Ambie Took Us Through a Submarine

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

              SS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
          Saturday 30 September 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Sweetheart,

          What a busy day! Saw a couple of patients in the morning and then chased down to the Welfare and Recreation Office on the base.  When I came back I found a couple of letters from you and one from Libby.  I no sooner got started reading and Jim arrived and so I postponed that pleasure and showed him around the ship.  He really was surprised at the size and facilities of the Ocelot.

          Jim had lunch aboard with me and we had an amusing incident.  The Mess Caterer is an elective job that no one wants particularly.  The Captain announced ahead of time that I was to be the next caterer.  However all the officers got together and voted for another officer who wasn't expecting any such duty and boom he is now Mess Caterer. The Captain was a little provoked but couldn't do much about it.  However he did dig up something else for me to do, Mess treasurer.  That is that.

          Jim came over in a jeep.  So after lunch, Hansen joined us and we all drove over to a
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and I ran into Alvin Klein.  We had a little chat and plan to get together later.  We than returned to the base and Ambie who used to be a

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n main took us through a large

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You can't possibly imagine  how compactly built a

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is.  Every inch of space is taken care of and really was an interesting experience.  Then we returned to the ship and Jim had to shove off.  We still had an hour before dinner so we walked over to the Officers Club and had a drink or two.  They have scads of slot machines and having three quarters in my pockets I took a shot at it.  Got $4 out, put $1.50 back so I'm $7.50 ahead.  Then we returned to the ship for dinner.  I found another letter and the money order waiting for me.

          After dinner we sat on deck and listened to a recorded radio program until movie time.  Tonight we had "Crime at Night" and it was enjoyment, a murder mystery with a lot of humor.  And so here I am.

          Now for the "Eversharp program."  Keep my driver's license.  I won't need one until I get back.  I can't tell how soon I'll be back, anything can happen.  Dinner out runs from $1.50 to $3.00.  Most places just serve a la carte!  Haven't eaten any tropical fish, but have tasted papaya.  I didn't like it in the states and still think it's too sweet.  When I go on liberty I usually don't get back until past 7:45 when the movie goes on.  That's why I miss the movie rather frequently on liberty days.  I've got you a locket, bracelet and earrings to match but they aren't of the charm variety.  Keep you panties on till they get there.  You have the San Diego deposit book.  Look in my records file.  Whew!  Do I get the $64?

          I still think you should go to meetings and to h... with what people say.  I'm not worried about it so why should you care.  I'll write Ethel and Doc and the Vaneteks as soon as I close here.  Good night, darling, my Sweet.  I love you. I do!

 

Sunday 1 October 1944, 10:00 AM

          Good morning, darling.  Sleep well?  Sunday is just another day in the Navy.  Just injected my third patient and while I'm waiting for the shot to take effect I'll finish off here.  Nothing new since last night.  Have several first of the month reports to make and also a survey of the oral condition of the whole crew and expect to be through by tonight.  Sounds like I'm optimistic but I think I can do it!

          Do you remember when we would go out for breakfast on Sunday morning just for a change?  Well sweetheart, after the war we'll always have breakfast together and wherever you wish.

          Now for our daily quiz program. Your
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          After the war wherever we go our girls go and that includes Chicago.  Frequently a couple of days will go by with no mail and then bingo! The jack-pot!  Five or six all at one time.  Sweet I don't care whether you write or type.  Just hearing from you and knowing all is well is all I ask for.  Bye darling.  I'm getting to be just like Jim except he has been away 18 months instead of the 9 weeks.  I'm a man with

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          Figure it out for yourself.

Love,

Gil

Glad the Party Was Pleasant

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
          Saturday 23 September 1944, 9:50 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Came out of the movie a few moments ago and here we are together for a few moments anyway.  The picture was Phil Baker in "Take It or Leave It."  Very little story to it but very good entertainment value.  See it and it'll give you a lift.

