Censorship Ain't No Mo

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

c/o Fleet Post Office

San Francisco, California

Tuesday 4 Sept 1945, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey, the lid is off.  Censorship ain't no mo?  Fire away.

          Briefly here is what happened when we got to Pearl.  Commodore Carter, Commander of Service Squadron Ten was looking for a flagship and since the Ocelot had no definite duty to perform, she was it.  For nine weeks we lay along the dock while the shipyard equipped the ship for his duty.  A service squadron has the duty of supplying food, clothes, ammunition, fuel, personnel and anything else you can think of to the fleet.  The Ocelot was the floating headquarters and we housed about 85 officers and 700 men on our ship.  Squadron 10 grew by leaps and bounds and soon there were several divisions functioning at Eniwetok, Ulithi, Leyte, Saipan and Okinawa.  When Commodore Carter went back to the states, Rear Admiral A. E. Smith relieved him as Commander of Squadron Ten.  In addition, Service Division 101 under Commodore Du Val also was established aboard.  Now that the war is over, the Squadron is breaking up.  101 is going to China and Korea and Squadron 10 to Okinawa and then Japan.

          Here's the good news.  The Ocelot is very old and has no place in a peacetime Navy.  There are many newer vessels suitable for flag ships.  Admiral Smith has asked for another and is supposed to get it within thirty days.  Further the Ocelot has no heating in crews' quarters and isn't suited for duty in a cold climate.  So the scuttlebutt is that as soon as the Squadron gets its new flag ship we'll go back to the U.S. for decommissioning.

          I've never even intimated it before but we did have a few visitors while we were in Ulithi.  I saw a tanker torpedoed and sunk about 2000 yards from our ship.  One night before the movies while we were singing Red River Valley, two Jap planes flew overhead.  We all cussed them out thinking they were our own.  The reason for the cursing was that they were flying very low and without lights.  Anyway the Randolph, a carrier, was about 1000 yards astern. Suddenly one of the planes dove and the whole anchorage lit up.  There were numerous casualties but the ship was repaired and back in action in two weeks.  We've had other lesser excitements but we came through OK.  I'm surprised you never read about it in the Outlook.  Dave saw the item about it which was broadcast by Tokyo Rose. He cut it out and sent it to me.  He hoped you hadn't seen it and didn't call your attention to it lest you worry unnecessarily.

          So much for that.  Today was quite a busy day for me but no dentistry, just collateral duties.  We are slated to leave for Okinawa on the 7th and it'll take 5 to 6 days to make the run.  We will be anchored in Buckner Bay so if Leon does ship out tell him to look for me.  The Ocelot is a famous ship and anyone who has seen duty in the West Pacific knows about her. He shouldn't have any trouble finding it.

          Just think Darling in another month or six weeks I may be homeward bound.  I get so excited just thinking about coming home to you and the kids that I wonder how I'll act when the thought becomes a reality.  

          We had a good movie tonight.  Gary Cooper and Loretta Young in "Along Comes Jones" was it and quite good.

          I got five letters and a card all from you but they were marked the 22nd and 23rd of August.  I've already received some of the 25th so all the news was old.  By now you are home and I hope the stay up at Lake Arrowhead was real nice.  Yes Dear we have a honeymoon to go on and I hope it's real soon.  I'm a lousy writer of love letters but when I get back I'll prove personally that I'm no amateur.

          So Sweet, I'll sign off.  Goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love

Gil

Outlook Article About Bombing of the Randolph 

Censorship Rules Relaxed

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

c/o Fleet Post Office

San Francisco, California

Saturday 1 September 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Darling,

          And now begins a new month.  Today has been hot and sultry and I did have my usual busy morning.  I spent this afternoon bringing the wardroom books up to date and closing them for last month.  After eleven months on this job I finally convinced the Captain to appoint a new treasurer and what happens but I get elected as caterer.  Instead of handling the money, I'll have to prepare the menus, and supervise the wardroom, officer's quarters and the stewards who work in officer's country.  One consolation is that a new caterer is elected every two months and cannot be re-elected unless he is willing.

          At 5:00 P.M. I showered and dressed for dinner.  After chow we played cribbage and then to the movies.  We had "Nob Hill," with George Raft and Sally Blaine.  Not a bad movie but nothing too exciting.

          Censorship rules have been relaxed to the extent that we can now say where we are but not where we are going.  From the enclosed pictures you can guess where we are.  If you'll look on a large map you'll find San Pedro (or Pablo) Bay in the Northern part of Leyte Gulf.  We are anchored in the bay about 12 miles south of Tacloban which is the capital of Leyte.  When I've mentioned using the tug I usually went there or to Tulosa which is about 8 miles east on Leyte.  We are really closer to Samar and there is an excellent officers club there and also a large enlisted men's recreation area.  The only objection is that one is confined to the area and there are no roads to go places and do things.  Simmie is about 2 miles north of Tulosa and I've already been past Dulag which is 20 miles north of Tulosa.  This town is rather primitive and the civilians are poor and live in filth and squalor.  However the Navy Club is nice and is open at night which explains its attraction over the others that secure at 5:00 P.M.

          Has Leon left yet?  If he has write him and if he hasn't tell him to look for the Ocelot when he reports in.  We will be in that neck of the woods one of these days.  By the way soon there may be no mail for five days or so but I know you'll understand.

          I got four letters today, two from you and one each from Mike and my sister Libby.  I was glad that Nat's operation is over and that all went well.

          Maybe we won't stay up north long.  I have good and valid reasons but can't discuss them as yet.  Anyway there is a good chance of us heading home in a month or two and I personally feel it would be a safe bet.  Anyway the Ocelot is an old ship and would be one of the first to be decommissioned when the program gets underway.

