The Salami Was Mashed Up

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Monday 21 May 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, here is that guy again.  I've been worrying about Norma ever since I heard yesterday that she had the chicken pox.  However today's mail brought me the news that her case is a light one.  Now I'm hoping that Linda doesn't get it and you forget about the whole deal in just a few days.  The mail came this morning and brought me four letters all from you.

          I was busy with patients all morning and after lunch I censored a batch of mail.  Then I joined a group going ashore and played volley ball all afternoon.  Wow, am I tired.  Bet I sleep well tonight. 

          No cribbage game tonight so I came down to my office and found a package that came this afternoon.  I guess you didn't take me seriously when I said pack everything well.  The box was coming apart and the salami was all mashed up and the casing on it broken.  It looks and smells OK but I'll not eat it until the doctor OKs it.  Lord alone knows how long the casing was broken.  However the cans that came with it are swell and are just what I wanted.

          The movie tonight is "None but the Lonely Heart" and should be 4.0. 

          Now to your mail. I see you've been teaching again.  You must be OK or you wouldn't get all the calls that you're getting.

          I'm glad you enjoyed the evening at Ruth's and met some interesting people.  So Ruth was expecting you to help her along on a gift for your mother. "Ain't" that too bad.  I didn't realize that I was getting such a good buy on the perfume.  I paid $9.00 for your bottle and $4.50 for both mothers' gifts.  Don't tell anyone because I don't want to be bothered buying stuff for anyone else.

          Talking about wallets, see if you can pick me up a book of celluloid containers for cards and snaps to fit into my wallet.  The one I got in San Diego is shot.

          I'm not surprised about the new incident at the Corsos.  Bet Willie and Wallie are working (or should I say playing) together especially if Wallie has an apartment.  I guess you were right and I wrong.  Stay away from that outfit as much as you can.

          Well Honey, no more for now. It is time to go to the movies.  Good night Darling, I'll see you in my dreams.

Yours alone

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

Chief Engineer Fell Down a Ladder

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 8 March 1945, 10:15 PM

My Darling,

          This is the end of another busy day.  Worked all morning again and it was 11:45 before I was through.

          After lunch I relaxed and read the morning's mail.  I got four letters from you postmarked February 8, 10 and two on the 28th.  I also got a short note from Leon.

          At one o'clock I went down and sat in on a court marshal.  At two I had my wardroom mess statement audited, after which I returned to the court marshal.  However it was too hot so at three I gave up and came topside.

          Then I went to my room and read until 5:30 when I showered and dressed for dinner.  I was tired all afternoon and finally decided that the shot I got this morning (yes, another one) must be giving me a mild reaction.  Oh well in the morning I'll probably wake up fresh as a daisy.

          The movie tonight was "A Song to Remember" with Paul Muni and Merle Oberon and is a story of the short but productive life (musically speaking) of Frederick Chopin.  You must see it if you haven't already.

          Excuse me for a minute.  Somebody fell on his face and I've got to go.

          Well, all is well that ends well.  The chief engineer fell down a ladder in the engine room and hit his jaw.  However X-rays show no break so outside of a sore face for a couple of days he'll be OK.

          Now your letter. The 8th and 10th are about Mary and Willie and I've said my piece about them.  I do hope she either quits taking poison and then changing her mind or takes something quick acting and gets it over with.  Callous aren't I?  Yet I don't know why they bring all their troubles to you. I don't like it.  I see you are teaching again. Well after a week's layoff you're probably glad to be called again and the color of the money looks good too, I'll bet.

          I owe the lodge a letter. Joe Orenstein wrote me and I'll answer through him.  On second thought I'll write him and the lodge as well.  Last night I dropped a line to Marty and Ruby but I bet I don't hear from them for a long time.

          Glad to hear you are active as program chairman for the Auxiliary.  I am looking forward to the clippings you say are coming.

          I liked the poetry of Sara Teasdale. More please!  Don't send any funny papers somehow I didn't enjoy them as much as I thought I would.

          Glad to hear you're getting all dolled up.  It'll give you a lift and believe me I can tell just how you feel by just reading your letters.

          So darling, no more for tonight.  If I was home now we would both have a "nite nite snack" after the movie.  I feel like it.  Then to bed, listening to the radio---?

