10,000 Miles from Home

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

c/o Fleet Post Office

San Francisco, California

Friday 5 October 1945

Dearest Eleanor,

          Now I'm out looking for work.  I ordered all the men with forty or more points to report for examinations and found a week's work to do.  It'll be nice to be busy for a change.

          Today was field day. After the corpsmen were supposed to be ready for inspection, I went through sick bay compartments and found several spaces that hadn't even been touched.  I sure raised hell. That is my job as division officer. Anyway they turned to and cleaned the place up.

          This afternoon brought a stack of mail.  I got nine letters, all from you ranging from September 22 to 29. Also an Esquire and Temple Tattler.  The temple seems to have me on their mailing list so don't bother sending me any more yourself.  I had already read the one I received today.

          Now to your letters.  You don't have to write to anyone about courses.  The Dental Association will have all the information for me when I want it.  Also don't waste time or money looking for office space for me.  I could be released when I get back, but unless the points are reduced by then I'll still have months to go.  If I know the Navy, I'll get my leave and then have to report back for duty.

          I never said I'd be home in a month.  You don't seem to realize that I'm about 10,000 miles from the United States which means twenty to thirty days by sea depending on the speed of the ship.  In our case we could make it in twenty-five days, not counting stops.  Sometime in the early part of December is still my guess.

          Take it easy gal; I'll get an assignment close to home.  Terminal Island and Los Angeles both have demobilization centers and that is where I'll probably get duty.  If not I will be at the hospital.  Anyway without going to Washington, I'll have plenty of time to get my orders changed if I don't get what I want.

          You sure jump to conclusions.  I didn't say Tokyo for repairs, but only mentioned that as a possibility.  Of course by now you know that Tokyo is out.  We'll go first to Guam and then home.  That's the way it looks now.

          Don't do anything about a car. We'll need money for other things.  It isn't any economy to buy a car when the Buick can be fixed up for $200.  Remember there is a sales tax, luxury tax and higher prices now than later.  Between fur coats and automobiles plus a trip to Mexico it looks like we'll be fresh out of money when we'll need it the most.  Come to earth Sweet and be reasonable for a change.

          If Leon is going overseas now we'll never meet unless he flies out.  We'll be out of Okinawa before he can possibly get here by sea.  But who know, I could bump into him at Guam or Pearl.

          I hope that by now you've seen Dr. Lewis and found that all is well.  You've had enough worries in the past twenty-one months without any female trouble. When I get back, I'm sure you'll snap out of it.  Anyway see Dr. Lewis and don't just talk about it.

          You've mentioned quite a bit about Ruth and Dick in your letters.  Frankly I'm disgusted with both of them.  It is only to keep peace in the family that I write Ruth an occasional letter.  Probably when I get back I'll tell her off. She can get into one's hair.

          Tonight's movie was an oldie, "Stagecoach" with John Wayne and Claire Trevor.  Very good just the same, so who cares if it's old or new?

          That is thirty for tonight Darling.  As hard as it'll be for the next few weeks, please be patient and don't do anything you'd be sorry for later.

Love,

Gil

Every Minute Drags

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 26 September 1945, 11:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another day gone.  Another day less of being apart.  Now that it looks like we will be on our way home soon every day, every hour, yes every minute seems to drag.

          Today was mostly a day of loafing.  With about 250 men aboard there is little to keep me busy.  I saw two patients this morning and one after lunch. That is all.

          I took a shirt and pair of trousers down to the tailor for some mending and had the gold braid put on my blue coat.  I tried the coat on and it fits just right.  So I guess I've held my own as far as weight is concerned.

          I got five more letters today.  Two were of the 19th and three of the 14th.  Your plans for Mexico sound swell but I was just waiting to hear what you would do about our girls.  We'll change our minds more than once and we'll have time to talk it over when I get back.  You see, it'll take from one to two weeks to decommission before I can go on leave.

          About leave--leave after overseas duty is limited to thirty days.  However leave is cumulative, thirty days for each year of duty.  By the time I get home I'll have almost sixty days leave due me, but the most I could take then would be thirty days.  I would get the balance plus any additional time (2-1/2 days for each month of service) as separation leave.  Anyway, as I explained above we'll have time to talk things over when I get back and decide what to do depending on the conditions at the time.

          About the Buick.  I don't know what it'll cost to fix her up but I'd think twice about a new car.  If our car sells for a high price so will the new cars.  As our car depreciates, the prices on new cars will go down.  Please dear, don't do anything foolish or hasty.  I know of many other places where we can spend money to better advantage than on a new car.  Don't do anything till I get home.

          We had another excellent movie tonight.  It was "Christmas in Connecticut" with Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan.  This is another movie I recommend for you to see.

          Today's mail also brought some additional snaps and they're well.  I can't wait to see my family in the flesh.

          No more for now Sweet, so goodnight and sleep tight.

Love,

Gil  

Need Dry Docking

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday  21 September 1945, 11:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,   

          Hello Sweet, here I am and back to the old "grind" again.  Had my usual working schedule this morning and the early part of the afternoon.  Then I went to my room and tried to read but my eyes wouldn't stay open so I napped until after 5:00 PM.  I should be just about caught up on the sleep I lost.  I showered and dressed for dinner and right after that the mail came.  Another jackpot for me--six letters from you, one from Libby and one from Ruth.

