Met Some USO Entertainers

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

c/o Fleet Post Office

San Francisco, California

Wednesday, 5 September 1945, 1:45 AM

Dearest Darling,

          Here I am writing to you early in the morning again.  With the various fleet movements and personnel changes, my appointments are all fouled up.  Out of five appointments this morning not one showed up.

          This afternoon I took ashore the cosmetics you sent me and traded most of them for some souvenirs.  I got a set of mother of pearl which should make up into a beautiful ring and earring set, some woven sandals, two beaded bags, two native bracelets and some shells.  When we get to Okinawa maybe I'll be able to trade off the rest of the stuff.  They went for the perfume and nail polish.  The lipstick was the hardest to get rid of but I did get $1.00 in trade minimum for each item, some $2.00.

          We got back to the ship at 5:15 so I showered before going to chow.  After chow the tug I usually use came alongside and seven of us went over to Tolosa for the evening.  While we were there I met some USO entertainers that had been aboard and we visited.  I even had a short dance with one of the girls.  I'd have enjoyed it much more if it were you whom I was dancing with.  At 11:15 we went out on the dock but we didn't shove off until 11:35.  Arrived at the Ocelot at 12:30 and went to the wardroom for a sandwich and coffee.  Now here I am.

          Because it is late I'm going to sign off now.  Goodnight my Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Your husband who loves you,

Gil

Toughest Extraction

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

c/o Fleet Post Office

San Francisco, California

Monday, 3 September 1945, 1:30 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello darling. Here is your busy husband again.  This has been one "bitch" of a day.  I was busy all morning and ran into the toughest extraction to date.  I worked for a whole hour. When we were through I was more worn out than the patient.

          Captain Hartfield got his orders yesterday and turned over his command to the new skipper this afternoon.  I had several monthly reports that he had to sign. Since he was scheduled to leave about 5:00 PM I had to hustle to get them out.

          At 3:45 I took a VP over to Tolosa and brought back a USO show.  It was called Lucky Seven and consisted of five women and two men.  They are a colored troupe and they sure have rhythm.  A colored lieutenant colonel (medical officer) came along with them.  I had an interesting talk with him.  The show was excellent and at 9:15 I had a picket boat pick us up to return the troupe to Tolosa.

          Just as we came alongside the dock it began to rain and our return trip was really rough.  It blew and rained so hard that there was a solid sheet of rain around us and we couldn't see more that a few feet ahead of our bow.  The run ordinarily takes thirty-five minutes, but it took one hour and fifteen minutes to get back to the Ocelot.  Naturally when we sighted the Ocelot the rain eased up.  Then I went up to the wardroom and sat around and talked until just a few moments ago.

          No mail today.  I'll be glad when everything gets squared away again and the mail service becomes more dependable.  You'll never know how disappointed I am when the mailman passes by my office without dropping anything from my Sweet off (split infinitives--such grammar!)  Of course it isn't your fault.  I know you write me every day, but I'm still registering my complaint.

          Today is Labor Day but until an hour ago none of us were even cognizant of the holiday.  Oh well the only holiday I'm looking to is when I get back to my own sweet wife and darling kiddies.

          Goodnight Honey, it really is time for me to turn in.  We have quarters for muster (line up in formation to be accounted for) at 8:00 AM so I'd better get some shuteye pronto.  See you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Prisoners at Large

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
             Sunday, 26 August 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Today was Sunday and I really took a day off.  During the USO show on Friday night two PALs (prisoners at large) broke into our armory, stole some guns and ammunition, commandeered a VP and headed for the beach.  One gave himself up yesterday and the other was apprehended on the beach last night.  This morning we sent a picket boat with an armed guard to bring the prisoner back, and I went along for the ride.

          By the time we got back it was 11:30 so I had just enough time to wash up before chow.  Then at 12:30 my tug arrived and "Buzz" Brosseau, the supply officer who relieved Tom Glass, and I shoved off for the beach and a few beers.  After a couple of drinks we thumbed a ride over to the 118th General Hospital and visited with Simmie.  He and a lot of others there have orders to go up to Japan and are leaving soon.  Bet he beats me up there.