          Sweet, you must face it.  I won't be home for a long while but really I'll be quite safe.  I can't tell you what our ship is going to do but believe me we'll be as safe as we have been up to now.

          I wrote to Sieger and White several days ago but haven't written to the Vaneteks because I've been hoping to see Al and then I plan to write.

          I'm worried about Norma.  I do wish you would call the doctor immediately when the kids get sick instead of waiting to see.  You know how nice Harry is and I'm sure he'll be glad to do what he can.

          Glad to hear the party was at least a little pleasant for you.  I know how much you dreaded going and I'm really glad it was at it was.  Just goes to show you must go wherever there are people.  Honey, if you stay at home and wait for a call everyone will forget about you.  That is the way people are. "Out of sight out of mind" (all except you and I).  Talking about the food you had reminds me.  I've been watching my diet and have lost about eight pounds.  Am trying to lose eight more and with this hot weather we are having it should be easy--no appetite.

          As long as you've been having trouble with your periods again why don't you consult Harry about that too.  I hope you are not neglecting yourself.  I remember when you were plenty thin and I also remember that you didn't feel as well as you did as when you were around 128 pounds.  I don't like my women thin and you know it so young lady don't lose too much.

          I wrote about Rosh Hashanah Eve.  The next day I was getting ready to go to the service and had couple of emergency extractions.  By the time I was through it was too late so I just skipped it.

          I don't know whether the Captain will go to the Yom Kippur service, but the executive officer and I have already made plans to go to Kol Nidre.

          My new quarters will probably not be as roomy as they were but I think they'll be cooler and believe me out here that is important.  As for Jim Frug, don't think he'll be home so soon.  I bet it'll be another six months before he is transferred back to the states.  At least that seems to be his opinion and he ought to know.

          I am worried about Norma and am looking for tomorrow's letter with anxiety.  And please dear again I say take care of yourself.  I don't like the tone of you letters.  Sound that you are just letting go and you mustn't for your sake and our girls.  Please reassure me in your next letter.

          Do you remember how upset you were when we had to leave the El Dorado and you thought we couldn't find another apartment?  Well everything tuned out OK didn't it?  After the war when I am settled in private practice we'll be planning our new home with all the things we've always wanted.  As usual we won't listen to anyone and we won't be sorry.

          It's 10:20 PM now and it's time I turned in.  Good night my Sweetheart, please take better care of yourself and don't worry about me.  I'll be OK. I love you dear.

Your anxious

Gil

                    

 Picture from Party Eleanor Attended

Found a Flat--Dispose of Gas Coupons

UNITED STATES NAVY

 

Thursday 23 March 1944, 1745 o'clock

 

Dear Eleanor,

          Another day and I really worked.  Put in twenty-four fillings and not all simple either.

          Stayed in last night, even the movie didn't sound interesting.  Tonight I'm going to see "Passage to Marseille" with Humphrey Bogart, Eric Dorn, Peter Lore and?  Hope it's good.

          I'm not going to do anything or make any arrangements about the flat until I've talked things over with you.  I suppose you're all excited now and making all kinds of plans.  Swell, but take it easy and don't make too many plans.

          Here at the clinic there is nothing new.  Six dentists are expected but who knows when?  There is room for five so that means someone is probably going to leave.  It'll probably be Dr. Saks, Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Boutte and then again maybe no one.

          It has really been warm out here and you know how much I like warm weather.  However a nice shower before retiring makes a big difference.  I think I'm still gaining weight, going to have to do something about that.

          I hope you disposed of the gas ration coupons.  Don't put too much gas in the Buick but have enough for the weekend.  I'm planning on calling on Oscar V. for a little on Sunday.  We'll have to get ahead plenty.  There'll be no place to chisel any gas down here.

          Not much else to say except that I'll try to be home early Saturday and I am looking forward to one hell of a weekend.  I hope you know what I mean.

Kiss my two girls,

Love,

You diddle partner