Thrilling Day

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 26 June 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Darling,

          Hello my Sweet, here is that guy today.  Had quite a thrilling day.  I cancelled all my appointments and made plans with Dr. Law to look up Simmie.  An hour before we were to leave Sol walked in on me and was it good to see him.  His ship is quite a ways from where we are (fifteen miles).  He came over with someone who was on business, so he had to leave with him.  I'm going to find out how long his ship will be here and then plan as to when I'll go over to see him.  We visited for an hour.  Then my boat was alongside so we shoved off.

          We left at 9:45 and hit the beach at 10:30.  We walked through a small town and got out on the main highway.  We thumbed a ride and reached the 118th Hospital in about fifteen minutes.  We no more than walked through the gate, past the sentry when the first medical officer we ran into was Simmie.  Since I last saw him some thirteen years ago, he really hasn't changed much.   He has a little more weight on him which he well needed.

          We visited until noon and then had lunch with him.  After that we sat around at talked some more about old times and mutual acquaintances.

          We left at 1:30 and thumbed a ride thirty miles up the coast to another town.  From there we bummed a ride back to the ship arriving at 4:30.  All in all we covered about fifty miles.

          I've invited Simmie to be my guest aboard ship for a weekend.  He is going to try to make it the weekend after next.  Now that I've seen how the Army lives I'm twice as glad as I ever was that I was able to choose the Navy.  The food, comfort and working conditions in the Army are quite crude as compared with the clean, comfortable, well equipped shipboard life.  By the way it is now Captain Marcus and not lieutenant.  So much for that

          When we got back I showered.  Until chow time I relaxed in my bunk and censored mail.  After dinner I came down to my office and found two letters of the 17th and 18th awaiting me.

          Your report on Cappy and Edna needs no comment on my part.  By the way Simmie never did see Vic Spitzer as you reported.

          What shall I make for Ethyl? A bracelet like the one I sent you or one like I made for Linda.  I favor the shell bracelet, but I'll let you be the judge.

          What size film do I want?  Some 616 or 116 and some 35 mm.  Kodachrome (if available).  Otherwise some more black and white 35 mm. film.  Wrap the stuff in tin foil.  This heat is rough on film

          I really forgot all about Father's Day until I received all those beautiful cards from my three darlings and they were only one day late.  Pretty good timing.

          In many ways the Siegers are funny people but I do think that you'll have a nice time up there at Lake Arrowhead.  However I don't see why you should put up with Ruth, Babs, and probably Harry.  You don't owe them a thing and don't you forget it.

          I think tonight's movie is "Phantom Lady" and I don't' know who is in it.  I'll report on it tomorrow.

          In the meantime, my sweet, take it easy and don't let everything upset you.  Even if some people are thoughtless and forget you, there is one guy out here thousands of miles distant who loves you and thinks about you all the time (asleep or wake).

Yours as ever,

Gil

On this day Gil received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon but didn't mention it.

Seven Cans of Beer

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 10 April 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey here I be again.  I was just a little high last night when I wrote so I didn't say much or did I?

          Today was just another busy day for the dental officer on the Ocelot.  I worked all morning and after lunch I had the job of taking the liberty party ashore.  I mustered the men at 12:30.  We loaded the beer and men into the boat. By the time we got to the island it was almost 2:00 PM.  At 4:00 PM we boarded our boat to return to the ship.  Not much recreation for the men but still two hours off the ship and six or seven cans of beer does alter a man's outlook even though it is only temporary.

          We got back safe and dry but no sooner had we gotten aboard when it really began to rain.  Did I say rain? Even if I said it poured I would be grossly minimizing the cloudburst.  Anyway it didn't last too long and now everything is cooler and more refreshing.

          The movie tonight is "Here Come the Waves" with Crosby and Hutton, rated excellent.  I do hope the rain doesn't return tonight to spoil the show though we usually sit through such disturbances.