          At five we boarded our boat and arrived at the Ocelot at 6:00 PM just in time for a scrumptious turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

          Then to the movies.  Tonight we had a real oldie, "It Happened One Night" with Gable and Colbert.  Everyone enjoyed it.

          The only news today is that Jack Hartfield, our skipper, has his relief aboard.  He hadn't received his orders this morning, but I think he's gotten them since then.  I haven't had a chance to ask him.  Anyway he should be leaving in a week or so.

          Well here's hoping that maybe my relief will pop up one day real soon and that when my orders do come I can up and leave.  It sure beats waiting around for weeks or months as Cox did.

          The mail brought me a sweet card from you and a letter from Libby.  I haven't "pinned up" anything Sweet.  And of course I'm thinking of you and only you.

          No more for now Darling.  So goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Almost Brought The Overhead Down

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 24 Aug 1945, 12:15 AM

Dearest Darling,

          Here is your busy hubby at last.  I've been on the go since I woke this morning and I'll sure sleep tonight.  To begin with I had a full morning booked and had to move right along to be able to take care of three emergencies that dropped in.  After lunch, just as I was getting comfortable in my bunk, I was called to my office again to care for another emergency.  However it being Friday and field day I didn't have any work planned for the afternoon so I was through right after the emergency.  At three o'clock we (two officers and myself) shoved off to pick up the USO show. It was 5:15 before we were back on the Ocelot.  After dinner we got everything squared away and the show went on at 7:30.  The name of the show was "Comedy Caravan" and consisted of a male master of ceremonies, a magician, and accordionist.  Then there were three women, two young and one about forty.  The show was excellent and the men almost brought the overhead (ceiling to a lubber) down over their heads.  I was really pleased at the success of the show because the commodore doesn't favor having women aboard. After seeing the morale lifting effect of such entertainment I know he won't object anymore.  After the show I brought the entertainers up to the wardroom for coffee and sandwiches. At 10:30 we headed back to the beach.  It had been raining but had just cleared up and a nice moon was shining.  We really made time.  The round trip only took a one and a half hours.

          As for mail I really hit the jackpot today.  I got five letters and a Parent Magazine from you plus a letter from your mother.  Yes the war is over but VJ Day is still a few days away.  Until that day and until we actually occupy Japan we are still in a state of war and all wartime restrictions and precautions exist.  So----censorship is still in effect and will be until the Navy Dept says otherwise.

          Don't worry about me and office space.  I'll be in the states and in still in the Navy before I'm finally released. I'll have time to look around.  I'll also want to take some refresher courses before I start practice and so there is really no hurry.  Of course it would be nice to get tied up with some men of Dr. Lewis' reputation but if nothing works out don't worry.

          Deb certainly has had her troubles.  I hope that by now she is over her arm infection and stays well for a change.  As for Ruth, she always was a selfish person and I hope I won't have to remind you when we are back together again and living our own lives of how she acted towards you.  Just to make you feel better dentists are not on the exception list. As soon as the point system is liberalized, which won't be too long, I'll be eligible for release.

          The snaps are a wee bit fuzzy but I enjoyed them just the same.  I like your new bathing suit or is it a sun-suit?  Anyway it looks OK.

          Glad you finally heard from the Siegers and hope you and the kids have a swell rest and change.  Have a good time. Just think next year we'll be together again doing all those things we enjoy.

          I'm not surprised that there were deaths in Los Angeles as a result of the celebration.  I wrote you about the celebration out here.  I've learned that several men were killed and many were injured on the roads around her.

          Yes, I'd be interested in a medical building set up.  Find out what you can and let me know.  However remember that we can't go in too deep.

          My what a long letter.  I'm really sleepy.  It is ten minutes to one and I'm ready to turn in.

          Goodnight Sweet and do have a nice vacation.  Until tomorrow with love and kisses to my three sweethearts.

Yours alone

Gil

P.S.    I missed a good move tonight because I had to take the show back to the beach.  We had "Rhapsody in Blue" the story of George Gershwin.  Darn.

