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

Pom Pom and Tuba

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 5 August 1945, 7:20 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Today is Sunday. As I've written previously, I am not taking any appointments on this day.  So I have a whole day off.  Well almost.

          Our baseball league competition began today so we took four teams over to the beach and ran two games simultaneously.  After the game we served beer all around.  We left the ship at 8:30 and got back at 11:30 just in time to wash and eat lunch.

          After lunch I settled the wardroom commissary bill.  Then I worked up a rough draft of the mess statement.  I read from "China to Me" until it was time to shower and dress for dinner.

          Chow this evening was excellent.  We had chicken noodle soup, fruit salad, roast chicken with dressing, giblet gravy, peas and spuds (which are shipped).  For dessert we had cookies and black walnut ice cream (I had two dishes).  Then we played cribbage and here I am.

          Kay Kaines is out here and put on a shows last night and tonight.  I was too tired to go last night and two lazy tonight.  We sent a party of 150 men last night.  They all enjoyed it except for five men who wandered off and got some "pom-pom" (guess what) for $10.00 and then drank some native brew called "tuba." When they got back to the ship they had to be carried aboard and have their stomachs pumped.  Bet they never drink that stuff again.  As to the pom-pom, prophylactic treatment was given. Although  they'll undoubtedly get by, there is a terrific amount of venereal disease among the natives.

          I got two letters today.  One from my Sweet and one from Libby.  From the way Libby writes Nat's illness is serious.  I do hope she is wrong.

          Today's letter was marked the 30th.  Now I'm missing the 27th and 29th.  I see you are still worrying about your weight.  With all the running around and work you've be doing there shouldn't be any reason for dieting, unless of course you are stuffing yourself with candy.  Are you?

          For tonight the movie is "Thrill of a Romance" and is supposed to be good.  That is all for tonight so bye until tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

d

Still Sweating It Out

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 3 August 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Sweetheart,

          Here I am still sweating it out.  Worked all morning as usual but this afternoon was field day so no appointments. Instead I worked on the wardroom statement and read for awhile.  I'm reading "China to Me," by Emily Hahn. It is an autobiography and quite interesting.  Then I showered, censored mail and dressed for dinner.  After chow we played cribbage and now here I am.  My routine doesn't change very much, does it?

          It is still hot with no clouds to shade the ships and sea from old sol.  Just to give you an idea of the heat.  I was reading with a fan, just three feet away, blowing down on my back. My back was quite cool and yet sweat just poured off me where the air from the fan wasn't hitting me.  I've given up looking for rain though I suppose it'll rain tomorrow because it's my turn to take the liberty party ashore.

          Tom Glass, our supply officer, got his orders today and returns to the states in about a week.  Cox is still awaiting his relief.  Hope when my orders come that I don't have to sit around and wait like he is.  It has been almost 4 months.  That would drive me nuts.

          I got two letters and the hunting knife from you today.  It's a good knife. Although I don't expect ever to need to use it, it's good to have one.  I had bought one aboard for $1.35 and sold it for $2.00 today.  So everything is okay in that deal.

          When you are busy, I've notice that you are in much better spirits.  I'm glad that you are able to occupy your time so well.

          God knows when the shaver will get here by parcel post.  Packages are received out here via air mail but all the dope I could get on it was in the request letter I sent you.  Anyway it is on its way now and maybe it won't take too long.

          Penicillin was first used by the Army and Navy.  Its application is quite simple and its usefulness is quite universally known.  Just some more Goodman propaganda I guess.

          Tonight's movie is "Don Juan Quilligan" with William Bendix.  It should be good.  I enjoyed "A Medal for Benny" last night.  I hope you did too.

          That is thirty for tonight Sweet.  So goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Yours forever,

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

Arranged Catholic and Protestant Services

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday February 11, 1945, 10:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello darling, this being Sunday, how about an extra hug and kiss.  Swell, I knew you'd be agreeable.

          Between arranging Catholic and Protestant services and dentistry I had quite a busy morning.  However after lunch six of us went ashore and did a little elbow bending.  In between drinks I managed a little time for hunting shells.  I also picked up a ripe coconut and I'm making a paper weight of it.  It will be an interesting souvenir of this place.