          I got one letter from you. You say you're throat has been hoarse for some time.  I bet you, your mother and Babs have something you've been passing around to each other.

          You talk about "the tire" but I don't know what it's all about.  Must be some letters still to come.

          So Linda is teaching her mother a little about Judaism.  Well it'll do you good too.

          That is thirty for tonight.  Goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Turkey Dinner Topped Off With Ice Cream

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Sunday 8 April 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Today being Sunday I had planned to take it easy.  However others had different ideas about it and I had the usual busy morning. 

          This afternoon, after getting my mess statement and some recreation gear requisitions squared away, I took it easy.  Messed around polishing some shells and then read for a while.  At 5:15 I showered and dressed for dinner.

          We had a good dinner of turkey with all the trimmings and topped it off with ice cream.  Then we went out on deck and enjoyed the cool breeze (for a change) and the usual unusual sunset. 

          The mail today brought two letters from you and one from my mother.  Sounds like the B'nai B'rith had a nice meeting and I'm glad you enjoyed it.  So Edith and Bill are engaged?  Well what do you know? Was it expected or not?

          Babs seems to have had quite a siege of illness.  I do hope the kid has completely recovered by now.

          Did you enjoy your trip to Arrowhead?  What luck?

          The war news does sound good and I believe that the Japs will quit by June of next year. I expect to be home long before that and plan to celebrate the final peace with my sweet wife and kids.

          Did you and the kids enjoy the Temple Seders?  I suppose I'll get all the answers to my question in due time.

          There will be no "if and when" about babies.  We've got our family and now we'll have fun. OK? OK?

          Tonight we have a double feature movie.  First we have "Double Exposure," a mystery and "Let's Go Steady," a musical.  They are rated as good so I'm not expecting too much.

          Darling, will you send me a package of art corners for mounting the snaps in my album.  I started with red ones so please get that color if possible.

          There is nothing more for now. So--- good night Honey.  I love you.  I do mean you.  See you tomorrow.

Yours alone

Gil

Today I Am 35 Years Old

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 11 January 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey, today I am 35 years old.  If you were here or I was there I imagine I could prove I'm still OK for an old man.        

          Well today was just another routine day.  Worked most of the morning and saw Ambie off at 11:00 AM. After lunch I read and finished another book by Forester entitled "The Ship."

          About that time I heard someone mention mail so I high tailed up to the wardroom and there were four letters for me.  Three from you and one from a patient in response to my Xmas card.  That letter is so long and so friendly that I'm doing to keep writing to him.

          After dinner, this evening, I played checkers until movie time.  The movie tonight was a western, but a very good one.  Even you would like it.  It was "Tall in the Saddle" with John Wayne and Ella Raines.  The movie last night was also very good.  You should see it, title: "In the Meantime, Darling."

          I'm glad you got to go out New Years Eve. It would have been such a long evening to stay in.

          About this summer business.  Sweet, I hardly know what to advise.  We might suddenly head back to the states.  I might even get orders back for stateside duty and of course there is always the possibility of my staying out here for a while longer.  So make plans to go to Arrowhead and if I do get back something will be worked out and if not to hell with a couple hundred bucks.

          You needn't worry about me overdoing with drink.  A few beers seem to go a long way in this hot climate and I'm not anxious to contend with a big head the next day.  It's just a change and a little relaxation and not half as bad as it probably sounded in my letter.

          I'm anxiously waiting to hear word of Dick being in the Navy.  That kid really needs it and believe me they'll straighten him out.

          That poetry, darling, surely sizzles and the officers all get a kick out of it.  The fruit Deb sent was delicious and kept very well, so please send on a box.  Be sure it is very well packaged.

          I'm sorry I'm not convincing about coming home but how can I be when all my hopes are based on rumors and personal opinions.  There is no such thing as leave from out here simply because a replacement must be here before one can leave and they're not shifting men around every 30 to 60 days.

          I'm not surprised at Babs. Besides she probably has too much Joe on her mind at the present to worry about a single thank you.