Gil

Bathing Suit or Sun-suit?

Our Piano is OK

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 23 August 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another hot day just like yesterday.  I had quite a busy morning and early afternoon.  I finally got hold of a piano tuner and now our piano is okay.  Got a dispatch this morning saying that we could have the USO show tomorrow night.  Naturally we accepted.  Tomorrow afternoon I'm taking the picket boat to pick up the show.  If the advance dope is anything to go on, we've got a swell night's entertainment to look forward to.

          A lot more scuttlebutt about where we are going and when has been going around the ship today.  However there is nothing definite to go on.  Just the same, I'll be glad when we leave.  Any place will be better than here.

          After chow we played cribbage and then went to the movies.  We had a double feature "Three's a Crowd," a murder mystery and Laurel and Hardy in "The Bullfighters." Nuff said.

          No mail again today. I suppose mail service will be very poor until the initial occupation of Japan is complete.  Anyway the war is over and I feel pretty sure of being a civilian in about six months.

          That is thirty for tonight Sweet.  Bye for now and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

The double feature

Piano Tuner Ordered to Come Aboard

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 22 August 1945, 6:50 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Wow what a day.  The hottest I've experienced.  I spent three hours in the sun on a VP landing boat.  You see at noon today I heard of a USO show so I grabbed the only available transportation and headed for the beach.  I got a show for September 3rd provided that our piano is tuned. So on the way back I stopped at another ship and found there was a tuner on board, but he couldn't get off.  I got back aboard the Ocelot and took the problem up with the higher paid help; they sent a dispatch to that ship ordering the tuner to come over tomorrow.  Hope it works.

          Nothing more of interest.  I had my usual busy morning.  When I got back from my little boat ride I showered and read until it was time to dress for dinner.  The skipper is "under the weather" so no cribbage tonight.

          Tonight's movie is "Murder He Says" with Fred McMurray.  The reviews aren't too hot.  Hope it is at least average.

          No more scuttlebutt.  Rumor has it that we will go to Manila, Okinawa or to various parts of Japan.  Anyplace would be okay with me as long as it is north.

          No mail again today darling and I suppose from now on, for two weeks or so, your mail will be delayed on account of your vacation, but I'll understand.

          Bye my Sweet.  Until tomorrow.  I love you and am counting the days till we're together again.

Yours impatiently,

Gil

Need a Piano Tuner

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 6 August 1945, 10:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another day, another dollar or so the saying goes.  About 11:30 last night the medical officer we've been looking for arrived and this morning Cox's relief also showed up.  Now Dr. Bushyager and Dr. Law are waiting to see who moves.  Bushyager hopes he'll go back to the states as he has eighteen months out.  It won't make any difference to Law.  If he leaves here he'll get another assignment out here.  Well, we'll wait and see.

          I worked all morning as usual and this afternoon. I took a picket boat for a run into town to see about a USO show.  I've got one scheduled for Friday night provided I can find a piano tuner in the meantime.  I've got a line on a couple but I won't know definitely until tomorrow.

          I got back to the ship at 4:30, reported to the captain and retired to my room.  Took a shower and then censored mail and read until time for dinner.  After chow we played cribbage until movies and now here I am.

          I got two letters, a copy of the Outlook and some Navy literature.  So the visitors were uninteresting?  I'm sorry they had to spoil an evening for you.

          My mother's report about Nat's office is surprising.  Now is the time to make money and it can't be done under a set-up such as his.  Somehow I can't feel about things as Jimmie does.  Maybe I'll feel different when I'm closer to the activities.  I feel I'm doing an important and necessary job and though our separation has been a long one we'll make up for it later and in many ways.

          Of course Ruth wants Leon to be there for Harry's 50th.  However if she's going to make such a fuss about it how can she ask everyone to go Dutch.  What's the matter?  Did Harry lose a couple of thousand in the market?  Gosh she's tight.

          Yes dear we got the dope on the plane crash into the Empire State.  As a matter of fact we have a very complete newspaper that comes out every night.