          Got back a little high. Showered and changed for dinner.  After eating, another fellow and I went up on the bridge and enjoyed our usual evening breeze.  We've really had some beautiful sunsets, but today topped them all.  As the sun set in the west the clouds on the eastern horizon took on a beautiful pink hue, on the western horizon the clouds changed from white to yellow to orange and then on to deepening shades of red until it faded into a grey.  In between these clouds the sky was a deep blue which changed to robin egg blue and then to a blue green as it merged with the horizon.  Guess my description isn't so hot but you know if I take the time write about anything like a sunset it must have been beautiful.  Oh yes, when looking at a sunset on the seas the water also makes an interesting study.  The reddish clouds reflected their hues onto the gray waters to give it a reddish gray appearance and as the light faded from the skies the water took on a mysterious deep blue color.  Guess that is enough for sunsets.

          Went to the movie as usual.  We had "Girl Rush" but it is one movie people won't rush to see.  "Poor" is putting it mildly.  By the way last night's "Sunday Dinner for a Soldier," was quite good.  See it.

          After the movie I went up to the wardroom and saw some shipboard battle scenes.  It wasn't what one would call entertaining but it did illustrate some of the horrors of war very graphically.

          After that I was brought a large paper cup full of ice cream.  We make our own once a week and buy some from another ship twice a week, so we get enough of that.

          We've also got fresh lettuce and celery aboard.  It is the first we've had since we were in the Hawaiians.  Now if I could get some fresh tomatoes and fresh milk I'd be satisfied.  That is if I could have you too.  Guess when I get any of the above I'll get them all.  I hope it will be soon.

          After reading the last paragraph I've decided that I'm not quite sober yet so--good night Honey and pleasant dreams.  Until tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

The Food Is Swell--No Ration Stamps Either

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco
             Tuesday 5 December 1944, 9:55 PM

My Dearest,

          Hello Darling, I never thought just a letter from home could make me so happy, especially when that letter is from my Sweet.  I got eight letters, five from you, one from my mother (card), one from Libby and one addressed to the chaplain. I pinch hit for the chaplain because there isn't one.

          Libby seemed concerned about me because she hadn't heard lately but she should receive my last letter soon now.  The one addressed to the chaplain was from a worried mother about her boy.  She hadn't heard in three weeks. He really has been writing.  Anyway in the morning, I'll get a letter off reassuring her that all is well with her son.

          Not let's get back to us.  Leon is slightly mixed up about his ships. An APA is a transport used to bring men up in attack.  They aren't called even that any more.  Now they are AP with the last "A" dropped.  The innards of the ship are the same as any troop transport.  Anyway don't worry we aren't that nor are we participating in any invasions.  I didn't say we weren't going to the Philippines.  I said we weren't there.  If and when we get there things should be well under control.  Spitzer was with us until his ship came in and then he left to join his outfit.  For a while we had many officers aboard and were quite crowded. As I explained it was only by accident that we got to talking.  Just a day or so before he left.

          The size of the ship is still the same, it always was a fairly large one and with a lot of men aboard sanitation is vital, hence the thorough daily inspections.

          Yes dear, Lt. Samuels is no longer our captain and the exec will be the skipper from now until relieved, not temporarily.  I gave Samuels your phone and he may call collect although I doubt that he will go to all that trouble. I didn't tell you sooner lest you'd hang (?) around anticipating a call that never materialized.

          Yes, we all enjoy movies.  Right now, I'm soaked.  It poured as usual just in the middle of the picture.  It was "Invisible Stripes" with Raft and Bogart.  At least five years old but good and we got a kick out of it.

          We'll probably be here for some time but there is no telling.  A few victories and off we go to new places.  I doubt whether we'll go back to the Hawaiians for a while.  As a matter of fact the next time I see that place will probably be on my way home.  Guam isn't our locality but we're not very far from it.

          OK Sweet that jewelry ensemble is a hit.  I now have $149 to my credit and my food bill for this month is paid.  Unless I run into some unexpected civilization, by the time I get home, I should have quite a wad saved up.  Don't worry about my uniforms, they are well cared for and they still fit.  As a matter of fact the khakis are size 36 and my greys were 38.

          The food is still swell.  We have large refrigeration space and carry enough fresh food to last three months or more, depending on how many we have aboard.  In fact we could get along fairly well for 6 months without taking on any addition supplies.  Yesterday we had chop suey and noodles for one meal and creamed chicken for dinner.  Today we had meatloaf and beef stew.  For breakfast you can have all of hot cakes, eggs (any style), French toast, sausage, bacon, fruit juice, powdered milk (when cold it tastes OK), canned whole figs, toast, butter and coffee.  No ration stamps either.  We make our own ice cream and the cream pies the bakers make are the best I've ever eaten.  I can see your mouth watering and it's really the way it reads.  In spite of it all though what wouldn't I give for one of you home cooked meals!

          Catching up on correspondence seems an endless job. Xmas greetings will have to take the place of many letters this month.