          Talking about nice things to buy, the next place we may hit might be the Philippines and if the Japs haven't completely ransacked and destroyed that place I might find something there to send or maybe bring home.

          I'm glad that Linda's arm turned out to be nothing.  Gee how you must have worried.  Well all is well that ends well.

          Now that the Xmas rush is over I hope I'll get better mail service.  Your last letter was postmarked January 4 and that was only seven days ago.

          Darling do you remember my birthday last year?  Didn't we take the kids out for the day and go to the Fleishers?  (I'm not sure).  Guess I had more on my mind than I cared to admit.

          Good night my Sweet.  I'm sleepy and so I'm going to turn in and dream about my own sweet wife and two darling girls,

Love,

Gil

 

Rigging Up a Soda Fountain

 

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Monday 18 Dec. 1944, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor

          Finally Darling.  Today I got two letters from you.  They were postmarked the 6th. I should be thankful because I was the only officer to get any mail for the past five days.

          B'nai B'rith seems too far away and you reactions just don't seem to matter.  After all as important as the work is right now it seems so unimportant.

          So Ruth is "off" again.  Well you know what I think, so why waste paper and time repeating myself.  After the war there'll be plenty of trips and we'll take them all together and many with our girls--not leave them at home.  I don't suppose Ruth ever thought that Babs might enjoy such a trip--but then she never did before either.

          Gosh I wish I could see the little paper ships and help pin them on the Xmas tree.  Well I'll do it next year--is it a bet?

          What's all the excitement about Dick getting a PO rate.  Sol's store keeper rate is a petty officer rating but then it sounds better to say petty officer than "mate."  What will it be `1st, 2nd 3rd class or chief?  Or will he wind up holding the bag?  Remember how hard Dave and Sol tried and they were more qualified than Dick.  After all there is a war and even the Coast Guard is in it.  I'll wait and see but don't be surprised to see Dick in an "gob's" uniform.  It would do him a lot of good.  On the other hand a little money (hush! hush!) and some drag will go a long way.

          "Imperial City," by Elmer Rice and it is quite interesting.

          I do feel just the least bit mellow tonight.  We had the movie "Since You Went Away" and even I shed a tear or too.  Frankly, thought it is an excellent movie I don't think it is any kind of a morale builder for men away from family and home.  What we need out here is something with a laugh and not a tear.  But then, maybe I'm all wet.

          That item about the "floating hotel" you sent sounds interesting but couldn't be much.  A ship of any size at all should be able to berth a lot more than 700 men and even the Ocelot has what his hotel has with the exception of the soda fountain and I'm working on that now.  I just bought eight gallons of coke syrup from a supply ship and the engineers are rigging up an apparatus to charge water.  Ice cream is next on my list and we'll have that daily darn soon.

          Talking about fountains do you remember in the good old days when we'd stop at "Thrifty's" for an extra thick chocolate shake?  I can hardly wait for the day when our whole family jumps into the car to drive down for a drink after dinner.

          Good night my darling, my sweet.  I wish I could seal a little of my love in this envelope for you.

Love,

Gil

 

 

Paint Is Cheap and Labor Plentiful

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
           Saturday 18 November 1944, 9:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello darling, here I am again.  Just saw a movie I saw several years ago but I enjoyed every moment of it.  The picture was the "Black Swan" with Tyrone Power, a story of Henry Morgan and the Spanish Main.

          I'm catching up on my mail now.  Last night I dropped notes to Manny Stern and the Fleischers.  I don't know who'll be on the program for tonight until I look at whose letters are lying around.  You see I don't throw any away until they're answered.

          I didn't do any dentistry today because my office is being painted.  That's one thing about the Navy.  Paint is cheap and labor plentiful so as soon as any place looks the least bit bad it gets a fresh coat of paint.

