Get Hold of a Chicago Tribune of October 19th

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

             Sunday 24 December 1944, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Got ten letters today and they were a most welcome Xmas present.  There was one from Libby and one from your mother.  The rest were from you.

          I was slightly inebriated last night and though I wrote you I probably didn't make much sense.  Anyway I feel swell today and I've snapped out of that mood I was in.  I didn't work today so I've spent a leisurely quiet Sunday reading eating and resting.

          No dear I don't play the piano.  It is in the mess hall.  I explained in a previous letter why I don't use it.  There is plenty of music aboard now so please don't send any more.  Yes I received the correspondence course.

          I don't know how long we'll stay here.  By the way get a hold of a Chicago Tribune of October 19th.  There is an interesting story in there which will answer many of your questions.  We should be moving further west in thirty days or so but that depends entirely on how well we fair in the present Philippine engagements.

          Yes, Hartfield will stay on as skipper. Our exec was the navigator aboard.  Right again.  I meant jigsaw and not crossword puzzles.  The Ocelot greeting when it is reduced in size is in V-mail form and photographed will look a lot different than it does in the original.  However I didn't send any out personally.  Instead I sent the cards I bought in Honolulu and those you sent me.

          Most of the men who went back to the states had been at sea since last January.  So you see there is a lot of chance for me to get back within the year and maybe sooner than we dare hope.  Let's keep our fingers crossed and see.

          Hartfield is a lieutenant.  I learned today that Samuels got in on construction of a new APA.

          How far do you think two pair of socks will go?  Send me half a dozen.

          Now Dearest, by the time you get this letter the holidays will be past and I do hope you've overcome your blueness.  I know it's hard to take but you must face it.  A few more months and who knows who'll walk in?

          Back to me.  Had religious services aboard today as usual and have arranged with a nearby aircraft carrier to send our men over there for Xmas services tomorrow.

          The movie tonight is "Kismet" with Marlene Dietrich besides a "March of Time." Last night's movie was "Babes on Swing Street" with Peggy Ryan and a couple of shorts not worth mentioning.

          My mustache and beard are coming right along and I do hope I can have a picture taken before I take it off.  I wonder if you'd know me?

          Darling, do you remember when we moved to San Diego how happy we were to be together?  Well this is our last separation.  When I return the war will be almost over and we'll always be together from then on.

          Good night my love, parting is such sweet sorrow, till me meet tomorrow.

Devotedly

Gil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aboard Ship Sunday Is Just Another Day

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

           U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O San Francisco
             Saturday 7 October 1944, 9:30 PM

My darling,

          Just saw the movie aboard and here I am again.  The picture "Do It Big" was just fair entertainment.  Jack Haley, Harriet Hilliard and Ozzie Nelson were the stars.  Now for a little visit.

          Nothing much since my last writing.  Saw three patients this afternoon and when I finished I played a few games of checkers.  It was pretty warm today and I felt much better after my daily shower and change of apparel.

          Sweet I'm going to make something for you and the kids.  Please send me the waist measurements of each of you.  It will take time to make but it should be done for Xmas.  Don't ask what "it" is going to be.  Be patient now and be surprised later (I hope).

          How did your new maid pan out?  I hope she showed up and works out OK.  I meant to mention it in this morning's letter but forgot.  The music you sent sure made good time. It was postmarked the 30th of September and arrived here on the 6th.  That is almost as fast as airmail.  Must have come over on a pretty fast ship.

          I should be receiving scads of mail soon.  I've written Taylor, Gilman, Bergman, Vanetek, Deb and Dave, Ruth, Libby, Earnest, Nina, Aranoff, Harry S., Davis and my cousin in Bell Harbor.  We'll write Marty, Sam, Bill and Dave Katz soon.  I've written several more that I can't recall just now but I'm doing a fair job.

          Al and I have a tentative date for tomorrow.  After our visit I'll finish this note.  Until then take it easy, Sweet.  Now I'm going to bed and dream about you and I after the war.