          Good night Sweetheart until tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

"Horse Ovaries" and Animules"

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 24 February 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, here I am again.  Today was just another day as usual.  Worked all morning and finished up at 11:25.  Went up to my room and washed up for lunch.  The mail brought five letters today, four from you and one from your mother.  Yours were marked 11 and 15, so 12, 13, and 14 are still due.

          After lunch I censored some mail and extracted a tooth. Then four of us went ashore to celebrate a birthday.  We had plenty to drink but returned all secure and put away a nice steak dinner.

          Last night's movie, "Experiment Perilous," was OK, see it.  Tonight we have "Enter Arsene Lupin" but I don't have much hope for it.

          This afternoon when I got back to the ship I found some more mail.  A package from you with "vitamin pills," American Weeklies, and Pictorial Reviews, a Journal of the Southern California Dental Society, Alumni Association Magazine and American Dental Association Bulletin made up my total bag.  Please don't send any more reading material except for books.  We have oodles of magazines, etc.  Also no more candy.  I now have two full boxes and the bulk of the "vitamin pills" you sent .How about some sardines, anchovies and other stuff suitable for "horse ovaries." Now your mail.

          As I've written before Marty sent me a program from the Center banquet.  I do hope Dave makes warrant officer but I'll believe it only when I see it.  I've heard enough about Mary and Willie and their troubles.  How about a new episode?      

          Ruth and Harry have no one to blame for Dick but themselves.  Leon is no model to hold up to any growing boy but I doubt that he had very much influence on Dick.  All I can say is yapity, yapity, yap, baloney!

          I see you got called to teach again.  With all these calls you should be able to get by without digging into our account much (I hope).

          I'm glad that Linda is through with her thumb sucking.  As a matter of fact, from your letters I gather that she has become quite a young lady.  Wish I could be there to see her and Norma and you too!!  Those pictures of the kids before the Xmas tree were swell though they could have been clearer.  But then who am I to complain.  I played back the recording you sent and had the same trouble as with the previous ones.  Please cut the records deeper and play them back before sending them.  Then the grooves will be more defined and the roll of the ship won't cause the playback arm to jump across the record and ruin it.

          You seem to have the impression that there is a naval base with all the refinements of civilization here.  Well there isn't.  Wish I could get you some hose, but all I could get would be men's cotton ones and I don't think you'd wear them.  The same goes for valentines, there just ain't no such animule.

          So honey I'd better sign off.  All this rattle and prattle probably doesn't make much sense but blame it on the drinks I had ashore.

          Bye, my darling, if you were here or I were there we'd sure have fun tonight.  See you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Censored a Letter Written in Yiddish

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Thursday 15 February 1945, 7:30 PM

My Darling,

          The mail did alright by me.  This morning I received two hankies from Libby for my birthday, the February Esquire and the National Jewish Monthly.  This afternoon I got more letters.  One was a letter from Libby asking me where I was.  Of course it is impossible to tell.  It seems they have a flier friend operating out of Pearl and she thinks he might be able to look me up.

          The valentine you sent me was made especially for me it would seem or are there other guys like me around?  Well Sweet you'll never know how much a little thing like this card means to me.

          Your letters were postmarked February 1, 7, and 8 so those in between are still coming.  I see you are still teaching.  As long as it isn't too much for you I'm sure we can use the extra income.  Talking about income, don't pay that additional income tax until you've checked my books.  I seem to remember a similar bill coming through while we were in Dago and I believe the payment was made.  It was drawn (the check) on the Bank of America and should be entered in the day-book.  Anyway check the cancelled checks for the three months that we were in Dago and the books as well before you make any payment.

          Such excitement!  Mary is crazy like a fox.  Bet that suicide she pulled was all planned in advance.  I bet Willie will behave for awhile--even though it's a short while.  Dr. Shafer is an osteopath not a chiropractor but one is as bad as the other.  However there is no use explaining the difference between MDs and other so-called "doctors."  Stay out of it--don't say anything.  You remember we tried once and it didn't do any good.

          You have my insurance papers.  However for access to a PX use your outpatient or commissary card from San Diego as identification.

          Dear you are too sensitive.  It may not be quite proper to address you as Eleanor Steingart. Yet many women, including your sisters Ruth and Deb, use their given names in return addresses.  I'm sure that nothing was meant by having you down as Mrs. Eleanor Steingart and don't make any issue of it.

