Leaving for Home in Ten Days

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday, 27 September 1945, 9:45 PM

My Dearest,

          Well here I am again.  We are still leaving for home soon, in about ten days.  Will know more about it in a day or so.

          Today was just another day.  I worked a little this morning and saw one man this afternoon.  The rest of the time I just loafed around.  By the time we get back I'll be the laziest man in the world.  I finished reading "For My Great Folly," a historical novel by T.B. Costain and began "The Star Spangled Virgin" by Du Bose Heyward.

          Tonight's movie, "The Fighting Guardsman" wasn't bad at all.  In one of your recent letters you said you didn't like it so I was prepared for the worst.  I guess we aren't as critical as home audiences.

          Yesterday, we had a lieutenant report aboard for temporary duty.  He looked Jewish to me and I guess I did to him too.  He had looked up my records and came in to visit a few minutes ago.  He has 44 points and is on his second tour of duty outside the United States.  He hails from Cincinnati and tickled to be aboard because of the fact that we're probably homeward bound.

          He brought out his album and I did mine.  I ran across some snaps I thought I had sent home.  I didn't so here they are.  They were taken a long time ago in Ulithi.  Save them as I don't have the negatives.  From the pictures you can assume two things.  We always drank beer and played cards.  That is right.  What else could a fellow do?

          I got a letter from you marked 21 September and one from Dr. Ivie.  He is still in Pearl and very unhappy.  Until I read the second page, your letter had me quite

worried.  Thank goodness Linda is okay.  She sure takes after her mother when it comes to throwing up.

          I'm glad Dave is a civilian again.  He didn't fight a very hard war.  He and Deb were together a lot more than we were.  Anyway I'm glad he is out.  Soon I'll be home and I'll be in civvies myself not long after that.  You'll see.

          No more for now Sweet so goodnight and happy dreams.

Love,

Gil


PHOTOS TAKEN IN ULITHI
(captions Gil wrote on backs)

Whew is he stinkin!

Play Hearts and Drink Beer

Beer, beer, more beer
With Engineering Officer

The camera man must have been higher than us

Husking a coconut 

Playing hearts and drinking beer on Mog Mog Isle 

Heart, all hearts and the queen on spades too

Japan Peace Feelers

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 27 July 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, this is me broadcasting again.  News remains the same as yesterday except that promised showers did not materialize

          Today was the usual work day.  In the afternoon we held field day so I had time to read.  As hot as it's been my room has been cool. It was very pleasant stripping down to my skivvies and relaxing in my bunk.  I'm reading "Leave Her to Heaven," by Ben Ames Williams.  I do recommend it to you.

          At 5:15 I showered and dressed for dinner.  Then we had our usual cribbage game.  Now here I am.

          I am pessimistic about the end of the war.  In spite of my attitude, Japan has put out some peace feelers.  I pray that I was wrong.  However they'll get no easier peace than Germany did.  Lord alone knows if they'll quit under those terms at present.

          The only mail today was a letter from Ivie.  He still sounds very unhappy.  Aren't we all?  But crying about it doesn't help.  One just must be cheerful and make the best of an unpleasant situation.     

          Our movie tonight is "Horn Blows at Midnight," with Jack Benny.  I hope it is better than his past efforts at humor.

          No more now Darling so I'll say goodnight.  How about a visit in my dreams?  I haven't seen you in a long time.  I love you.

Always yours,

Gil

Two Girls and a Sailor

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 24 June 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, here it is Sunday again. It really isn't any different than any other day.  I did begin work at 9:00 AM instead of 8:30 AM but that was the only difference.

          After a busy morning and chow I finished reading "Postman Always Rings Twice" and began Thorne Smith's "Passionate Witch."  Then I had to arrange Catholic and Protestant services on deck and before I knew it was 5:15 and time to shower and dress for dinner.

          No cribbage game so here I am a little bit early.  The mail brought me one letter from you postmarked the 17th.  I've still to receive the 15th and 16th but that's the ways it goes.  Today's letter really thrilled me.  Those three photos of the kids are swell.   My how they've grown.  I'd better hurry home or my two little girls will be grown up young ladies.  Oh well something should pop in the next month or two. Maybe I'll get home long before Xmas.

