Loafing

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 24 March 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another day of loafing, but the last.  The paint wasn't quite dry this morning, so I didn't open shop today.  However tomorrow I have a pretty heavy day lined up.

          What did I do all day?  First I censored some mail.  Then I did examine a couple of officers who were up for promotion.  By the time the inspection party came through sickbay it was past 11:00 AM so I went up to my room and read until chow.

          After lunch I killed more time but don't ask me what I did because I'm darned if I can remember.  It has been cloudy and raining all day else I would have gone ashore.  I just didn't feel like getting all wet.

          I got five letters from my darling today, two in the AM and three in the PM.

The one marked February 20th explained about Hansen's phone call to you.  No, he hasn't written yet.  The others were marked the 13th, 14th and 15th of March and that isn't bad service at all.  Maybe he did call Miss Rike a "young lady" but I'm not kidding when I say she'll never see forty-five again.  Maybe you'll meet her some day and you'll judge as to whom is "kidding" you.

          That article about the Alaskan Highway didn't surprise me as I read about it in the ship's news Bulletin some time ago.  All work on the road has ceased.  It seems they ran into insurmountable difficulties.  Oh well, there are still ships sailing and that'll give us more time to ourselves (catch on?)

          The things I find most interesting in your letters are the things that you and the kids are doing.  I really don't care much about what is happening to others, hence no remarks in the past (and in the future too). Of course I read your letters through and reread them when I'm writing you.  I answer all your ideas that I think are necessary.

          I'm glad you got rid of those moles.  Why are you so worried about being beautiful?  You always did suit me fine and I'll take you just as you are.

          Yes the Army is advancing officers faster than the Navy now.  I still prefer the Navy.  Still think back to how long Iz Weiss was a First Lieutenant.  At least in the Navy after sixteen months (May 1) I'll get my advancement  and that is only about a month from now.

          Your list of real friends is small but I do believe that no one has many more.  The rest are "fair weather" friends who don't really give a tinker's damn.

          Of course we'll be together when I get stateside duty, no matter where.  That is a promise.

          We saw "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" years ago.  "Virginia" is also an oldie which we saw together.

          It looks like Joe will ship out soon and when he does I do hope Anne comes back to Santa Monica.  I know how much you must miss her.

          The Mrs. Allen of the P.T.A. you mention sounds like the wife of Mark Allen, the attorney in the Tower building.  Next time you see her ask her if she is and if so say hello for me.  I know her fairly well.

          Sorry that you and the kids all have colds.  Hope you are all well when you read this.

          Painting the house sounds like a good idea if you can get help to do it reasonably.

          Well sweet that washes me up for tonight.  The movie is "Strange Affair" with (?)--I never heard of them anyway and it's time to go.

          Goodnight Sweet, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Newspaper article published on March 24, 1945. Tells of the March 13 Japanese raid in Ulithi that damaged the aircraft carrier Randolph. A kamakaze, not mentioned in the article, buzzed the U.S.S.Ocelot.

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

Philippines Ransacked

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Monday 26 February 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Back to the old "grind" again.  Worked all morning and afternoon until 3:00 PM.  Then I censored some mail, read a little, showered and dressed for dinner.

          The mail brought two letters of the 19th in the morning and eight letters from 5th to 13th in the afternoon. All from you.  I should be about all caught up now on your back letters though there are still a few on their way.

          Sorry you missed Abe Weinberg.  However I doubt that there was much he could have told you that you'd like to know.  As for Hansen, if he gets anywhere near Santa Monica I am sure that he will contact you.

          Looks like Ruth is still the same and there is nothing that you can do about it.  Don't spend much on a gift for Libby.  Those bags I sent were expensive and with the dough Nat is making, a couple of cheap hankies was very little from her.

          Mary and Willie probably had similar trouble before we knew them and will continue the same way forever more.  I don't place much stock in her saying she's through or even his leaving her.  You wait and see.

          "The Apostle" is on my book shelf.  I've never read it nor can I find anyone else who wants to.  Yes I know Ruth.

          If I ever get to the Philippines I'd like to pick up some nice things but from what I hear the Japs have probably ransacked it clean and the men who are already there will do a good job cleaning out what is left.

          The "heat rash" isn't serious nor does it bother me except just when I turn in.  It stings a little but some sunshine usually clears it up.

          I'm not surprised about Nina's not liking the WACs.  She has to compete with many much younger and in many cases prettier girls and has to take orders from many who are much less qualified than she is.  All of this tends to make her wish she were civilian again.  I thought she and Jack were all washed up, or is it strictly platonic now?

          After censoring many letters and from my own personal experiences I've come to the conclusion that much of the mail is to raise the morale of the civilians at home rather than the men away from home.  I still think you are oversensitive and wait for others to make the first move, which they won't.  Of course you and I expect more from Ruth and some of our friends because we always went out of our way for everyone but that won't work.  If you want entertainment or recreation, or even companionship you've got to go and get is so--go get it!

          The Center doesn't sound like it's going over or am I wrong?  If you ask me, Santa Monica has too many individual projects and as a result some are going to suffer.  Some people don't realize that this making of money won't last forever and that the projects will need support as much later as now.

          I'm glad you're back on the Bulletin.  You always like that kind of work and it will kill a couple of evening now and then.

          You're mentioning of taxes again.  I'm enclosing some information that should come in handy.  You should get a refund on 1944 when the final reckoning is made but leave it alone until I get back.

          Sorry you didn't enjoy the party for Leon.  When I get back no one else will get a chance to dance with you or sit and talk either.  I'll take care of that.

          Always excitement.  Norma sure gave you a scare.  Oh well, all's well that ends well.  Hope from now on both kids stay well.

          No, I still won't write Leon until he answers my last letter--bet he'd wonder why I was writing if I did.  Anyway I won't do it so forget it.

          Well that winds me up for tonight.  I'll have to dash or I'll be late for the movie.   We have "Lake Placid Serenade."

          Bye Honey, I'll be with you tomorrow.

Love

Gil

Found Cool Spot on the Captain's Bridge

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
           Thursday  2 November 1944 10:30 PM

My Dearest,

          Just another day of work.  Saw patients all morning till 11:00 AM.  Then I tried too cool off and freshened up for lunch.  After chow I found a shady and cool spot on the captain's bridge and read a little of Thorne Smith's "Let's Face It."  It is a murder mystery and totally different in style and content from his other literary efforts.

          Then it rained so I knocked off reading and chewed the fat with Hansen.  In snatches I have also been reading Balzac's "Droll Stories" and find then rather amusing.  At 1:30 some more patients and by the time I was through I was hot and sweaty so I went back to my room to freshen up and change for dinner.

          After that I played a few games of cribbage and now here I am.  Quite an exciting day, isn't it honey?  And that is the way they all are.

          Do you remember how impatient I always was to get going after dinner?  Well honey when I get back you and I have lots of places to go to and things to do and see.  Remember just you and me. Don't try to ring in any company on me.

          Well Sweet, I'm going to turn in now.  I love you and need you and when I feel lonesome I take out your picture and then I feel better.  Good night my darling.

Lovingly

Gil

Clocks Turned Back

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Thursday 26 October 1944, 9:00 PM

Dearest Wife,

          Was I mad this morning.  It must have been past 1:00 AM before I finally turned in.  During the night the clocks were turned back a half hour.  The mess boys didn't know that so they woke me at 6:30 AM.  Now I'll be short the half hour from 6:30 to 7:00 AM that I usually sleep in.

          I have arranged my hours of work so that I do all routine dentistry in the morning before it gets warm and stuffy.  For the rest of the day I stay topside as much as possible.

          This morning after I finished up my appointments I got another tetanus shot and my arm has been sore ever since.  I've had many shots but this is the first time I got a real reaction.

          The other day, I picked up a magazine you might enjoy.  It is called "The Woman" and is a digest magazine such as "Readers Digest."  There were several articles I enjoyed reading and I know you would also.

          This afternoon with my sore arm and the warm weather, I found me a cool, shady spot on the captain's bridge and read for a while.  In the late afternoon the captain invited our exec and me into his cabin for a cup of coffee.  Then I visited the navigation bridge until dinner which was lousy.

          This evening, the exec, Hansen, Cox and I went to the wardroom and played a few games of "Peek" which I described to you a long time ago.

          Sweet, I do feel punk tonight.  My arm is sore and achy and I'm perspiring to beat the band.  Good night Honey until tomorrow.  I love you as always.

Your one and only

Gil

Sailor Fell Through an Open Hatch and Fractured His Skull

Monday 18 September 1944, 9:15 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Good morning, Sweet.  Just got a letter from you, the first since Friday and already I feel better.  I've been quite busy since I wrote yesterday morning. With having liberty every other day, my working days have been pretty full.  In addition one of our boys got into a fight with a Marine and got his mouth all cut up.  I had to use five sutures to sew him up.  Then one of our boys stepped through an open hatch and fell down the equivalent of about four stories.  He had a couple of ugly cuts in his scalp which were taken care of but seemed unhurt otherwise.  However he later developed symptoms of skull fracture and was sent to the hospital.

          Last night I attended the New Year Service here at the base.  The Chapel is lovely and it was filled to overflowing with enough men left outside to fill it again.  I got there late and stood through the whole service.  There were at least 350 officers and men including two nurses.  The service was very simple but we did enjoy the singing of two Marines and the organ accompaniment.  The only similarity between this service and the ones at home was that it was hotter than Hades if that is possible.  As I looked around I could just pick out the homesick faces.  You just couldn't miss the faraway reminiscing look on their countenances.  The sermon itself was informal and to the point.  No lectures on sin and the punishment for those who imbibe in it.  No pleas for money or other support.  Just a heart to heart talk between one Jew and another.  If we had more sermons like that in civilian life, religion would take on another meaning, at least to me it would.

          Got another letter from Libby this morning.  She writes about twice a week whether I answer or not.  Yesterday in a few spare moments I dropped a line to the Gindoffs, Gelman and Rabbi Lifschitz.  Gradually, I'm catching up.

          Now for the "Eversharp program."  When I'm at sea again I can study and will. The accordion belongs to one of the sailors but he is letting Hansen use it and that gives me the chance I want.  We have music but the numbers are pretty old.  By the way Dear, talking of music, as Welfare Officer, I am making plans for recreation when we are at sea.  Will you buy and send me some song books suitable for community sings for men.  I've looked all over but can't find any.  If I can get the words and music, we'll mimeograph a batch and have a little fun while we are out. Yes the rash is gone.  In fact I'm sure now it was not a rash but an insect bite.  We all had the same complaint.  No shots yet.

          I wish you enjoyed a drink now and then.  Really when those you love and need you are far away and you are in a place like I am, having a few drinks is the least of the "bad" things a fellow can do.  From the plans we are making however we'll be quite busy after this war is over to make up for all the things we are missing now.

          Do you remember how I would wake the whole family up Sunday morning when I went to play golf?  Well after this war, I've got other plans for Sunday mornings.

          Well darling, my love, my own, time to go back to work.

Your lover

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

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

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

Beers at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Now a Navy Officers' Club

Friday 1 September 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

              censored 

morning.  I don't like it but I guess I can stand it if others can.  By the time I got squared away it was time for lunch, so I showered and changed.  After eating Graves, Hansen, and I went on liberty.

          We stopped at the hotel taken over by the Navy.  I have mentioned it before.  We had a few beers.  Walked around and window shopped and back for some more beer.  Then we had dinner and caught a bus back to the ship.  Hansen and Graves have already turned in and I'm going to also.  I'll finish this letter in the morning.

          Good night Sweetheart and pleasant dreams.

Love

Gil

 

Good Morning Honey,

          During the night we were attacked by insects and you should have heard the "bitching" at breakfast.  I'm not sure what they were but I think they were mosquitoes.  Anyway they bit me here and there and most everywhere except?

          Did you know I've been on a diet? Started last Saturday and during this week I've lost 8-9 pounds.  Not bad, eh!  I shall stay on a modified diet indefinitely since there isn't much physical activity that I can get into.

          No mail yesterday so I should get some today.  Time to go to work and besides there is nothing more I can say so bye darling.  I still love and miss you more than ever.

Your one and only,

Gil

 

P.S. Tell Ruth and Mother and Deb I'll write as soon as there is something to write about.  In the meantime, give them all my 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

 

 

Special WWII Hawaii Currency

 

 

Concert by Ship's Band

UNITED STATES NAVY

        

Saturday, August 12, 1944, At Sea

Dear Eleanor,

 

         Just another day at sea.  Up as usual at seven, showered, dressed and had breakfast.  Worked for a couple of hours, visited on the bridge and looked at ships looming up of the horizon guessing their identity, or trying to, before they got close enough to really tell.  We've had company all day, another ship on the same course and evidently due at the same place and time as we are.

         After dinner of spaghetti and meat balls with salad, iced tea, and chocolate cream pie, we had a concert by the ship's band.  They really sounded pretty good although they don't have much time to practice.

          Upon conclusion of the concert I returned to my office for more work.  When he was in civilian life, one of my patients was a patient of Dr. Frankel.  Small world isn't it? After that Dr. Bushyager, the medical officer, Mr. Hansen, the chief engineer, and I retired to the "chief's" quarters and with the accordion indulged in another hour or so of music (?).  Then a fried chicken supper and another visit on the bridge.  It has been plenty warm today and it is a little cooler up there than in most parts of the ship.

          Well for a guy who had nothing much to say I did all right.  I'm sure looking forward to our next port and to the letters from you my Sweet and I'll bet I get several from Linda too.  By till tomorrow.

Love,

Gil