          Hope the "Fearless Five" got my letter.  I sent it in care of the Goodfriends long ago.

          Army life will straighten Dick out.  Part of one of you letters is missing.  There is a page listing outstanding bills.  There is no beginning to the V-mail letter from Sid Stein. Guess you forgot to enclose it.  It is 7:55 PM so I'll dash to the movie and finish afterward.

9:55 PM

          Back again Sweet.  We had an old movie tonight but I enjoyed it even though it was the second time.  It was "Hold Back the Dawn" with Charles Boyer, Olivia De Havilland and Paulette Goddard.  About an Austrian adventurer who marries an Azusa (?) school teacher to get by the immigration laws.  Remember?

           Today was a normal day.  Worked this morning, not hard, but steadily.  Also this afternoon until 3:00 PM.  Then I had a coke, bought some soap in the ship's store and returned to my room to read my mail.  I censored a few letters.  Talking about censoring mail, one of the men on board, Jewish, writes to his parents in Yiddish and I censored his letter today.  It was only a very short note but it took me several minutes to make it out.  I don't believe I've read any Yiddish in 7 or 8 years.  I suppose all his mail will be brought to me.  In a short time I'll be able to read it as fluently as I used to.  A little practice is all I need.

          Then I glanced through a Coronet, showered and dressed for dinner.  After that I enjoyed another beautiful sunset and then came down to my office for our little visit.

          Sweet, do you remember that day we spent at the Oregon Caves?  Do you recall the hotel dining room with a stream running right through the middle of it?  Remember the happy couple having lunch, looking at each other and holding hands? Could that have been us?  Yes it was and there will be many more such days and soon too.

          Honey, I'm going to sign off now.  Good night darling until our visit tomorrow.

Love

Gil

P.S.  Is Sid in the Solomons?  It isn't probable that our paths will cross but then one never knows.  I'll drop him a note anyway though my address certainly won't be any key as to where I am.  Nite, nite.

Gil

No Movie Because Amplifier Burned Out

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 1 February 1945, 9:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello darling, this has been a "bitch" of a day, but all is well that ends well.  I began this day with my regular appointments and was busy all morning.  After lunch I continued my regular work routine.  At 2:00 PM I began to examine some fifteen odd men who hadn't reported in for examinations when they were supposed to.

          After that I went to work on the wardroom statement.  First I was $40 short, then I was $65 ahead.  At 4:00 PM I gave up in disgust still some $60 ahead.  As I came on deck I ran into a few officers on their way ashore for a few drinks, so I grabbed my cap and became one of the party.

          We went ashore and spent the most pleasant couple of hours since we have been at this place and then we returned to the ship.

          The stewards fixed us a late snack and we even had some ice cream for dessert.  Someone brought it aboard to eat after the movies and we just got into it.

          By then it was movie time so we went up on deck.  But the amplifier had burned out. After waiting an hour it began to rain so we gave the whole thing up.

          Got one letter from you postmarked the 21st.  It is the one with Anne C's letter.  Sounds like she'll be glad when she gets back to Santa Monica.

          Now to your letter. "Meet Me in St. Louis" sounds OK. I hope we get it soon.  Hope you get to the Victory Ball though I'll bet you don't get in, in spite of Dave's uniform.

          Looks like the old feud of Marty versus Ben and Jerry goes merrily on.  I bet Marty wins.

          I'll look for "Immortal Wife" but I haven't heard anyone comment on that book.

          Mary and Willie will go right on.  Mary knew what the score was long ago.  No matter what she says now, she'll just have to make the best of a bad bargain.

          As you probably gathered by now, I'm a little high but really I don't care.  I feel much better than I did at 4:00 PM.

          Sweetheart, do you remember when for lack of anything better to do Saturday nights we'd get together with another couple and go to the Band Box for a sandwich and the "naughty" entertainment of Pete and Billy Snyder et al? Do Abbott and Costello still run that joint or did they give that up as a bad venture? Do you ever see the Posners?  Just wondering?

          Well darling I really should close and turn in.  Good night Honey with loads of love,

Your lonely,

Gil

Navy Changes Its Mind Just Like a Woman

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 22 January 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from another 4.0 movie.  We had "From the Bowery to Broadway" a musical with Maria Montez, Jack Oakie and several other stars.  See it, it's entertaining.

