I Made Lieutenant

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 11 June 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Greetings.  Although our ship hasn't received the ALNAV, others have. I did make lieutenant this month after all.  The communications officer will pick up all past messages on Wednesday so I'll have to wait until then before it becomes official.

          Spent my usual busy morning examining and filling teeth.  After lunch I had my books audited.  Then I took a boat over to another ship in an attempt to run down some USO shows that are touring out here. Wednesday morning, I'll run into town and make final arrangements.

          The mail today consisted of two letters from you and one from Libby.  Even though we are considerably further from the states we still get seven day service.  All the letters were postmarked the 4th and yesterdays were through the 3rd.

          Somebody had a good idea about souvenirs from out here which I intend to follow up on.  He bought about $20 in unused stamps of different denominations.  They can easily be sold in the states at twice face value.  Also coins and a few bills will be added to my collection.  I already have quite a bit of the Japanese invasion money that is used here.  So all in all I'll have something to show that I was here.  Okay don't get excited.  I still intend to buy something for you and the kids.

          Now to your mail.  I'm sure glad Norma is OK.  I was a wee bit worried about her.  So Dick is in the "dog house" at camp. In spite of Ruth, soft jobs certainly won't be passed out to him.   It serves Ruth right for standing in the way.  She ought to lighten up for a change.

          I don't believe Sol's ship will go to Manila, but rather come here.  I'll keep a weather eye out for him.  It would be nice if Dave did make sergeant. Who knows?  Funnier things have happened.

          There you go again.  $4 to the Junior Hadassah.  Even if Mrs. G. did ask you, you could have said no.  Those $4 items here and there add up.  You've no business throwing money around especially if you don't intend to go to their meetings.  Do I have to chide you all the time or must I put you on an allowance a la Goodfriend.

          I don't have Vic's and Simmie's addresses but I've already written you for them so I guess they'll get here in a couple of days.

          I'm almost certain to be home by Xmas.  As a matter of fact I'd even bet money.  You know how sure I am when I bet.

          How about making up a small package of dime store cosmetics i.e. lipsticks and small vials of perfume.  Pack them in a cigar box or some such wooden container so they'll arrive safely.  I'd also like some glassine envelopes for keeping the stamps I'm going to buy.  See now, you've got another package to send me.

          We have a 4.0 movie tonight.  "The Picture of Dorian Gray."  I'll have to hurry if I want to get a good seat.

          Goodnight Sweet and no matter what I say I still love you.

Devotedly,

Gil

Vessels in Leyte Gulf

Fourteen Fillings and Three Extractions

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 6 March 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          I really worked this morning.  I only saw five patients but the count for the morning was fourteen fillings and three extractions.  Besides that there were a couple examinations and a denture adjustments thrown in.

          I hit the jackpot this morning.  I got nine letters and a card from you, a card from Linda, and a letter from Ruth.  I also got a snapshot album from the Goodfriends and a can of almond butter crunch from Deb and Dave.  The album is very nice and covered with tan leather.  The candy is delicious and is practically gone.  Everyone enjoyed it.

          This afternoon I attended to my Mother's Day shopping.  Saw two more patients and then got forty-five minutes of sun.  After that I had my hair cut, returned to my room and censored some mail.  By then it was 5:15 so I showered and dressed for dinner.  After chow we enjoyed the cool breezes and the usual pretty sunset and here I am.

          Honey, I know you are busy and if you don't get a letter off right on time don't let it worry you.  I still have the sweetest, truest, most loving wife of any man aboard and I will understand.

          I'm glad you enjoyed the ballet and it's a date for next season--just you and I.                   

          It is swell about Deb and Dave.  Whether it's an accident or intentional I know they'll be happier for it in years to come.  Yes dear it is their show and none of your business anymore than it was theirs when you were infanticipating. 

          Honey your outlook on life bothers me.  You hate to see anyone happy or making money and seem to delight when upsetting things happen to others.  I know they say "misery loves company," but you never were that way.  When I come back I want you to be as I knew you, a lovely gal with a great big heart.  Please understand Dear that what I'm saying is not a reproval but rather that you were so much happier with your previous attitude.  I won't say anymore about it, but please snap out of it.

          Unless he is very careful about the care of his feet, Dick's athlete's foot business will be recurring as long as he's in the Army.  We have it aboard and it's a "bitch" to cure.