          I guess Norma's party was on the 17th instead of the 20th.  The package I sent probably didn't get there in time but you should have received it by now.  How long is it taking for my mail to reach you now?

          We have a good movie tonight, "Two Girls and a Sailor" with Van Johnson, June Allison and Jimmy Durante.  However I always go, good or bad.

          So darling you are blue again.  Now dear I'm lonesome and miss you and the kids but I try not to let it get me down.  I know it's hard to do but I do, and I'm making the best of it.  The letter I received from Dr.  Ivie's several days ago indicates that he is quite homesick and unhappy.  It's got the best of him.  It does no good to feel sorry for yourself.  In any case no one else will feel sorry for you.  So the thing to do is to be cheerful and make the best of this situation.  It can't be long now before there'll be some changes.

          In the meantime Honey, think about how much fun it'll be when we are all together again.   Keep smiling.

Loving you always
Gil

The three photos--in dancing school costumes

 Linda--Snow Ballet

Norma--Bunny 

Linda--Dutch Doll

Cigars--A Navy Custom

Lt.  Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday, 18 June 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Hon, here I am again.  I've got a peach of a head cold today and my sinuses are sure draining.  However otherwise I feel okay, so I should be over this in a couple of days.  I had a busy morning but this afternoon I "crapped out" in my bunk because of my running nose.

          I'm reading a swell novel and if you haven't already you should read it. It is "It is Still the Morning" by Louis Danz, a simple story of an ordinary young man but written in a very unusual style.  I showered at 5:15 and dressed for dinner.

          I bought two boxes of cigars ($8.00) to pass amongst the officers and some of the crew--an old Navy custom.

          After yesterday I really didn't expect any mail.  Zowie another jackpot.  I got five lovely, sweet Father's Day cards from my three girls, two letters from my favorite wife, a letter from Dr. Ivie and a copy of the picture a navy photographer took of me on the beach where we were before we moved.  You remember I wrote you about it and told you it would appear in the paper.  Well a couple of days after the picture was taken we met the same photographer on the beach and he said he wanted to retake the picture and did.  However the photo he sent is the original and he has me down as lieutenant commander.  Should the paper contact you before running the picture, correct that.  I'd send the picture on but it only shows our backs and is lousy.  I'll just keep it.

          The Merchant Marine deal is alright but it does have its drawbacks.  There is no compensation for injury or death or any of the veteran's benefits after the war.  Also the only medical and dental care they get is emergency treatment.  The leaves are worth something but after the war, benefits accruing from service in the Armed Forces will far outweigh the good pay.  They also don't get the income tax exemption of $1500 which service personnel get.

          No, we don't show our letters to anyone, at least I don't.  However I have shared some of the poetry and clippings with other officers.

          The movie tonight is "It's in the Bag" with Fred Allen and Jack Benny.  I hope it's funny.

          Nothing more for now my Darling so I'll sign off with love and kisses from

Your loving "daddy!"

Gil

Taken by Navy Photographer in Ulithi

Too Damn Hot

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 3 April 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          This has been one busy day.  In addition to all the work I had, it has been plenty hot so I did plenty of sweating today.

          This afternoon at three o'clock when I finally cleaned up my last patient, I went to work on my monthly mess statement but after an hour's work I quit because it was too damn hot down here.

          So--instead I went up on the poop deck and got forty-five minutes of sunshine.  Then I returned to my room, showered, censored some mail and dressed for dinner.

          After dinner we sat around on deck enjoying the cool evening breeze and the sunset.  Now here I am.

          The mail brought me three letters today.  One from you, one from Dr. Ivie (a nice friendly one) and the last was an official letter relative to new reports that I have to send in.

          Your letter was written on the 15th and I've already received one written on the 22nd so there isn't much to remark about. I see you are teaching though you hadn't done that for several weeks.  Guess you're glad to get back for a spell.