          First about the Buick.  No dice, it'll cost five to six hundred dollars, at least, to trade and that is too much to spend now.  Besides the first cars off the line may repeat our experience with our '41 Buick.  After you get more definite information about the actual cost, let me know.  But at the moment I'm cold on the whole idea.

          Your second idea, the trip to Mexico sounds ideal.  Find out and let me know what the plane fare is and expected expenses.  We'll both rate a vacation together and a second honeymoon suits me to a "t." Maybe the fur coat will work out anyway.  Who can tell?

          At present we are anchored in Buckner Bay.  If Leon does ship out to Okinawa, he'll probably get duty here.  I don't think we'll remain here long however.  We need dry docking and there isn't one large enough here.  The closest one is in Tokyo Bay and that is where we'll probably go.  That is if they fix the Ocelot up.  That's the way it looks now.

          The pink slip should be in the vault.  I'm sure that by now you've located it.  I don't think Dave will get out any sooner than I.  He has a few more months of duty but my sea duty points will make up the difference.  I forgot that he is an enlisted man and that means only 44 instead of 49 points.  Guess I'm wrong and he will be out soon.

          I'll write and tell Ruth off.  With all her "thoughtfulness and consideration" of you and Deb, she has no business to criticize.  To hell with her.

          I don't believe I know Lt. Harris.  But in Dago, I met several dentists who I can't remember.  So maybe I did.  Anyway I'm glad you enjoyed the meeting of the Officers' Wives Club and are meeting more interesting people.

          After dinner tonight we sat around and read mail until movie time.  The picture,

"Her Highness and the Bellboy" with Hedy Lamarr, was excellent.  After that I played a little poker.  I didn't mention it before but this is the third time I've played recently.  I lost $4.00 the first time, won $5.50 last night and $3.00 tonight.  We play a 25 cent limit game but there aren't any real card sharps aboard and I can more than hold my own.

          No more for now Sweet, so goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,

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

I Run The Dental Department

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 20 April 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey, here I am again.  I had another busy morning but everything was 4.0 when the mail orderly brought me eight letters, all from you, except one which was from your mother.

          Today being "field day" I decided to go ashore for the afternoon.  Just as I was getting ready to leave I got an emergency call to my office.  However I extracted the tooth and made the boat in time.  I spent a pleasant afternoon on the island and got back at 5:15, showered and dressed for dinner. Watched the sunset and here I am.

          Now to your letters.  They were marked March 29, 31 and April 9.  No comment on the late letters except that now I know about Linda's eyes and I'm tickled that there is nothing really wrong.

          Yes dear I can drink as much beer as Gilman or anybody.  It's just a matter of practice.  However, I'm leaving hard liquor alone because in this climate it hits me like a "ton of bricks."

          I don't think we'll have a second dentist aboard.  As a matter of fact I don't want one.  Chances are he would be senior to me and I'd do most of the work.  As it is now, I run my department as I please and don't really have any boss.  That's the way I like it so I'll leave it well enough alone.

          "As Thousands Cheer" was an oldie which we evidently missed.  The "live" entertainers were all right but nothing exciting.

          Now I know what happened to the tire, too.  However, don't worry about it.  It's just one of those things.  You really ought to have the clutch fixed pronto.  If it does give out it'll just be an additional expense.

          I re-lived all your recollections on the road to Arrowhead.  Someday, sooner than you think we will re-explore that country together (I hope).

          This is no advice I can get for you so many miles away.  By all means, if you feel you need to, see Dr. Lewis and find out what he has to say.

          Now quit holding out.  Send those snaps of yourself along with the kids.  I had some more taken on the island the other day though they aren't too hot, I'll send them as soon as I can.

          I'm glad you enjoyed "Roughly Speaking."  I got a big band out of it too.

          We've been seeing most of the movies that you have.  The only one we haven't had yet is "National Velvet" and we'll probably get that soon.  Until we get a new shipment I guess we'll have to put up with old ones.  Tonight we have "Random Harvest." with Ronald Coleman and Greer Garson.  Guess I'll go anyway.

          Today I heard of two more dental officers out here who got their orders at fifteen months.  If we don't get back sooner when I've had twelve months I intend to write requesting Long Beach for my next tour of duty.

          Nothing more new or different so I'll sign off.  Goodnight my Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Loving you Always,

Gil

Colored Prints Expensive

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 5 April 1945, 7:15 PM

My Dearest,

          Hello Honey, I was busy all day but didn't do any dentistry to speak of.  Only saw one patient.

           I've been without a watch for a week or so.  This morning another officer and I got into our whale-boat and went over to a ship that was equipped to do watch repair.  I knew one of the engineering officers aboard her and through him both watches will be repaired.  My Bulova will be cleaned, and the service watch has broken spring to be replaced.  They will both be done in a week to ten days.

