Picket Boat Is My Favorite

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

c/o Fleet Post Office

San Francisco, California

Sunday, 2 September 1945, 10:35 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Sunday, a day of rest or so it says in the "big book."  I spent most of the morning working on next week's menus and getting the stewards squared away on how I wanted things done.

          After lunch I got me a tug and went over to Tolosa for a few beers.  There were three of us in the party.  We had a new tug today, a seventy-five footer with a crew of ten men.  The US Navy got this ship from New Zealand, a reverse land lease deal.  It cost $145,000.  You've probably wondered why I've been using tugs most of the time.  Well they are more comfortable than a VP or a whaleboat and make better time.  Of course the picket boat is still my favorite but there are only two available and they are hard to get.  Anyway we got back to the Ocelot at 6:30 just in time for a late turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

          After chow I went up on the forecastle and listened to music until movie time.  We had another pyrotechnical display tonight to celebrate VJ Day.  It didn't come up to the August 10 celebration.  Do you realize that though it was September 2nd here when the treaty was signed that it was still September 1st in the United States? Tomorrow will be Labor Day here, but you'll be celebrating VJ Day. Confusing isn't it?

          Tonight's movie was "A Blonde from Brooklyn," a class B picture but not too bad.  Also we had a short about Port Hueneme.

          No mail today so this is thirty for tonight.  Goodnight Darling until tomorrow.

Loving you as ever,
Gil

Picket boat being launched at Kirkland Marine during WWII.

Maybe Censorship Will Be Lifted

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 27 August 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another busy morning and afternoon, but by three o'clock I was all through so I retired to my room and finished Edna Ferber's "Great Son."  Nothing to get excited about.  Then I showered, dressed for chow.  And now having enjoyed a hearty meal, here I am.

          How is Arrowhead?  Is the house comfortable and conveniently located?  Gosh, I wish I was there so I could lug the lunch you had packed down to the beach and take the kids into the water.  Next year it's a date.

          The captain's relief has fifty-four points.  I have a hunch that the admiral won't allow the captain to leave until another relief comes out.  So it goes.

          No mail today so I have little more to write about.  In a few days VJ day will be here and maybe censorship will be lifted. Then there'll be lots of things I'll be able to write about.

          The movie tonight is a Roy Rogers western, "Bells of Rosarita."  I don't have another thing to do so I guess I'll go.

          Goodnight darling until tomorrow.

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?

Pray VJ Day Is Here

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday August 12, 1945, 11:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Darling here is your tourist hubby again.  Today being Sunday I loafed around all morning.  At 11:15 I went to my room to read.  I had just sat down when in walked "Bud" Schurr, Sara's brother.  Now last night's mystery is solved.

          I had arranged to go ashore with a commander.  He was to pick me up after lunch so we took Bud along.  We covered as many miles as I had on Friday and even had time to stop at one of the clubs for a few drinks.  Bud had flown in from Manila and is on his was to New Guinea.  If the war ends, he'll probably fly back to Manila instead of going to New Guinea.

          We did a lot of talking and reminiscing.  The terrain around here is never changing.  Thick swamps and jungles are alongside the dirty, rough roads.  In every clearing there are native shacks with natives of course.

          We got back to town at 6:15, dropped Bud off, got our boat and returned to the Ocelot.  It has been more than ten years since I last saw Bud. If I hadn't had the message from him yesterday I wouldn't have recognized him.  He is much older looking and has put on weight (as have others you know).  However he does look well in spite of his three years out here.

          I got aboard at 7:30. The stewart fixed me a turkey plate with ice cream for dessert.  Then to the movies.  We had "Affairs of Susan" with Joan Fontaine.  It was a most enjoyable comedy.

          By the way, the book "Generation of Vipers" has several good chapters in it.  Although it's non-fiction you'd enjoy parts of it.

          The mail brought a lone letter from your mother, so I have nothing more to say tonight.

          Goodnight, my love, until tomorrow.

Yours forever,

Gil

P.S.  Now that we have submitted a counter proposal to Japan, the war should be over tomorrow.  I pray VJ Day is really here so that I may be home soon with you, my sweet.

Scenes from Leyte

Sailors 

Natives

Animal Life

Nightly Movie

Inefficiency and Waste

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 25 July 1945, 5:00 PM

Dearest Sweetheart,

          Happy Anniversary Darling.  I know that next year and forever after you and I will be together to celebrate this and all the other happy holidays of the year.

          Today has been another scorcher.  The sun has been smiling all day and I've been frowning.  Wish it would rain and rain.  Then I'd be no wetter than I am now but I would be much cooler.

          I worked all morning but I didn't see any patients this afternoon.  I got out some official letters to the Bureau requesting increases in allotments for our library and recreation.  Then I found a cool spot and just sat there and talked with others who had the same idea that I had.

          I have a few minutes before showering and dressing for dinner so here I am.  I got one love letter today so I really can't complain. Of all on this ship, I have the most loving, most faithful correspondent and everyone else knows it.