          "Lost Island" sounds like an interesting book.  I would enjoy reading it.  Send it along.

          The movie tonight is "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" with Monty Woolley and it is rated 4.0.  Guess I'll go, as if I ever stayed away.

          I'm planning on answering Herman's letter next because I don't want to get behind.

          So much for now.  Goodnight sweetheart, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Ban Off on Discussing Hawaii

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 15 March 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello darling here I am once more.  Began today as usual with work but I knocked off about 10:30 because I'm having a new style surgical basin (sink) installed in my office.  I'm there now.  From the progress they've made, there won't be much dentistry done on the Ocelot tomorrow either.

          I got another shot in the arm today and it feels quite sore at present.  By tomorrow night I hope to be rid of all its effects.

          So, I had time to read my five letters before lunch today.  There was one from Linda, one from Ethyl and three from my favorite wife.  This afternoon I just loafed and took it easy.  Read a little, talked a little but accomplished nothing.

          Now to your letters.  I don't want our ship to go back for repairs.  Ships that need such extensive repairs as to go back to the states must have seen some heavy action and many of the crew probably were casualties.  I'll get back in due time and safe and sound.  Who wants to be a hero? Not me!  

          You ask what else can you send me?  Well nothing at present.  At dinner tonight we were talking about pickles and kosher dills were brought up.  It was suggested that "dills" packed in waxed paper containers with additional wax sealing the cover would come on safe and sound.  They tell me even whiskey has been sent out that way.  How about getting a couple of quart cylinder containers and sending some on (no, not whisky, pickles).

          When I get my promotion I'll arrange to have your allotment increased and have the checks sent to the Santa Monica Bank.  Then you can close out the San Diego account and have it all in one bank.  You should have plenty of reserve so that there won't be any charge for writing checks even minus an additional $1,000.  You can buy those bonds in $500 ones if you like.  I still say buy some more.

          I wrote Dr. Ivie the other day.  As a matter of fact I'm all caught up now and owe no one any letters.

          About the Sadie A. incident. All I can say is that women are cats and very petty ones indeed.  Further no one will stick her neck out if she can avoid it.  I'd forget the incident and tell the whole kit and caboodle to do their own dirty work from now on.

          I know my daily letters mean much to you because I know how much they mean to me.  We have been lucky too that there hasn't been much of a break in frequency of mail so far.  However darling please realize that his can't go on forever and sooner or later there may be a break of days or maybe weeks without mail.  Please don't worry though because I'll always be safe and then one day you'll get a great big stack all at once.

          By the first of April I'll have over $450 due me on the books.  I'm going to send you $100 then and I want you to buy Linda a bond and use the $25 balance to get her something more tangible.

          Well darling I'm all worked up for tonight.  The move is an oldie "Intermezzo" with Leslie Howard.  Goodnight my Sweet I'll see you in my dreams,

Love,

Gil

P.S. The ban is off on discussing Hawaii.  Ask any questions you like now and if I can remember the facts I'll answer them fully.

Gil

Scared The Hell Out of One Sailor

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 10 March 1945, 7:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another busy day!  Worked all morning even though on Saturday we usually stand by for captain's inspection.  Just too much to do.

          Had lunch and then censored some mail until 1:00 PM when I returned to my office for more work.  I finished up at 2:30 and went up on the poop deck for forty-five minutes of sun.

          Then I returned to my room and read from a magazine.  At 4:30 I showered and dressed.  I scared the hell out of one sailor who had a code worked out with someone at home and was attempting to pass on some information.  After the talking to he got, I bet he doesn't try anything like that again.

          We had a nice steak dinner tonight after which we stood out on deck talking and enjoying the evening breeze.

          I wrote to Uncle Bill and Dr. Ivie today and have Ruth and Deb on tap for tomorrow.  Soon I'll be caught up again.

          No mail today, but who am I to complain with the sweetest, truest correspondent on the ship, as a matter of fact, in the Navy.