          Tonight's movie was old and lousy.  "Barbary Coast" with Edward G. Robinson, Miriam Hopkins and Joel McCrea.

          That is thirty for tonight so I'll sign off. Pleasant dreams my Darling.

Love

Gil

Time Magazine article about Ulithi, dated August 6, 1945.

The Movie

The Hottest Day

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 19 July 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          It was a good thing I wrote to you when I did yesterday.  After dinner last night at 6:30, we left the ship and went ashore on a tug.  It's been eight months since I'd been ashore at night for a few drinks and relaxation.  The change was most enjoyable. I'll have to do it more often.  It was past twelve when we got back.  I was a wee bit high and turned in immediately.

          The club we went to is very close to the hospital that Simmie is at. The club has dancing every Wednesday night.  There were about fifty nurses, all escorted, and about four hundred officers.  Every other dance was a tag dance.  I danced twice and gave up.  I couldn't get half way around the floor before someone else cut it.  I'm not that hard up for a woman in my arms yet.  At least not any woman.  Now if a girl named Eleanor were there it would have been different.  However, as I said before, being off the ship in the evening was nice for a change.  We are planning to go over more often.

          Today has been the hottest I've experienced since we left the States.  I was busy all morning with patients.  This afternoon I got hold off a picket boat and ran into town to book another USO show for our ship.  The round trip took one and a half hours and I was ashore for about an hour.  By the time I got back my face was all tanned from the sun.  Where my cap covered my forehead I have a white patch.

          Before I dressed for dinner, I went to my room, showered, censored mail, and read.  After dinner, we played cribbage and here I am.

          There were no letters for me today but I did receive the package you sent with earrings, coffee drops and B'nai B'rith Bulletins.  I also received the May "Temple Tattler."

          We have been barren of any scuttlebutt lately although a change is still pending.  I'll probably have my orders before that transpires.

          The movie tonight is a western, entitled "Utah," with Roy Rogers.  We also have two shorts.

          And that is thirty for tonight.  Goodnight my Sweet, I'll see you in my dreams.  That'll have to do me until we're together again.  In the meantime, with love and kisses for all my three girls, I am still

Your loving husband,

Gil


Crew and Nurses in the Phillipines

4th July 1945

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Wednesday, July 4 1945, 6:45 PM

My Dearest,

          Yesterday was the first day I missed writing you.  This was the first time since the promise I made  many months ago.  However, I know you'll forgive me this once after I tell you how busy I've been. 

          You recall my mentioning trying to get a USO show aboard.  I finally got one scheduled for last night.  However there were several things that had to be done before the show went on.  First a stage with lights and curtains had to be rigged up. I spent an hour yesterday afternoon with the electricians and carpenters getting my ideas across and getting them started.  Then I had to take a boat into town to pick up the show.  We got back to the ship at 6:00 PM and we fed them before they performed.  The show went on at 7:00 PM and ended at 8:00 PM.  Following that we had our regular movie "Hotel Berlin." The performers asked to stay and see it.  After the show we had some coffee. Then I had to take the troupe back.  We left at 10:45 and it took us till 1:30 to make the run that usually takes an hour in daylight.  It was pitch black out and there is only a narrow channel surrounded by reefs with only a few buoys for makers.  Were they hard to find!  We almost ran aground twice but did make it safely and made the return trip in 1 1/2 hours.  Anyway it was 3:00 AM before we finally returned to the ship.  I was really dead tired and turned in immediately. 

          The troupe was made up of natives with five girls, ages 7, 10, 14, 17 and 21 and four men, all adult.  The show is built around a magician who is excellent and has traveled throughout the Far East and Europe.  The girls, all his nieces, sang and danced.

          The 7 year old was very clever and just panicked the audience. They were more interested in her than the older girls so she must have been very good.

          During Japanese occupation here these people lived in the hills with the guerillas.  They entertained the guerillas and developed the show for them. They are very professional now.  We asked them if there was anything special they wanted and they said. "Yes, rice."  They pay fifty cents a pound for it .We gave them one hundred pounds. They were they grateful.  The show is put on six days a week, three times for the Army and three for the Navy, so they really work hard.