          I'm placing the bag and bracelets on my list.  Hope we get to somewhere that I may be able to buy some more novelties.

          The donations to the center fund are very heartwarming.  It is an important project and will do our community more good than any temple ever did or will.  I'm just sorry that some of the diehards won't quit and continue to block any attempt to accomplish anything worthwhile.

          The movie tonight is "The Angels Sing," with McMurray, Dorothy Lamour and Betty Hutton.  It's 4.0.

          I'm all run out for now so I'll sign off.  Goodnight Sweetheart and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Censored a Letter Written in Yiddish

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Thursday 15 February 1945, 7:30 PM

My Darling,

          The mail did alright by me.  This morning I received two hankies from Libby for my birthday, the February Esquire and the National Jewish Monthly.  This afternoon I got more letters.  One was a letter from Libby asking me where I was.  Of course it is impossible to tell.  It seems they have a flier friend operating out of Pearl and she thinks he might be able to look me up.

          The valentine you sent me was made especially for me it would seem or are there other guys like me around?  Well Sweet you'll never know how much a little thing like this card means to me.

          Your letters were postmarked February 1, 7, and 8 so those in between are still coming.  I see you are still teaching.  As long as it isn't too much for you I'm sure we can use the extra income.  Talking about income, don't pay that additional income tax until you've checked my books.  I seem to remember a similar bill coming through while we were in Dago and I believe the payment was made.  It was drawn (the check) on the Bank of America and should be entered in the day-book.  Anyway check the cancelled checks for the three months that we were in Dago and the books as well before you make any payment.

          Such excitement!  Mary is crazy like a fox.  Bet that suicide she pulled was all planned in advance.  I bet Willie will behave for awhile--even though it's a short while.  Dr. Shafer is an osteopath not a chiropractor but one is as bad as the other.  However there is no use explaining the difference between MDs and other so-called "doctors."  Stay out of it--don't say anything.  You remember we tried once and it didn't do any good.

          You have my insurance papers.  However for access to a PX use your outpatient or commissary card from San Diego as identification.

          Dear you are too sensitive.  It may not be quite proper to address you as Eleanor Steingart. Yet many women, including your sisters Ruth and Deb, use their given names in return addresses.  I'm sure that nothing was meant by having you down as Mrs. Eleanor Steingart and don't make any issue of it.

          Hope the "Fearless Five" got my letter.  I sent it in care of the Goodfriends long ago.

          Army life will straighten Dick out.  Part of one of you letters is missing.  There is a page listing outstanding bills.  There is no beginning to the V-mail letter from Sid Stein. Guess you forgot to enclose it.  It is 7:55 PM so I'll dash to the movie and finish afterward.

9:55 PM

          Back again Sweet.  We had an old movie tonight but I enjoyed it even though it was the second time.  It was "Hold Back the Dawn" with Charles Boyer, Olivia De Havilland and Paulette Goddard.  About an Austrian adventurer who marries an Azusa (?) school teacher to get by the immigration laws.  Remember?

           Today was a normal day.  Worked this morning, not hard, but steadily.  Also this afternoon until 3:00 PM.  Then I had a coke, bought some soap in the ship's store and returned to my room to read my mail.  I censored a few letters.  Talking about censoring mail, one of the men on board, Jewish, writes to his parents in Yiddish and I censored his letter today.  It was only a very short note but it took me several minutes to make it out.  I don't believe I've read any Yiddish in 7 or 8 years.  I suppose all his mail will be brought to me.  In a short time I'll be able to read it as fluently as I used to.  A little practice is all I need.

          Then I glanced through a Coronet, showered and dressed for dinner.  After that I enjoyed another beautiful sunset and then came down to my office for our little visit.

          Sweet, do you remember that day we spent at the Oregon Caves?  Do you recall the hotel dining room with a stream running right through the middle of it?  Remember the happy couple having lunch, looking at each other and holding hands? Could that have been us?  Yes it was and there will be many more such days and soon too.

          Honey, I'm going to sign off now.  Good night darling until our visit tomorrow.

Love

Gil

P.S.  Is Sid in the Solomons?  It isn't probable that our paths will cross but then one never knows.  I'll drop him a note anyway though my address certainly won't be any key as to where I am.  Nite, nite.

Gil