          Last night, I enjoyed "Winged Victory" very much but I wouldn't recommend it for you.  Now I suppose, you'll dash off to see it just because I suggest you don't.  Well bring a bucket and some hankies if you must.

          Tonight's movie is "Tomorrow the Word" with Frederick March and Betty Field.  It is rated as very good so here goes.

          Not another thing to write about.  Good night my Sweet, have I told you I love you lately?  Well, I do!  You'll have to wait until I get back to find out how much.

Yours always,

Gil

My Back Is Better

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Friday 2 March 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Awoke this morning with my back feeling much better.  All discomfort has practically disappeared so that's that.

          Worked all morning until 11:00 AM and then sat down to read four letters that had arrived.

          After lunch, I enjoyed the sun for 45 minutes, rechecked a copy of the mess statement and took care of an emergency extraction from another ship.  When I returned to my room I found three more letters making a total bag of seven and all from you.

          I spent the afternoon reading as it was "field day." Then I censored some mail, showered and dressed for dinner.

          I intended watching what promised to be a pretty sunset but I got another emergency call and extracted another tooth.  Since I was down in my office I couldn't think of anything I'd like better so--we are having our daily visit.

          So Leon is storing his car.  Well I'll bet he loses more by keeping it than selling now.  By the time he comes back, new cars will probably be on the market and his $4,000 will only be worth $500.  I guess he can afford to lose it.

          Leon certainly expects a great deal when he says that he'll go to Pearl Harbor, Philippines and then China or Japan.  That is probably all a good guess but if his unit is just forming I doubt whether anyone knows where they are going.  Out in the forward area one can't tell from one month to the next leave alone a whole tour of duty.

          I'll drop a note to Dr. Ivie first chance I get.  Mrs. Ivie is nice, why don't you try and get together with her some time.

          I figured the "Apostle" was a hand me down.  Ruth knows I don't care for that type of fiction and I knew she did.  Sorry about "Esquire," I'll say thank you properly next time I write.

          That note you sent to the banquet in my behalf is OK.  However before we do any contributing I'm going to wait to see results not plans.

          There must be some letter missing because you refer to Mr. Hansen's phone call but say nothing as to where he is or how he is feeling.  Guess it'll come in a day or so.

          Your plan for our new home is 4.0 with me, even the location.  As for my new office, it'll be a "killer-diller."  When we get our heads together we'll give them something to talk about.

          The party I mentioned was for officers on the Ocelot and two or three other ships as well.  Can't tell you any more about it.

          The movie last night was "House of Frankenstein." and when it was over they had revived and killed again, Dracula, the Frankenstein Monster and the Wolfman.  Not so good.  Tonight we have a real oldie, Carol Lombard in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and it's just about time to go. So-----

          Goodnight darling, love and kisses to all my girls.

Your daddy,

Gil

Poem Enclosed

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Saturday 2 December 1944, 9:10 PM

My Dearest,

          Another day and no mail.  I'm getting to the point where I don't expect any and then boom! ---the jack pot again (tomorrow I hope).

          Worked all morning and made plans to go on liberty this afternoon. Zowie. Did it rain!  I haven't seen such a pour down since I left New York.  It was accompanied by a beautiful display of electricity.  The thunder and lightening seemed so close that with each flash the clap of thunder seemed to compress the very atmosphere around us.  It didn't last more than thirty minutes and then it cleared off.  Anyway we didn't go ashore.

          The movie this evening wasn't too good but it was entertaining.  We had "Sweethearts of the Fleet" starring Joan Davis, Jinx Falkenberg 

          Now darling, I located the enclosed poem but the author is unknown.  I do hope you like it.  I still must see what Keats has to say about love, if anything.  I'll let you know as soon as I find out.

          I sent off a few of the Xmas greetings we made up.  Those you sent me still haven't arrived but I'm not concerned and please don't you worry about them either.

          I had a patient today who worked for the Edison Company in Santa Monica. He was a patient of Dr. Ivie!  What a small world.  His name is J.M. Bearman and he used to live in the 900 block on 24th Street.

          That's all that is new now.  Good night my Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil