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

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

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