          Go a little south dear and see what you find.  Who cares what Sylvia thinks?  I'll take you as you are and how I'll love it--and you will too.  I hope.

          I hope I'll be home by summer. Thirty days leave spent at Lake Arrowhead sounds well.  Make plans to go there anyway and with a little luck I'll join you. I can dream can't I?

          I do hope Dave gets sent to officers training but frankly I doubt whether he will.  It is a long story but from what many ensigns have told me he just isn't eligible.  Don't say anything to Deb or him about it.

          Gosh, my clothes are wet but there is plenty of sweat mixed in with the rain.

          Forget about a Xmas job.  Are you crazy?  Waiting on people for eight hours in a Xmas rush is a lot different than teaching school and don't forget you still have two darlings at home to care for.

          Today was just another day.  Worked in the morning.  After lunch I censored some mail then the skipper, Cox (my roomy) and two other officers when ashore for a couple of drinks.  The club didn't have any beer so we drank cokes.  At three they serve whiskey for an hour but there was such a mob that one drink apiece was all we tried to get. Then we returned to the ship.

          Well, what a long winded letter! A fifty minute visit. What a swell one.  Dear, do you remember how we'd always recount the day's events when I came home from work?  After the war let's continue with that too.

          Good night my love, my darling.  I love you with all my heart and soul.

Devotedly

Gil

         

    

Work and Chow

Wednesday 1 November 1944, 10:55 PM

Dearest Sweet,

          How is my love tonight?  Are our two darlings behaving or shall I give you a hand?  Gee I wish I could.  It would be fun to get Linda and Norma ready for bed.  I'd undress both of them tonight with the greatest of pleasures even with my blues on.  And then after they were comfortably tucked in you and I would have a "late" on the studio couch.  Nice dreaming anyway.

          Well darling today consisted of the same sixes and sevens.  Work and chow and work and more chow.  I haven't weighed lately so I'll check myself in the morning.

          There were many clouds in the sky today and all day it looked like rain but so far no such luck.  If it did rain, I'd promised myself to strip down and just sit out on deck and cool off.  However there is a nice breeze blowing now and it has been blowing for the past several hours and believe me I sat out there and enjoyed every moment of it.  It'll probably rain but I guess not until after I've turned in.

          Darling, do you remember our honeymoon at Lake Arrowhead?  My but it was hot!  Remember how we pushed the bed so that it was almost hanging out of the window to get an extra breath of air.  Sweet if you and I were there now I wouldn't care how hot it was.  Let's go back after the war.  Is it a date?

          Good night honey.  I do feel extra loving tonight so how about a big hug and kiss and right now, not later.  Thank you dear, that was swell.

Lovingly

Gil

World Gets Smaller All the Time

Saturday 17 September 1944, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from liberty and decided to write a few lines.  Breakfast, as usual this morning, then a little work in my office.  Before noon I chased down to the prosthetic lab to pick up some castings for that bridge I'm making.  Returned to the ship for lunch and then Hansen, Cox and I went on liberty.  We had a couple of drinks in a couple of bars and then went to the place I described to you in detail last time.  We spent the afternoon there and didn't leave until 7:00 PM.

          While we were sitting there, in walked three couples, and one of the girls looked familiar.  Do you remember the McCloud girl who taught Hy and me tap dancing?  Well it was she.  She came out here to get married and the big event is coming off next week.  I just said, "Santa Monica."  She looked around and when she saw me came over and shook hands.  This world gets smaller all the time.  We left and got a bus to go back to the ship and who would get on but Dr. Matson who was in San Diego with me and then sent to the Sea Bees.  He's on his way but doesn't know where.

          So much for now dear, I've had quite a few drinks and am pretty high.  Will finish in the morning.  Good night my darling and pleasant dreams.

Sunday, 8:45 AM

          Good morning, Sweet, how are you today?  Note the difference in the writing?  Last night I wrote on my cot, now I'm at my desk in the office.

          By the way I picked up a newspaper, a day or two old this morning.  There was a picture of the young lady I mentioned having met last night.  I evidently got the name wrong.  It is Valerie McCoy.  I believe Babs took "tap" from her.

          Tonight I'll attend the Rosh Hashanah service here.  Today, although it is Sunday, work goes on a usual.  I have a patient in the chair and am waiting for some Novocain to take effect before I go to work.  No mail yesterday so I hope to get a couple of letters today.  If not I'll probably hit the jackpot tomorrow.

          Sweetheart today is the 17th and our home is now available.  Gee, I wish I was there to help you get settled.  Please take it easy.  If you can't get moved in in a couple of days, take a week.  There really is no hurry.  You still have a roof over your head.