          What did I do with all the time?  First I took those large photos of you, covered them with blue celluloid and hung them on the bulkhead in my room.  Then I took that booklet of pin-ups you sent me recently, cut those out and stuck them up too.  Believe these pictures along with Linda's, Norma's, Dick's and Babs' brighten up my room considerably.  Then I did a little reading, took a shower and won another buck at blackjack.  After dinner I played some checkers and then to the movie.  My what a busy day!

          Well I expect to be much busier next week.  I'm going to work on the crew of a ship anchored nearby.  These men plus those on the Ocelot will keep me busy for awhile.

          There was no mail for me today, so no answers.  Good night my Sweet, I love you and wish you were near.  Boy, would I like that and you would too!

Lovingly

Gil

Picture of Dick

World Gets Smaller All the Time

Saturday 17 September 1944, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from liberty and decided to write a few lines.  Breakfast, as usual this morning, then a little work in my office.  Before noon I chased down to the prosthetic lab to pick up some castings for that bridge I'm making.  Returned to the ship for lunch and then Hansen, Cox and I went on liberty.  We had a couple of drinks in a couple of bars and then went to the place I described to you in detail last time.  We spent the afternoon there and didn't leave until 7:00 PM.

          While we were sitting there, in walked three couples, and one of the girls looked familiar.  Do you remember the McCloud girl who taught Hy and me tap dancing?  Well it was she.  She came out here to get married and the big event is coming off next week.  I just said, "Santa Monica."  She looked around and when she saw me came over and shook hands.  This world gets smaller all the time.  We left and got a bus to go back to the ship and who would get on but Dr. Matson who was in San Diego with me and then sent to the Sea Bees.  He's on his way but doesn't know where.

          So much for now dear, I've had quite a few drinks and am pretty high.  Will finish in the morning.  Good night my darling and pleasant dreams.

Sunday, 8:45 AM

          Good morning, Sweet, how are you today?  Note the difference in the writing?  Last night I wrote on my cot, now I'm at my desk in the office.

          By the way I picked up a newspaper, a day or two old this morning.  There was a picture of the young lady I mentioned having met last night.  I evidently got the name wrong.  It is Valerie McCoy.  I believe Babs took "tap" from her.

          Tonight I'll attend the Rosh Hashanah service here.  Today, although it is Sunday, work goes on a usual.  I have a patient in the chair and am waiting for some Novocain to take effect before I go to work.  No mail yesterday so I hope to get a couple of letters today.  If not I'll probably hit the jackpot tomorrow.

          Sweetheart today is the 17th and our home is now available.  Gee, I wish I was there to help you get settled.  Please take it easy.  If you can't get moved in in a couple of days, take a week.  There really is no hurry.  You still have a roof over your head.

          Do you remember the Stevens Hotel in Chicago overlooking the lake? After this war let's go back to Chicago and maybe go on from there to Canada and visit with Belle and Charlie.  Have you heard from them recently?

          Well darling, I must go to work now.  I'm always thinking of you and love you so.

Your impatient husband

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

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

Dr. Sayer Moved Out

UNITED STATES NAVY

Friday 4 August 1944

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just had lunch and I'm stuffed to the gills.  The menu consisted of stuffed celery, green and black olives, hard boiled eggs, tuna salad, sliced tomatoes, cream pie and coffee with a fruit punch on the side.  I did make a pig of myself and now I wish I had passed up the hot biscuits.

          Dr. Sayer moved out yesterday and I cleaned up the place a bit and now have oodles of room.  Several of the officers just received promotions and I spent a few minutes examining their mouths to qualify them for this advancement.

          That broken part on the dental chair will be repaired this afternoon.  Then I'll really go to work.

          By the time you get this you should be feeling in the pink so please take good care of yourself and my two little girls.  Daddy misses all three of you and is looking forward to an early reunion.

          Give my best to our mothers (yours and mine), Ruth, Harry, Babs and Dick and give Linda and Norma a big kiss from Daddy.  Always thinking of you.

Love,

Gil