My Sweet Loves Me and I Love Her

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

c/o Fleet Post Office

San Francisco, California

Saturday 29 September 1945, 10:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Here I am my darling, still sitting and waiting for the word to get the "h" out of here.  I saw a few patients this morning. Most of the days just drag along now.  The latest dope is that we'll be out of here in about ten days.  Still you'd better not look for me much before December 1.  I pray that I'm not raising you hopes falsely again, but it looks like the real thing this time.

          This afternoon I wrote letters to Uncles Mike and Bill and one to Libby as well.  Then I began a mystery story called "Fast Company."  After dinner we talked until movie time.  The feature was "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town."  I enjoyed it as much as I did nine years ago.  After the movie Dr. Bushyager and I played ping pong for about 45 minutes and now here I am.

          Something very unusual happened today. Mail came aboard, but there was none for me.  All the officers kidded me about it because I had my hand out when the mail orderly came in.  I was so sure.  Oh well, I know my Sweet loves me and I love her. I'll get twice as much mail next time.

          Darling, there is not another darn thing to write about.  So goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Hell of a Lot of Work

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

c/o Fleet Post Office

San Francisco, California

Friday 14 September 1945, 6:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Okinawa may be one thousand miles north of the Philippines but it certainly isn't any cooler.  The temperature went up to one hundred and two this afternoon. Because of the lower humidity, it seemed cooler than Leyte. 

          My "tochas" is still sore but I've been comfortable except for a few minutes after a BM.  Anyway tomorrow I'm going back to work.  I have quite a backlog of patients to take care of so I'll be quite busy for the next week or so.

          This afternoon I settled down and wrote letters to both mothers, Libby and Ruth.  Tomorrow I'll write Uncle Mike, Uncle Bill and Deb.  Then I'll be about caught up.

          Mail came aboard in the late afternoon and I really hit the jackpot.  I got eleven letters and a card from you, a letter from Libby, two letters from your mother and my electric shave to boot.

          I know how disappointed you must feel at my not coming directly home.  However I do expect to be back in the United States before the end of the year and maybe long before.  Here is the situation.  A service force supplies troops and ships with fuel, food, clothing and repair necessary for maintaining an active force.  Naturally there are no establishments ashore yet but as soon as they are built, the headquarters will be established ashore and we won't be needed anymore.  That is the long way of looking at it.  Admiral Smith should have another flagship within three weeks.  There is a very good chance of our returning home then. Believe me we are all praying that will be so.  Anyway you needn't be concerned about my safety because Japan is well under control now.

          It sounds like your last days in Arrowhead were quite full.  I hope you didn't let Ruth spoil your stay by hurrying you home before you had planned. My guess, however, is that you were fed up with the inconvenience of the place and that you were ready to get back to decent comfort.

          I received the gold braid and the tailor will go to work on it in the morning

          The war is over but there is still a hell of a lot of work to be done.  Did you know that Marine Corps officers need sixty points to get out?  I wouldn't be at all surprised, even if Leon doesn't think so, to hear that he was sent out again.  He has had a tour of duty overseas but he's been back in the United States a long time and there are still many doctors out here who'll need relieving.  Now you know about the extra quarter point per month for sea duty.  I'm expecting extra points for children to be announced soon.  Of course it doesn't hurt for civilians to write their congressman. I bet they are doing plenty of writing.

          Tonight's movie is "Patrick the Great" with Donald O'Connor and Peggy Ryan.  It should be amusing. 

          Now Sweet please try to hold on a little longer.  The going has been rough and you've been alone and unhappy.  But deep down, we were always together in spirit and very soon now we'll be together physically.  Keep smiling and one of these days I'll be writing you the wonderful news you've been looking and praying for.

          Goodnight my love.  I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

P.S.    We are supposed to sail from here on Tuesday 18 September so there'll be another break in mail.

Gil

No Headaches

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 14 July 1945, 11:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, here I am though a little late.  I worked this morning as usual but I did finish up a little early.  After lunch I decided to go ashore, so I went over to Joe's ship and we ran down to the club.  We had a few beers, sat and talked and at 4:30 left to return to the Ocelot.  We got back at 5:30 just in time to wash up before dinner.

          After eating we played our nightly game of cribbage game until movie time.   We had a real old movie which I somehow had missed.  "Brother Rat" is the title.  It was an excellent comedy about life at a military academy.

          Then we went up to the wardroom, had some coffee and talked for awhile.  At 10:30 I came down here to my office and worked on the trinket I'm making for you.  I should finish it tomorrow.

          The mail brought me a letter and card from you, a letter from Uncle Mike, an anniversary card from Libby and also one from my Mother.