          Do you remember the Stevens Hotel in Chicago overlooking the lake? After this war let's go back to Chicago and maybe go on from there to Canada and visit with Belle and Charlie.  Have you heard from them recently?

          Well darling, I must go to work now.  I'm always thinking of you and love you so.

Your impatient husband

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

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

Bought Grass Skirts

Wednesday 30 August 1944, 8:00 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Good morning dear.  How about a nice big kiss?  Thank you Sweet, that was nice.  Went on liberty yesterday.  Stopped downtown and did some shopping.  I am sending you a house dress, sun suit, and blouse.  For Norma and Linda I am sending grass skirts.  Here is an interesting item about the grass skirts that are sold to be sent out of the island.  The grass skirt that is straw colored is made of material purchased in the States.  The skirts that are made up of different colors are made of the bark of a tree obtained in the Society Islands in the French East Indies.  I'm sending the kids the East Indian variety.  Your sun suit is called a "malo" and has a sarong and skirt all in one piece and a bra.  The salesgirl put the ties through the loops and tied them so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting into it.

          After my shopping, Graves (one of the officers aboard) and I went to the beach.  As I told you

               censored

What a difference!  By then we were hungry so we hunted until we found a good Chinese restaurant. I still like shrimp, et. al.  Did we eat!

          Well darling after dinner we walked around and at 8:15 caught a bus back to the base.  Hope I get some mail this morning.  Got a letter from Deb on Monday but none from you and none yesterday either.  But then, that's just the way the mail is nowadays.

          My yesterday's letter was slightly cut up just because I suggested the

               censored 

we would

               censored

Sorry!

          No more for the present Sweetheart.  Time to go to work.  Till tomorrow then

Love,

Gil

Met an Old Maid and Her Mother in Honolulu

Monday 28 August 1944, 8:20 AM

 

Dearest Wife,

          Good morning.  You're still asking questions and I'll try and answer them.  Those people I met in town are an old maid of at least 45 and her mother.  They've lived in
              
                censored

for over 20 years.  I didn't look at their bank account so I can't tell you if they're well off or not.  They were very hospitable to us considering that three of the four of us were total strangers.  We left at six even though we were asked to stay for supper.  Ate in town and returned to the ship.  There is no evening.  We are usually on the way back to the base not later than 8:30.  I've been asking about "The Anchor."  No one knows what it is although I can make a pretty good guess.

          Tomorrow I go on liberty and intend to do some shopping.  I know you write long letters dear, but there is nothing to write about and what there is to tell can't be told because of censorship.  I haven't been off this ship since Thursday so--I get up, shower, shave, eat breakfast and then to work.  At noon, dinner, then maybe a game or two of checkers and more work.  Then supper and a social hour in the ward room.  Movies at 7:45 PM.  Last night we saw a stinker.  First an Edgar Kennedy short and then some picture based on "Are These Our Children" which was lousy.  Then back to the ward room for awhile and so to bed.  Interesting isn't it?

          I've only missed writing one day since we left Diego so if you haven't received all my letters you will.  I'll try to look up some of those people.  When I talked to the chaplain yesterday he suggested my coming over to his office.  He said he could help me find whomever I was looking for.

          I dropped Leon a note last week, also my sister.  We'll see if Leon answers.  If not then he is a rat.

          So long darling, I must go to work now.  Till later

Your loving husband

Gil

Dole Pineapple Cannery

Friday 25 August 1944,  8:45 AM

 

 

Dearest Eleanor,

          Went on liberty again yesterday.  Went over to the dental clinic and met Jackson.  We had lunch at the Officers' Club and are planning to get together one day next week.  Met some of the officers of our ship and went out with them.  We returned to the base and did a little elbow bending at the Submarine Officers' Club.  Then we returned to the ship.  It was about 8:45 PM then, and we hadn't had any dinner so--we went into the galley and I concocted an omelet of catsup, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and eggs.  We ate every bit of it so it must have been, at least, edible.

          A few of us recently visited the largest pineapple cannery in the world.  I drank ice cold juice and ate sliced pineapple until it came out of my ears, but I still like the stuff.  The tour through the plant takes one hour and I was impressed by the cleanliness of it all.  Every bit of the pineapple is used, even down to the shell which is used as feed for cattle.

          Well dear, nothing much else to tell.  I took out a couple of juicy impactions and surprised myself.  Even though I haven't done any real surgery in months everything went smooth and even the patients survived.  Right now I'm waiting for an anesthetic to take effect.  The patient says it is really numb so I've got to go back to work.

          Bye dear till tonight.  I love you and miss you.

Your own husband,

Gil