Lieut. Gilbert
Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O.
San Francisco
Monday 25 June 1945,
6:45 PM
Dearest Eleanor,
Hello
again. I've had quite a busy day today.
To begin with I had a full morning and even had a couple emergencies from other
craft. Then I had an early lunch, a steak
sandwich from the general mess.
At noon both
doctors and I went over to a hospital ship to attend a meeting of Medical,
Dental, and Hospital Corps officers.
There was quite a mob. I'd guess
over four hundred. They served a light
lunch which I didn't partake except for the dessert, ice cream. Then several papers were presented on various
Medical and Dental problems occurring in forward areas and under battle
conditions. All in all it was an
interesting and educational meeting. We
are supposed to have another soon.
I got three
letter today marked the 15th and 16th. I
see you taught right up to the end. Well
now you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labors.
Don't worry
about Norma's not talking so well yet.
Many youngsters are like that and it is no indication of native intelligence.
I do remember
the Council House, but very vaguely.
After the war we will observe more of the Jewish holidays for the sake
of the kids. I always got a bang out of
them and they should too.
Don't worry
about me doing anything foolish. I have
good duty here and I'd think twice before asking for a change except back to
the states of course.
You ask about
the natives out here. Well all the
buildings and residences occupied by natives are "out of bound" to
military personnel. Of course there are
many whose houses operate in spite of this order and many men are indulging and
some to their sorrow later on. Several men from our ship went ashore and paid
$15 for a "piece of ass." One
did it three times in one afternoon for $45.
Practically all the women are infected.
One medical officer ashore stated that 100% of the women he had examined
were infected and many with more than one venereal disease. I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pool. It is too bad for the people but it seems
that any place you go where the Japs have been before us, the same condition prevails. No female was spared if she was old enough to
give them satisfaction.
The clothes
the natives wear are typically American, so there is nothing to buy.
Last night's
movie "Two Girls and a Sailor" is the best movie we've ever had
aboard. Tonight we have Olsen and
Johnson in "Crazy House" and I can't recall if I've seen it or not.
No more for
now so I'll sign off. Goodnight my
Sweet, I love you.
Always yours,
Gil