          After that we stopped at a hospital ship and looked around it.  Had some real ice cream and returned to our ship.  That was when I worked on the patient who was waiting.  It was then also that I found more mail. There were four letters from you, an Easter card from Linda, a letter from Ethyl and a V-mail from Libby.

          After lunch it was my turn to take the liberty part ashore and I didn't get back to the ship until 5:15.  Then I showered and dressed for dinner.  After which we enjoyed a very colorful sunset and here I am.

          I wrote Libby about some pictures Jim took of Ambie and me and some with Jim and me.  She says she saw them and they are good.  She'll get some black and white prints, the colored ones are "so expensive."  Write her and offer to pay for them, the cheapskate.

          Now to you letters.  Wish you'd get over your nerves and gas attacks.  How about it? Promise me you'll settle down.  I haven't heard from Diego in some time so I don't know how many have shipped out lately.

          About the Buick, the valves were ground (I think) in Diego but Sam could make some tests to determine whether they need it or not.  Before you drive to Arrowhead be sure the car is in good running order.

          Anita Rose sure made her mind up in a hurry.  I do hope she isn't plunging into something--war marriages you know.

          About Mrs. Ottis.  Her daughter is working and is the one who agreed to pay to have the work done.  I believe they have a car.  Posner will know best how to handle the account.

          I remember reading time at the Steingart's and I'll take over my end the first chance I get.  Until them you have to carry on for both of us.

          No more for now Sweet.  Goodnight and please snap out of your present state of nerves.  For me? Please?

Loving you always,

Gil

P.S.    The movie is a real oldie "Union Pacific."

Gil

The photos that Libby said were good. All taken in Hawaii.

Gil and Jim Frug

Another of Gil and Jim

Gil and Ambie

Sell the Wolf Jacket

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco
            Tuesday 28 November 1944, 9:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Happy Birthday Darling. Although I wasn't able to be with you, I did think about you all day long.

          Today was another busy day.  I worked in my office all day or should I say all morning and part of the afternoon.  However I was all cleaned up by 2:30 so I wangled a boat from the exec and four of us went ashore for a few beers at the Officers' Club.  We got back at 5:00 had dinner at 5:30 and then checkers until 7:30, movie time.  Tonight we had "Lucky Jordon" with Alan Ladd.  The last time I saw it you were at Arrowhead, remember.  You didn't want to see any gangster movies so I took it in at while you were away.

          Now back to your letters.  I really would like some more recent photos of the kids.  I'll really look forward to getting them.  The music you sent was swell and several numbers are just what I wanted.  Haven't done a thing with the piano.  It's kept in the crew's mess hall and it seems that they are always eating up or cleaning up there.  Besides I don't have as much time as you think.  As a matter of fact this is the first moment today when there wasn't something for me to do.

          Who said your pictures aren't up in my room?  You hold the center spot amongst my pin-up girls and believe me yours is still my favorite.  Norma and Linda, Dick and Babs grace another wall so at least I can see some of my family when I'm in my room.

          About the car scratches.  I believe that our insurance covers that without any additional payments.  Check it and if so have the car fixed up.  However if it is necessary to pay additional money let it ride till later.

          Wish I could see you in your new dress or even without any clothes. Who said we'd be going out?  I've got other ideas.

          I see you're still talking about Brentwood.  Well everything comes with time.  Just take it easy and don't get excited.  There'll be plenty of lots and oodles of time to buy them before building materials become available.

          I'm getting caught up with my correspondence.  Recently  I've written to Ruth, your mother, my mother, Deb and Dave, the Fleischers, the Leavys, Libby and Jack Taylor.  I still owe several more and it doesn't look like I'll ever catch up.

          Dear, sell the wolf jacket if you like.  After all it's yours and if you can't enjoy it you might as well have the money to get something you can enjoy.

          So Sol got "new construction."  That seems to be the desire of all officers and men overseas--to go back to the states for new construction.  Who knows where our paths may cross, Sols and mine?  This is really a small world as I've had opportunities to observe.

          Yes dear I know what things cost but you're just beginning to find out.  Now you know why I used to fuss at times about economizing.  Now you know for yourself.

          Talking about Xmas and picture puzzles. In my gear locker, I have twenty crossword puzzles.  I must break them out for the men.  I've also been thinking about Xmas but so far my mind is a total blank.  I'm going to scout around for ideas.

           So it's still raining?  Well it is out here too.  As a matter of fact it rained during the movie and I'm still pretty wet.  However that does help in keeping cool so why change.

          "Strange Fruit" is aboard and I'm going to read it as soon as it's available.  They tell me it's "plenty hot."

          There was no mail today but who am I to complain after all I got yesterday?

          Just the same I hope the mail man favors me tomorrow.  You'll never know how much I look to hearing from my Sweetheart.

          Sweet, do you remember the "Captain" story and the ideas we got from it?  Better brush up on it for when I get back--or don't you need any brushing up?

          Really dear, I'm all writ out.  So--good night my love with a thousand kisses and nice close hugs from your loving husband to his birthday gal.

With loving thoughts

Gil

         

Can't See Scratches on the Buick

Eleanor and Norma in Front of Ruth and Harry's House