          The war news is good but frankly I don't think the war will be over until the middle of 1946.  I was optimistic up till now but if the Japs were going to quit before total defeat they would have done so before now.  It is evident that they'll have to be defeated decisively and I don't believe any large scale invasion can be expected until next spring.  It took eighty-seven days to take Okinawa. Japan itself will certainly be at least as tough to take.  So my guess is July 1946 for VJ day.  I truly hope that I'm wrong this time and that it is sooner.

          You are constantly running into snags with you vacation plans but I do hope that everything gets ironed out before you get this letter.

          Yes Goldfarb is a friend of the captain. At present he is underway to a new station.  However this place is much pleasanter than where he'll be.

          No your interpretation about the Flag set up is wrong, at least as it stands now.  There is nothing definite and new scuttlebutt comes out daily.  It varies so I'm ignoring it for the time being.

          No one could interest me in regular Navy with less than a captain's commission. That is impossible and is probably why I set that as a minimum.  Frankly I've seen too much inefficiency and waste both of money and manpower to be interested.  I'm not one to cow tow to another because he outranks me.  Civilian first class for me.  I'm doing my job as well and as efficiently as possible but I'm ready for a change in my status anytime it comes and the sooner the better.

          No more for now Darling so I'll sign off.  I haven't told you "I love you" lately but that is only because words fail me when I want to tell you how much.  Would that you were near me and I wouldn't have to say a word.  My actions would be all that you'd need.  Goodnight Darling and pleasant dreams.

Your loving husband,

Gil

Colored Snaps

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 17 May 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          As usual, had a busy morning planned but three of my patients didn't show up.  However I got seven letters from you, one from Libby and one from Ruth.  So I had plenty of time to read my mail and enjoy the colored snaps.  They really are good--if only Linda hadn't been cut out of two of them.  Bet Dave shot the pictures.

          This afternoon I spent some time sorting and cleaning the shells.  You'll be surprised when you see what I've got.

          Then I went up to the captain's cabin to discuss some business. By the time we were through it was 4:30.  So I retired to my room, undressed, showered, and then censored some mail.  At 5:30 I dressed and went up to dinner.

          After dinner until movie time, I played some cribbage with the captain and two other officers.  The picture,"Thunderhead Son of Flicka," was fair.  By the way last night's "Strange Illusion" was very good.  Although it's a murder mystery I'd recommend you see it.  It doesn't have the ordinary plot or thrills but the suspense is good and acting splendid.  Besides it is a good story.

          One of the officers out here whom I have known since January is returning to the states via San Pedro will probably give you a ring.  He is Lieutenant Tom Quinn and is a swell chap.  If you can arrange to meet him do so.

          Now to your letters.  They range from the 3rd to 9th of May but none for the 4th, 5th or 8th.  So I'll expect more tomorrow.

          The Westwood Lodge sounds nice but frankly I think we waste too much time on contacts through the B'nai B'rith.  There will be better and wider fields after the war.

          Forget about a baggage rack.  You won't be able to handle it yourself and the rack will hurt the car's finish.  Besides the racks cost as much as sending the stuff by freight.

          I saw "Bride By Mistake" some time ago and enjoyed it too.  We also had "Three is a Family."  I guess we do right well by our movies.  There just aren't enough good ones to have every night of the week, week in and week out.

          I'm sorry the Sieger party upset you.  We always took the kids together and I have many fond memories of their parties.  I can close my eyes right now and see the color movies of Linda and Norma eating and playing out in the patio.  Next year we'll all go together and we'll have twice as much fun as we ever did--all four of us.

          Of course if Trubey calls and can come to dinner have him over.  He's a nice chap and you'll like him.

          I'm glad you got your Mothers' Day gift and like it.  I hope both mothers receive their gifts on time too.  I'm sure they will.

          I think Ben Bessler does owe $40 or maybe it's $60.  Have you looked through all the cards?  His record is there somewhere.  Get what you can and if there is more due we'll pick it up when I get back.

          Mitchell is a colored janitor for the city and works at the library.  No use my writing, turn the account over to Posner.

          VE day will be celebrated for many years but VJ day is the day I'll celebrate or should I say we'll celebrate because then the war will really be over.

          So you really want to know what I eat.  Well breakfast consists of juice (orange, pineapple or tomato), figs or prunes and coffee.  Of course there are hotcakes and eggs with bacon or spam but I seldom indulge.  For lunch we have a salad such as coleslaw, pineapple and prunes, or waldorf.  Soup and an entree such as cheese rarebit, spaghetti and meatballs, pot roast, hot turkey sandwich,, hot roast beef or cold cuts and potato salad.  We always have potatoes and one cooked vegetable.  For dessert we have canned fruit, ice cream (four or five times a week), pie or cake.  For dinner have soup and salad, roast turkey, roast or fried chicken, steak, roast beef and once in a great while lamb or veal roast.  Dessert is ice cream, pie, fruit or pudding.  I hope you aren't drooling by now but you asked for it.

          Well darling, I sure got wound up here but darned if I've said anything worthwhile.  So here goes.  I do love you dear and miss you more than you'll ever know.  However I find talking about it doesn't help much so I try to ignore it though I shouldn't.

          No more for now Sweet.  It is after eleven so goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,
Gil

Color snaps mentioned in letter

Linda (cut off), Norma, Eleanor

Linda (cut off), Eleanor Norma

Linda and Norma

Eleanor

Movies mentioned