          The mailman was good to me today and brought me nine letters.  There were six from you, a letter from Deb and two birthday cards--one from Libby and Nat and one from Loretta.

          Now to your letters.  They're postmarked the 7th, 9th and 12th which still leaves the 11th and 12th to come plus whatever comes after the 13th.  Packages are still coming through so here's hoping I get mine soon.

          First darling, don't get you heart set on my being home in three months.  You know the Navy changes its mind just like a woman.  My chances still look good but still there is always the possibility that____.  Also if we did return in three months it would take somewheres between twenty days and a month's sailing time to get back to civilization. So be patient and hope for the best, but please don't work yourself up into what could turn out as a big disappointment.

          Glad Dave made corporal but Deb writes he's in the "line" which means he is due for overseas duty and that aint good.  I don't know what instructions Dave can give Sol.  For the amount of time Sol has been in he has progressed further than Dave. I bet he comes out of this war with the higher rate.

          Don't feel badly about my not hearing from you daily.  I still hold the record amongst the officers for the most mail and when I do get any it is always a stack.

          I don't know what more to say about Arrowhead except wait and see.

          The Willie, Wally,and Mary story is interesting but it isn't new except that now that Mary caught up with Willie the cat is out of the bag so the cat (Willie) may as well play.  What surprises me is that his health stands up to it all.

          Yes dear by the time I get home it should be Lieutenant without the j.g.  I hardly know what to ask for as a gift from Libby.  "Coronet" would be nice but it really doesn't matter.

          I'm glad to hear about Abe Weinberg.  He is a bright chap and should go far in the Navy and out.  Right now they are crying for men in certain fields for additional training. Many men are really getting terrific training at no expense to themselves and it will stand them in good stead after the war.  There is just one catch.  I doubt very much whether these fellows who are getting all this training will be released.  It is my guess that they will be kept on for many years.

          Enjoyed your report on the installation.  Next year we have a date to attend it together.

          The Arnerichs, Paul and Vincent are brothers.  One graduated in '31 and one in '32.  They are both in the Navy one being stationed at the hospital in San Diego and the other out here.

          Don't stop sending packages or mail.  Goodness gal. That was scuttlebutt and it depends entirely on the progress of certain military campaigns.  Besides if we return, mail will always go to our next port and held there until we arrive.  So, take it easy and keep those panties on.  I'll take them of personal-like when I get there.

          No more for now so good night my Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Loving you always,

Gil

Coca Cola Is Dirt Cheap

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Wednesday 24 January 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello darling, how are you tonight?.  I'm swell but I miss you terribly and there is nothing either of us can do about it.

          Today began as usual with work.    And after sweating all morning I decided it was time for a little recreation so I joined a few of the officers who were going ashore.  We had a few beers and spent most of the afternoon hunting shells.  My collection has many variety, sizes, shapes and colors of shells.  We returned to the ship at 5:00 PM.

          Our new engineering officer reported aboard this afternoon and seems to be a nice chap.  He got a tough break though.  His last duty was about 150 miles from here.  However he flew from there back to Pearl and then back here.  Flying about 3600 miles just to cover 150 miles is going some isn't it?

          We just closed a deal to buy 350 cases of coca cola for the officers mess and will pick them up tomorrow.  Including cases and bottles they'll cost us .053 cents per bottle and that is dirt cheap.

          The mail man only brought me a birthday card from my mother this morning but when I got back from the island I found a most welcome letter from you.  It was dated the 14th but from what you say I guess there are ones from the 13th and 14th still due.  You see the last letter of the 13th mentioned a package you received from me but didn't open because you wanted to get the kids to bed.  No further mention is made in today's letter so there must be one or two in between. I'll receive them one of these days.

          The movie tonight consisted of 5 shorts and a Bing Crosby picture entitled "My Girl Like Music" but it was just fair.

          Now to your letter.  You seem to be seeing movies the same time we are.  Just the other night we had "Bowery to Broadway" just the other night. A funny thing I remarked at the end of the show that what was lacking was color.  All great (?) minds run in the same channels.

          So Ruth broke down and called you.  Well I guess she took to heart the letter I wrote her before she went East.  Well, we'll see later if she really meant it.