          Read your accounting of expenditures but darned if I can tell you where to cut down.  I'll bet, though, that when I get home there'll be a few corners that we'll cut.  Do you realize that figuring $50 for rent, it is costing you $435 a month to live and that's for an adult and two kiddies?  Surely when I was home added expenses for my clothes recreation and food ran up to more than $75 a month.  I still say it costs too much.  One consolation is that as a lieutenant I'll probably save an additional $50 each month.

          What's money anyway?  From the way the war is going maybe I'll be a civilian soon and then we'll make up for lost time.

          Somehow we never did have a real "wetting down" party.  Something always comes up so that those I'd want couldn't leave.  The net result is that there weren't any headaches and all are happy just the same.

          So Darling.  Again it is time to say goodnight.  Wish I could do it the way I used to with a big hug and kiss.  There will come a day!  I love you too Darling.

Yours forever,

Gil

Parade of Old Movies Continues

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 21 April 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello my Sweet, how are you today?  Today was an easy day for me.  I saw a couple of patients this morning and then stood by for captain's inspection.  After lunch I read for awhile and then joined a group of officers going ashore.  Yes, again!  We played volleyball from two to four and believe me in this climate one can sure raise a sweat playing in the sun for two hours.  Anyway, it looks like we finally got enough men interested to play regularly and I surely welcome the exercise.

          At four we had a couple of beers and at 4:30 our boat came for us so we returned to the ship.  I had just enough time to take a leisurely shower (boy was I dirty) and dress for dinner.  Visited on deck for awhile and now here I am.

          The mail today brought a lone letter from Uncle Mike.  However, I did "right smart well" yesterday so I can't kick.  The parade of old movies still continues.  Tonight we have "Song of Russia" with Robert Taylor (I think).  Anyway it has lots of good music and I did enjoy it when I saw it before.  So I guess I'll go and enjoy it again tonight.

          Honey, do you remember how I always was ready to go to the movies though sometimes you didn't feel like it.  With this concentrated dose of movies we are getting aboard one of two things will happen.  I'm either going to get fed up on movies or I'll form a habit that I'll have trouble breaking.  However I bet we'll find other forms of entertainment for our evenings together.  Don't you think so?

          No more for now so I'll sign off.  Goodnight my Sweet, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Disagree With U.S. News Magazine

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 9 March 1945, 7:10 PM

My Dearest,

          Hello Sweet, how are you tonight?  Today has been an easy one for a change.  Saw a few patients in the morning and had some broken appointments, so I wrote letters to Bob and Uncle Mike.  Tomorrow I'll write Willie and several others that I owe letters to.  By Sunday I should be all caught up.

          After lunch I got the sun for forty-five minutes and had just gotten comfortable in my room to censor some mail when I was called down to my office.  I had three emergency patients from another ship and had to take care of them.

          When I was through I sat in on some more of the court marshal and because of its interesting matter I stayed on until the final verdict was given.  Then I returned to my room finished my censoring, showered and read the Post until 5:30 when I dressed and went up for chow.

          After eating we stood up on deck and enjoyed the gentle ocean breeze and pretty sunset and here I am.

          The movie tonight is "Winged Victory" and is rated as very good, guess I'll go.

          The mail brought two letters from you and a card from my mother.  We haven't had much rain lately but I see you have.  Enjoyed the publicity clipping you sent.  I thought you said your picture was to be run with it or is that something else?

          I'm glad you are getting the suit you wanted.  You sounded so disappointed in your last letter.

          In Pearl Harbor, I began "Earth and High Heaven" in the Collier's magazine.  It was run serially and I never did get past the first installment although I did try to get the following issues.  No luck!  Maybe I'll get hold of the book because I did want to read it.

          You and Nina are carrying on a regular correspondence.  Well she was nice to us and I think you enjoy writing to her so go to it.

          All the appendectomies have been successful though some of them weren't very simple.  Outside of minor stuff that is all the surgery that is attempted. Other types are usually not emergent and are referred back to a base hospital or hospital ship.

          The heat rash is all gone so forget about it.  I knew I shouldn't have mentioned it but I was just making conversation.

          Who am I to disagree with U.S. News? Yet I don't believe the Japs will fight to the bitter end like the Germans are.  The Nazis have nothing to lose.  The Japs, on the other hand, could give up all the conquered land and still have their home industries and cities intact.  Surrendering their fleet would be giving up something they haven't much of anymore.  Peace terms keeping them down to a fourth rate power wouldn't have to be so harsh as with the Germans.  Anyway that's my opinion and I'm stuck with it until we see what really happens.