Lovingly

                      Gil

Sunday 8 October 1944, 9:30 AM

Good morning Sweetheart,

          This being Sunday, call for breakfast was 7:30 instead of 7:00.  Otherwise, at sea or I should say, aboard a ship, Sunday is just another day.

          This morning our welfare account was audited and then a book was set up for me to keep.  I'm finding plenty to keep me busy outside of my dental office.  I am mess treasurer now and have to collect the mess bill from each officer at the beginning of the month.  Then I have to pay for all food and supplies we draw from the general mess and that is purchased from other sources.  Then I'm still trying to get more books for our library without paying for them and that requires a lot of running around.  By the time I get home I'll be a real chiseler and you know how I hate to ask for anything for nothing.

          Well honey, this is Sunday, the day we spent together.  Boy wouldn't I like to get into the car and drive you and the kids down the beach for a stroll.  Then take Linda and Norma to the merry-go-round.  Do you remember how scared Linda was the first time I took her on?  Now she rides like it is an everyday occurrence.  After the war I won't be so anxious to dash off and leave our girls at home.

          Bye Sweet, I've got some more things to do.  Will write again tonight.  I know you are giving my regards to all so I don't have to ask you to do it.

Lovingly

Gil

 

Attended Kol Nidre Servuce--Chaplain Not Concerned About Pleasing Mr. and Mrs. Gotrock

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Tuesday 26 September 1944,9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from the Kol Nidre service and found six letters waiting for me.  You see I had liberty today. I didn't get back to the ship until it was time to go to the service so the exec and I shoved off immediately.  The Captain hasn't attended any of the services as far as I know.  I enjoyed this service much more than the last one because the place was much larger and cooler. The service itself was quite simple and the sermon was one that could well be repeated in all houses of worship.  But then the chaplain wasn't at all concerned about keeping his pulpit or pleasing Mr. and Mrs. Gotrock who contributed lavishly to the building fund.  He spoke his mind and we listened and liked it.

          While on liberty today I bought a couple of cute pinafores for the kids. Both are alike. I hope they fit because they set me back $8.80.  Glad pay day is soon because with all the shopping I've done I have very little left.  Besides I will have to pay $25.00 to the mess out of my next pay which will leave me about $35 for the next two weeks.

          This garden cafe I mentioned turned out to be a private club that opened its doors to officers.  Because they close at 7:00 P.M. all one can do there is drink and eat.  I imagine though that they've really had some beautiful affairs when times were normal.

          You ask if I enjoy your long letters.  That is what I and all the others aboard live for, a letter from home.  Regarding the San Diego business you ask about, everything is OK.  As far as my getting back to the states before my present tour of duty is up, the chances are very slim indeed.  I'll consider any such event as "manna" from heaven.

          Regarding music, how about sending along those dime store booklets you purchased last year.  Also send along the music notes I have.  There is a piano and I might find time to practice if I had the chords and base forms to follow.  There are two note books, send them both.

          Will finish in the morning dear, good night and sleep well.

Wednesday 10:45 AM

          Good morning Sweet.  Did you sleep well? Did both our girls behave all night and not disturb you?

          This has been a busy morning and this is the first free time I've had.  No more mail this morning but all the letters I got yesterday afternoon should keep me until 1:00 PM when I'll look for more.  I got a letters from the "Gs", Deb and Dave, Miss Earnest and thee from my Sweetheart.  Sounds like you had a busy week-end planned and now that Norma is well again you should take it easy and not overdo.

          Tomorrow my photos should be ready and I'll send them right along.  Will know more about Xmas card by then also (I hope)

          There is no use trying to guess where we going next.  I don't know so how can I tell you.  We will probable receive casualties because we are equipped to handle them but we won't be a hospital ship and when we get there it'll be all over but the shouting.

          Do you remember how I always wanted to be on the go and never wished to stay home? Well dear after this war I'll be satisfied to remain anywhere as long as I have you and our girls with us.

          Enough for now dear.  I want to get this off right away.  Goodbye for now, will visit with you again tonight.

With all my love,

Gil