          Please darling don't be too unhappy or pessimistic.  This sudden end of the war has disrupted the rotation plan and we may be apart a month or two longer this way.  But it is over and I'll be a civilian again a lot quicker than I ever dreamed a month ago.  Points for sea duty will be given in a couple of months and I bet that fathers will also get extra points.  Anyway I believe I'll be out by March but I'll be home months before that.

          Goodnight my love, I do miss you and need you and pray than soon we can talk things over instead of this long range correspondence.

Yours forever

Gil

Gil's Photos of Leyte

Attended Kol Nidre Servuce--Chaplain Not Concerned About Pleasing Mr. and Mrs. Gotrock

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Tuesday 26 September 1944,9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from the Kol Nidre service and found six letters waiting for me.  You see I had liberty today. I didn't get back to the ship until it was time to go to the service so the exec and I shoved off immediately.  The Captain hasn't attended any of the services as far as I know.  I enjoyed this service much more than the last one because the place was much larger and cooler. The service itself was quite simple and the sermon was one that could well be repeated in all houses of worship.  But then the chaplain wasn't at all concerned about keeping his pulpit or pleasing Mr. and Mrs. Gotrock who contributed lavishly to the building fund.  He spoke his mind and we listened and liked it.

          While on liberty today I bought a couple of cute pinafores for the kids. Both are alike. I hope they fit because they set me back $8.80.  Glad pay day is soon because with all the shopping I've done I have very little left.  Besides I will have to pay $25.00 to the mess out of my next pay which will leave me about $35 for the next two weeks.

          This garden cafe I mentioned turned out to be a private club that opened its doors to officers.  Because they close at 7:00 P.M. all one can do there is drink and eat.  I imagine though that they've really had some beautiful affairs when times were normal.

          You ask if I enjoy your long letters.  That is what I and all the others aboard live for, a letter from home.  Regarding the San Diego business you ask about, everything is OK.  As far as my getting back to the states before my present tour of duty is up, the chances are very slim indeed.  I'll consider any such event as "manna" from heaven.

          Regarding music, how about sending along those dime store booklets you purchased last year.  Also send along the music notes I have.  There is a piano and I might find time to practice if I had the chords and base forms to follow.  There are two note books, send them both.

          Will finish in the morning dear, good night and sleep well.

Wednesday 10:45 AM

          Good morning Sweet.  Did you sleep well? Did both our girls behave all night and not disturb you?

          This has been a busy morning and this is the first free time I've had.  No more mail this morning but all the letters I got yesterday afternoon should keep me until 1:00 PM when I'll look for more.  I got a letters from the "Gs", Deb and Dave, Miss Earnest and thee from my Sweetheart.  Sounds like you had a busy week-end planned and now that Norma is well again you should take it easy and not overdo.

          Tomorrow my photos should be ready and I'll send them right along.  Will know more about Xmas card by then also (I hope)

          There is no use trying to guess where we going next.  I don't know so how can I tell you.  We will probable receive casualties because we are equipped to handle them but we won't be a hospital ship and when we get there it'll be all over but the shouting.

          Do you remember how I always wanted to be on the go and never wished to stay home? Well dear after this war I'll be satisfied to remain anywhere as long as I have you and our girls with us.

          Enough for now dear.  I want to get this off right away.  Goodbye for now, will visit with you again tonight.

With all my love,

Gil

Ocelot Being Outfitted With Communications Equipment for Role as Flagship

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
           Friday 22 September 1944, 10:00 PM

Hello Sweetheart,

          Just got back from liberty and now for our little visit.  Nothing important this morning until mail call.  Got a letter from you and a home recording from Dave, but I haven't been able to play it back yet.  Hope I can tomorrow.  After lunch the exec and I went on liberty together.  We sat around and drank all afternoon and then went to the beach for dinner.  After dinner we played some miniature golf and got a ride back to the ship with some marine flyers. And here I am.

          I wish I could take you to the dance at the "G's" but--well why say it?  However dear, when this is over there'll be many dances. We always have and we always will go again together.

          Yes dear I am sorry to say the Ocelot "ain't" what she used to be and I won't be home for some time.  What is the $29 storage bill for? You didn't explain.  If you have anything you wish to send me send it on.

          Certainly you are going to Chicago with me.  You didn't think I'd come home just to leave again.  Silly girl! And Grand Canyon is our first stop.

          Last night I wrote to the Aranoffs and the Bergmans. So two more off my list.  And as far as Leon is concerned, he is right, but I wouldn't worry.  Everything will be all right.   

          Nothing more for now Sweet but I'll be with you again in the morning.  Good night and sleep tight.

Saturday 8:15 AM

          Good morning darling.  Just had my juice and coffee and now for a few more minutes together.  Just you and I.  I had hoped for some-thing in the morning mail but no such luck.  I'm sure there'll be some letters this PM.  I hope you slept well, that our girls were good and also slept well.  Gee, even to be awakened at night just to cover Linda or Norma would be fun.

          I have a pretty heavy program scheduled today.  About five patients this morning and a couple this afternoon.  That with some non professional duties should keep me busy today.

          You should be well on your way to being settled by the time you read this note.  Hope you haven't worn yourself all to a frazzle but I know how you are when you begin cleaning and straightening.  Maybe you've learned by now.

          Dear, do you remember the Coconut Grove and Freddie Martin, how we loved dancing to his music?  Well Sweet, after this war it's you and I at the Biltmore, Ambassador, Slapsy Maxie's etc, etc.

          Goodbye for now.  Will be with you tonight and who said I like to sleep alone?

Loving you always

Gil