          I'm very happy to hear all is quiet and serene on the home front.  Keep the home fires burning honey and don't let things get you down.

Loving you always,

Gil

Tell The Navy to Let You Come Home

 

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday, 9 January 1945, 7:20 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Well the mail man broke down today and brought me a few letters.  I got two which you wrote on the 29th of December, a letter from Ethyl, one from your mother and two from patients.  One (a Mrs. Wirz) writes, "Tell the Navy to let you come home--I need you greatly--I never did like false teeth."  I'd like to come home too but for another reason.

          Evidently the kids are over their indispositions and I'm glad.  Guess the letter to Uncle Mike hit just at the right time.  I was inquiring if Bob could be congratulated yet and there was the baby awaiting my letter.  I'm glad your mother feels better too.  That makes a full house (of well people).

          I don't know if I have all my Xmas gifts yet.  There was nothing from you, Libby or your mother.  I know something is on the way.  However, if they get here for my birthday, I'll be even more pleased than if they got here for Xmas.

          As usual today began with work.  By 11:00 AM I had placed twelve fillings and examined three officers for promotion.  I had lunch and after that went ashore with a couple of officers.  Had a few beers and a whiskey and water.  But not enough to upset my sobriety.  At the Officers' Club I met that Dr. Arnerich I mentioned meeting once before.  We got back at 6:20 PM just in time to have dinner.

          The movie tonight is Gene Tierney in "Laura," supposedly a 4.0 picture.  I do hope so; the Abbott and Costello movie last night was disappointing.

          So I haven't told you I love you lately, eh? Well silly girl, I do and if repeating will make you happier, here goes.  I love you Eleanor, my Sweet.  I always have and always will.

          Guess you haven't changed any after all.  Do you remember how you always chided me for not telling you how much I loved you?  And you still are.  Well when I get back I'll convince you by various and devious methods.

          Until then darling, take it easy.  I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

 

 

Gil at Officers' Club

 

 

Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Tetanus Shots

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
              Monday 16 October 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another busy day.  Right after breakfast I borrowed a Navy sedan and drove over to pick up the rest of the recreational gear I had ordered.  When I returned I saw a couple of patients and then attended to some changes in my quarters.

          I got two letters from you this morning and one from Uncle Mike.  This afternoon I got one from Libby. Showered and changed after lunch and went on another shopping spree and spent a little better than $35.  Now I'm through.  I have plenty planned for the next couple of days.  Lots of letters to write and I must get all these gifts packed and sent off.

          When I returned from my shopping, I went over to the Officers' Club for a few beers and took 1 1/2 hours to lose $1.00 in a slot machine.  Some fun!

          Returned to the ship for dinner and then went back to the Officers' Club to see the movie.  There wasn't one aboard tonight.  The picture "Married by Mistake" with Ruth Hussy and Allan Marshal was very amusing.  Do see it if you get a chance.

          It has been raining on and off all day and over last night.  I got wet at the movie (it was in the open) and I'm going to my room and change into something dry.  There was some painting done there today so I'm writing from my office.  I'll finish in the AM.

          Good night, Sweet, I love you.

Adoringly

Gil

Tuesday 9:00 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,

          How about a big kiss?  Mmm!!  Gee thanks, you didn't have to bite me, did you?  I have your two letters of yesterday before me, so here we go on our daily quiz program.

          You ask about my first visit with Al Klein.  That was when I saw him at his station.  The reason you got confused is on that is because I could not give you any details as to where, when and I how I met him.

          Regarding the course, the Doctor and I are going to work the rest of it together.  That will make it much easier.

          Censoring mail varies.  I'm supposed to have the duty every six days, but with the Xmas rush we are doubling up now so it'll be more often.  This duty was interesting at first but after awhile it gets quite boresome.  However I will say this, some sailors do have a sweetheart in every port and they all (the girls) get the same line of bull.

          Yes, Sweet I have both of my shavers with me and I will be able to use them.  If you get a hold of another one (Willie's or through Dave) send it on "post haste."

          Glad to hear that you are enjoying studying and that the children are working out OK with Betty.  Thanks for those measurements.  I'll get to work on the surprise in a couple of days.

          Even though you are writing often you still have more to tell me than I have to tell you.  I did enjoy the U.S. News clipping.

          Nothing more that is new this AM.  We just finished giving the ship's company their yellow fever shots.  In a couple of days they'll get typhoid and tetanus.  Then back to regular routine.

          That is thirty for now, honey.  I've been at this letter for 1 1/2 hours and I want it to go off this noon.  Bye my own sweet love, till tonight.

Lovingly

Gil