          I awoke this morning at 8:00 AM and just had a cup of coffee for breakfast.  For lunch we had our regular holiday menu for the enlisted men and for dinner we had the enclosed menu in the ward room.  I took the liberty party ashore this afternoon and so my day was well taken care of what with a busy morning with patients.

           I got two letters from you and one from Libby this morning.  The pictures of Linda are darling but my little girl is growing up and I'll have to hurry home.

          I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your little trip to Oceanside.  It does seem like everything you plan goes wrong but remember it is always darkest before the dawn and maybe something will happen soon to make us all very happy.

          I got those earrings you sent but they don't make up nicely with the shells.  I'll make up a pair and send it on.  The coconut shell bracelet is a lot of work, but I'll make one up for Norma and one for you if you want it.  I sent Ethyl a bracelet like yours but didn't put a catch on it.  I'm sure Doc will be able to fix it up for her.

          If you work out plans with Yetta I'm sure that the change will be for the best.  You'd probably enjoy each other's company much more and the kids do get along well together.

          Tonight's movie is a Western thriller, "The Great Stagecoach Robbery" but it may be better than it sounds.

          No more for now my sweet so I'll sign off with love and kisses to all my girls!

Yours always

Gil

Menu for Enlisted Mens' Lunch

Wardroom Menu for dinner

Wardroom Menu Reverse side explaining that Pom Pom is the native word for nucki, diddle, yevee, or to be refined sexual intercourse

Linda

Linda Again

Trading With Natives

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 2 July 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Darling are you feeling better today?  I got five letters today, one each from our mothers and the others from you.  I got a little more dope on what happened to you vacation plans but the letter giving me the details is still on its way.  Please don't let this change upset you too much.  I hope you'll be able to work out some other trip.  A visit with Doris might be nice but what about the kids?  Who'll take care of them while you're away?

          I'm glad you sent on the cosmetics.  I should be able to do some real sharp trading with the natives when I get the stuff.

          I hope you had a nice weekend and that you enjoyed your trip and visit with Deb and Dave.  In another month or so you'll be an aunt again.  What do Deb and Dave want?  A boy or a girl?  Or will they will take what they get and be satisfied?

          Nothing new out here.  I worked on patients all morning and part of the afternoon.  The rest of the time I spent on the wardroom books, censoring mail and a little more reading of "Strange Woman."  At 5:15 I showered and dressed for dinner.

          It has been raining since 4:00 PM and right now it is really pouring.  I hope it lets up for the movies.  We have "Billie Rose's Diamond Horseshoe."

          I finally got a USO show for our ship.  It is tomorrow night.  It's an hour in a fast boat to pick the troupe up.  Tomorrow, I'll leave to get them at 3:00 PM.   We'll get back in time for chow and after eating we'll have the show and then movies as usual.

          That is thirty for tonight my sweet.  So goodnight I'll see you in my dreams.

Loving you always,

Gil

Smoking a Cigar

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 13 June 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello my Darling, here is that guy again.  At present I'm smoking a cigar so draw your own conclusions.

          At 8:00 AM three of us shoved off for town. Each had with a particular errand.  I had the job of lining up a USO show. Though I got nothing definite I did get a promise for next week.  So I'll have to check up on it later.  We got back at noon just in time for lunch.

          After chow, just to make a day of it, I joined a group going over to the club for a few drinks and now you can see the results.  We got back at 6:00 and had a late dinner at 6:30.  Someone gave me a cigar.  Who I don't know but I'm smoking it anyway.

          When I returned, I had expected some mail. No luck.  Hope tomorrow does better by me.

          The movie tonight is Bob Hope in "My Favorite Blonde."  I think I've seen it before but hope it will be just as good a second time.

          We still don't have a copy of that particular ALVAV but I know it's out and the communications officer promised to have a copy for the old man (captain) tomorrow.  Then I'll be a lieutenant officially.

          Nothing more for now so I'd better sign off before I say something foolish.  "Nite-nite" my Sweet. I'll do better tomorrow night.

Love,

Gil

Gil in front of Officers' Club