          It didn't take Mary and Willie to get over their spat.  After all these years, she should be used to her trouble.

          I know you miss me Sweet because I know how I feel.  Just the same I tickled pink that you are all dated up.  I do hope you get lots of pleasure out of your outings.

          Darling, do you remember the night you kissed me for the first time?  We were parked in the alley and you gave me a peck and ran like h---.  Bet you were afraid I'd rape you.  Well you'll never be able to run fast enough when I get back.

          No more for now honey so good night and dream about me.  I'm going to do the same about you.

Love

Gil

Buy G Bonds

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 17 January 1945, 6:35 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Well I did it again today.  This morning I got the National Jewish Monthly and the American Dental Association Bulletin.  This afternoon I got six letters from you, marked 4th, 6th and 8th. Also a nice letter from Harry.  And best of all I got the recordings of Norma's and Linda's voices and yours too. Sweetheart it really was good to hear all three of you again.  In the future cut the records a little deeper.  There is an adjustment for it on the cutting head.  With the needles we use out here the home recordings are easily ruined when shallowly cut.

          Now to your mail.  No I didn't send cards to Krause or Kramer.  They're not on my list and I've just got to draw the line somewhere.

          I don't recall the exact bank balance in the Santa Monica Bank account, though you could check it by the day book from my office.  In the back there is a perpetual balance carried forward.  I do think however it was around $2,300.  Check it and let me know.  How about taking $1,000 out from the San Diego bank and buying a series "G" bond.  That is the same type we bought with the $2,000 from my office equipment.  It is negotiable so it can always be cashed in and 2-1/2% interest is better than nothing.

          The signatures on the menu were those of the officers and crew, though probably several missed signing it.  All the drawings on menus and greetings originated from my office.  My corpsman is quite clever and when we get together we always get something nice out.

          About the liquor dear, I would have felt like a 24 karat heel to bootleg some of it to one of the crew.  Sorry I can't agree with you on that point but it isn't important, really.

          Scuttlebutt still is the same though a month has been added to the original three that I heard of at first.  Still I'd bet money that I won't be out longer than a year at the most.  Keep your panties on.  You'll have plenty of time to get ready when I get orders to return and then will there be a hot time in the old time! Wow!

          You mention three letters written on the 5th but I only got two.  Bet I get another stack tomorrow.  This mail is hard to figure.  One of you letters tells me about records you're sending me and the records got here the same time as the letter.  Yet one came air mail and the other regular mail.

          I see my guess about the Seitz home was correct. We'll still have a "real" home after this war and you'll be real proud of it.  Just wait and see.

          The box of fruit and nuts Deb sent were glazed and very delicious.  My roommates and I enjoyed it to the last crumb.  The "vitamin pills" arrived in excellent condition but I still have most of them.  You see, we can get chocolates and candies, so it's not as novel as the fruit.

          The Mary, Willie and Wally story is nothing new as far as I'm concerned.  Surely you knew what was going on too.

          If Dick thinks the Merchant Marine as a job is better than the Navy he is in for a rude awakening.  They may not have the strict discipline but Merchant Marine ships usually take part in invasions and are easier marks than Navy ships because they don't carry as much armament as a Navy ship would.

          Today has been just a routine day.  Worked all morning examining and filling teeth.  I've made a survey of the crews' health records and found 83 who hadn't received treatment in the past six months so I'm calling them all in, 10 per day.

          After lunch I went over to a nearby ship and bought a pint of ice cream for a dime and did I enjoy it.  Then I looked after some library, welfare and mess duties that had been awaiting my attention.  By then it was 4:00 PM so I undressed, showered, censored mail and read until 5:30.  Then I dressed for dinner, ate and here I am.

          I forgot to mention that we had pictures of the whole ship's company taken yesterday and every man will receive a copy.  I hope that the chief censor will allow them to be sent home.

          "Wilson" last night was good though it was slow in places.  Tonight we have "This is the Life" with Peggy Ryan and Donald O'Connor and its rated 4.0.

          Well darling I've been writing now for forty-five minutes and my fingers are getting tired.  Do you remember in the good old days when you were my social secretary and did all my writing for me?  After the war you will receive you reappointment for life.

          Good night Sweet I love you and miss you and look to the day when we'll all be one again.

Impatiently,

Gil