have your two letters of yesterday before me, so here we go on our daily quiz program.

          You ask about my first visit with Al Klein.  That was when I saw him at his station.  The reason you got confused is on that is because I could not give you any details as to where, when and I how I met him.

          Regarding the course, the Doctor and I are going to work the rest of it together.  That will make it much easier.

          Censoring mail varies.  I'm supposed to have the duty every six days, but with the Xmas rush we are doubling up now so it'll be more often.  This duty was interesting at first but after awhile it gets quite boresome.  However I will say this, some sailors do have a sweetheart in every port and they all (the girls) get the same line of bull.

          Yes, Sweet I have both of my shavers with me and I will be able to use them.  If you get a hold of another one (Willie's or through Dave) send it on "post haste."

          Glad to hear that you are enjoying studying and that the children are working out OK with Betty.  Thanks for those measurements.  I'll get to work on the surprise in a couple of days.

          Even though you are writing often you still have more to tell me than I have to tell you.  I did enjoy the U.S. News clipping.

          Nothing more that is new this AM.  We just finished giving the ship's company their yellow fever shots.  In a couple of days they'll get typhoid and tetanus.  Then back to regular routine.

          That is thirty for now, honey.  I've been at this letter for 1 1/2 hours and I want it to go off this noon.  Bye my own sweet love, till tonight.

Lovingly

Gil

 

Saw Oahu By Jeep

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
              Sunday 8 October, 1944, 9:35 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          This has been a swell day and I feel badly that you have to sit around and wait for someone to call while I'm really getting around and seeing things.  Al Klein paid me a return visit today and we spent the whole day doing "the town."  He came aboard at 10:00 AM. I took one and a half hours showing him around the ship.  I learned a few things myself. Some of the explanations we got about different instruments were new to me even though I've been aboard for nine weeks or so.  There is always something new to learn.  After our tour we sat around and gassed until 12:15 and then had luncheon aboard.  Soup, salad, fried chicken, pie a-la-mode with lemonade and coffee to drink.  It was as good as it sounds.

          After lunch we hopped into the jeep Al had.  He showed me parts of this place I hadn't seen before.  There are many beautiful homes, educational institutions and buildings that one can't see unless one has a car for transportation.  We also drove along the coast and saw several interesting phenomena.  Then a visit to a hotel for a couple of beers and a little walk to stretch our legs.  Al hadn't seen the aquarium I've mentioned so we look in there also.  By then it was time for dinner. Al led the way to a restaurant I hadn't been to.  We had a steak dinner with all the trimmings and it cost $3 plus tip (no tax).  The steak would have brought a least $6 at any mainland eating place.  It was large, tender and tasty.  Then we returned to the ship just in time for the movie "When Hearts Were Young and Gay" was the title--from the book by Cornelia Otis Skinner and Ethel Kimbrough.  It is about the two authors when they were teen age girls.  Put it on you "must see" list.  It is the most refreshing and amusing picture we've had aboard for some time.  After the movie, Al left and I found some mail for me.  Two letters from you and one from my mother.

          Ran out of stationery so will finish on this paper.  That stomach upset must have been something you ate. Hope you are all over it now.  You sure haven't had much luck with household help.  Hope this new girl pans out.  Please don't buy too much for me in the way of Xmas gifts.  Unless it is something useful I'd probably have stow it somewhere. Extra room is at a premium.  However I guess you realize that and will use your judgment.  Please finish typing up my course and send it on.  I was hoping it would be here by now but I realize now how swamped under you must have been.

          Do you remember your birthday party many Thanksgivings ago when I gave you your first real engagement ring?  Well after the war that new wedding band you've been wanting is going to be first on my list.  Going to sign off my darling with these three words, "I love you."

Devotedly

Gil

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

               censored

n main took us through a large

               censored

You can't possibly imagine  how compactly built a

               censored

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
               censored  

          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

                censored

          Figure it out for yourself.

Love,

Gil

Pearl Harbor Makes the Base in San Diego Look Like a Pigmy

Saturday 26 August 1944

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just received a letter dated the 24th, so mail is not always slow.  You ask several questions and here are the answers.  I've already written about the last night out in Diego.  When I go on liberty here I usually go with the chief engineer "Ambie" Hansen.  He's a lot of fun.  Forget buying anything for me.  I'd rather travel light and if I need anything I'll get it wherever I am.  As far as the temple is concerned, do whatever is the most economical and convenient.  Of course I want Linda to go to Sunday school.  As for visiting Jimmy, I still don't have his address and wrote Libby for it.  I'm trying to locate Alvin K. but this place makes the last base I was at a pigmy in comparison.  I'm well, and if I had you and the kids with me there isn't a thing more I'd want.  So much for that.

          Since I've been aboard I've gained 12 pounds and now I'm going to lose it.  Just got a call so will finish later.

          Here I am back again.  Yes, I'm on a diet as is Ambie.  No bread, butter, cream, sugar, potatoes or dessert.  If either of us catches the other cheating for the next week he loses $10.00.  Guess I'll get along.

          Liberty has been changed.  Instead of being off every other day from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, it is now every 3rd day.  Guess it could be worse.  My next liberty is tomorrow, Sunday, which is a poor day to shop.  However next Wednesday I should be able to do lots of spending and will my three girls be surprised.

          Well my Sweet I'm really tired now.  I forgot to mention that I worked out with a medicine ball just before I began this letter.  So--bye honey till tomorrow.  I love you and look forward to the time we'll be together again.

Yours forever,

Gil

Officers Contemplating Changes to the USS Ocelot

Thursday, 17 August 1944

Hello Sweetheart,

          How is my darling today?  I did not get any mail on Tuesday when the first batch was brought aboard.  I had liberty yesterday from noon until 10:00 PM but did not go until after dinner because of some unexpected chores that came up.  I'm glad I didn't leave because I finally got a letter. The underlining of the "a" means just one from you.  In addition I got the Pendleton newspaper with Dick's picture in it and the dental bulletin.  I guess you didn't think I'd get to my destination so fast and wrote a lot of letters via regular mail.  If so I'll probably get a whole batch all at once.

          I wish I could tell you where we are going next.  In fact I wish I knew or as a matter of fact I wish the navy knew.  Now everything is up in the air and we all have our fingers crossed.  We had several officers with "scrambled eggs" looking us over contemplating some changes but who can tell.

          Went on liberty last night and because we started so late we didn't get much chance to see the city. Maybe we'll have better luck on Friday.  We saw the hotel I've named our "beer drinking club" and the beach.  It was beautiful.  Mr. Hansen was with me and we enjoyed just looking around.  We stopped in for a drink, a thick chocolate shake, and a couple of civilians insisted on paying the check.  After six o'clock hard liquor and beer are rarities here.  They tell me that before six you stand in line for it.  Not me.

          Well dear I'm glad all is smooth at home and that the kiddies are well.

          If you haven't done so yet get Al Klein's address and send it to me "post haste."  We may be here for some time and I'd like to look him up.

          I hate writing letters and except for our daily visit I'm going to do very little except in response to any I receive. Tell Linda I enjoyed her note to me and that she and Norma and I are going to really have a whopper of a time when I get back.  As for you, dear, keep everything on ice and we'll really have unfinished business galore to take care of when I do get back.

Bye my Sweet

Yours as ever

Gil

P.S. Just as I was addressing the envelope I got two letters, one from Ruth and one from you, my Sweet.

Gil

 

 

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