Work on Ship Moving Right Along

U.S.S. OCELOT (IX-110)

c/o Fleet Post Office

San Francisco, California

Saturday 6 October 1945, 10:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Well I did a little work today but instead of having a few week's work I'll have only a couple of days.  I guess I worked too hard at it before.  Now there is nothing to do.

          Dr. Bushyager's relief came aboard today, so Bushy should be leaving in a couple of days.   He got air transportation authorized in his orders, so he'll be back in the United States inside of ten days.

          Although we haven't received anything official, we heard over the radio that officers only need 45 points now.  Just as I figured I'll have enough points by March 1 or sooner if there are any more reductions.  However don't plan on my being out when I get back.  I'll be lacking a few points.  Being a dentist I can work for a month or more in the United States without having to learn a new job as line officers would.

          Work on the ship is moving right along.  If the weather stays nice, repairs should be complete long before the 22nd and then we'll be on our way.

          Today, the mail brought me two letters from you and a card from Ethyl.  Your letters were marked the 24th. Those letters were slow in coming.  I've received letters through the 29th.  Catalina sounds good to me.  I know we'll enjoy our vacation there next year.  It's a date.

          Tonight's movie was "Those Endearing Young Charms" with Robert Young and Lorraine Day.  It was amusing, in fact good for a few laughs. We also had a community sing film.  We all sang lustily.

          Five of us are planning to go ashore tomorrow.  Every time we plan to go something happens.  Hope tomorrow will be different.

          Goodnight darling.  I love you.

Your faraway husband,

Gil

Medical officers

Gil (left) and Bushy (right)

Novocain Has a Wonderful Effect on Patients

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
                  25 September 1944, 10:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Is everything alright? No mail today and with Norma being sick I'm a little concerned.  I hope the morning mail brings the glad tidings that Norma is up and kicking again.

          This has been a busy day for me.  I worked steadily all morning and afternoon up till 4:00 PM.  In addition to ship's company I've been getting patients based ashore who can't get taken care of.  As a personal favor to officer friends aboard I've taken care of several men based elsewhere.  It is wonderful what effect a shot of Novocain has on a patient and how grateful they are for the little extra consideration

          We finally got our movie equipment rigged up so that we can see pictures on deck.  What a relief it was to sit and see a movie with a nice cool breeze blowing all the time.  It has been much warmer lately and the stuffiness took all the pleasure out of seeing a movie.  The picture tonight was "The Avenger," a British production, and good.  A propaganda story about Norway before and after Nazi occupation

          There are several changes to be made in my operating room which will make my work easier.  We've been discussing the changes for the past half hour and now the plans are complete.  Nothing more for now.  I'll finish in the AM after I've gotten the morning mail (I hope).  Good night dear and pleasant dreams.

Tuesday 8:15 AM

          Good morning darling.  Hope you slept well last night.  No mail again this morning and now I'm really worried.  Hope the mail this afternoon brings me good news.  In the past a day or two went by and then I'd get a whole stack so here is hoping.

          There really is nothing new to write about since last night except that I'm alive and kicking.  Do you remember how you and Linda would meet me at the steamboat landing at Catalina and what a reunion that was every week?  Well after this war when I come home that reunion will be our last.  Then we'll always be together wherever we go.

          So long dear, I'll write again tonight.  I do love you.

Your anxious

Gil

 

Went to USO Show. Jack Benny Really Can Play the Violin

Tuesday 12 September 1944, 10:15 PM

Dear Eleanor,

          Another busy day, but not doing any dentistry.  As welfare officer, I arranged an outing a to a nearby beach for the crew and did we enjoy it.  All the beer and coke we could drink with charcoal broiled steaks and hot dogs for lunch.  We left at 8:15 AM and returned at 4:30 PM.  Played 5 games of volleyball, swam before lunch and again after lunch.  We had a lot of fun and I really think it did the men a lot of good.  I got a little sunburned and now I'm plenty tired.  Guess I'll survive OK.

          Jack Benny, Carol Landis, Martha Tilton and some others whose names meant nothing to me recently put on a USO Camp Show here.  I obtained a couple of tickets so the Captain and I went.  Benny really can play the violin.  Do you remember the harmonica player* at Earl Carroll's when the Old Home ran its benefit there?  Well that man was also in this show and he was really good.  Of course Carol Landis with her well built chassis and suggestive songs and stories stole the show.  However they were all good and I enjoyed being there.

          My mother won't worry about me so much because by now she should have received my last note.  Sorry to hear Deb is ailing again.  She really has had a time with her bladder.  Hope you enjoy teaching, but really if you find it difficult, forget it.

          There should be more than $134 in the reserve account.  You'd better check with the bank on that.  The balance is in the back of the day book.  Deb or Miss Earnest could help you find it.

          No I've not taken any more shots and won't unless the locale we are in demands it.  Well darling I'm really pooped and must turn in. 

          Do you remember the moonlit rides we used to take in Catalina, music and all?

 After this war let's go back and take some more.  Just you and I.

Goodnight darling, love

Gil

*Just remembered.  Larry Adler is his name.

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

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