Nine Fillings, Examined Eight Men

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 18 January 1945, 6:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another day. Another dollar.  Began today with my usual morning routine.  Put in nine fillings, examined eight men and appointed them for work.

           Then mail call. Got a letter from Mike, a short note and the baby announcement from Bob.  Then there were a couple of Xmas cards from patients and some Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery literature.  Then I went up to my room and found the book "Fountainhead" you had sent and also the book Libby had sent.  By the way if you send me any more books be sure they are properly wrapped for mailing.  The binding was slightly warped, probably got wet.

          After lunch I read some until the afternoon mail came.  I got a letter from your mother and one from you written on the back of the Yearbook circular letter.  Yes dear, I'll enjoy the "Yearbook" a lot.

          There really isn't anything new to write about.  Three of the officers are still awaiting orders back to the states but so far no soap.  We are five officers over complemented so orders should come through most any day.

          Today has been unusually hot and now that the sun is down we'll all cool off a little.

          The movie tonight is a 4.0 picture, "Going My Way" with Bing Crosby.  I think I've seen it but I enjoy a good musical the second time just as much as the first showing.

          Darling do you remember when the Navy sent you a check for transportation for you and the kids from Santa Monica to San Diego?  Did they send you my original orders to report for active duty?  If you have it please send it on.  It should be in my personal file and I don't seem to have it.

          Well Sweet I'm just about run out.  Do you remember when you went to Philly and I wrote to you?  Am I putting more down in writing now than then or am I still keeping "under cover?"  Well, when I get home to hell with the cover.  I can hardly wait for those happy days.

          Good night Honey, I'm going to sign off now.  Love and kisses to you and ours.

Love,

Gil

Reported to U.S. Naval Repair Base in San Diego

                         

Monday 17 January 1944

1830 o'clock (6:30 P.M.)

Dear Eleanor,

          Just got through unpacking and hanging up my kit.  This sure is a busy place but they tell me things are quiet now, so I've got something to look forward to.

          The officer who took me around is a commander who just today received a promotion to captain.  I believe he is leaving for the Great Lakes Naval Station in a month.  Tomorrow he will take me around to meet the bosses and arrange for my pay and transportation.

          There are two men in the dental department who went to school with me and the rest of them are so friendly that I should feel at home right smart quick.  From what I was able to see today, the type of dentistry done here is of a very high level.  All the talk you hear about dentistry in the service is untrue.  Should you want to reach me after hours, I am at the B.O.Q.-- J room 4.  The phone number is Main 7212.  My work hours are 7:45 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00.  Send all mail addressed: Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart DC-USNR, U.S. Naval Repair Base, San Diego 36, California.

          Noontime today I was aboard an airplane carrier.  Lunch was 35 cents for meatloaf, potatoes, coffee and a whipped jello.  Dinner was 45 cents. I had oyster stew, rare roast beef, potatoes, peas, coffee and cream pie.  I am not eating any bread, potatoes or butter--must watch my waist line.

          Everything at the base is very informal.  You only salute officers with the rank of commander or higher.  Either the blue or grey uniform may be worn, so in a pinch I could wear by dress blue.  I'll also wear my blue on Mondays if I come in just in time to go to work.

          Will write again tomorrow.  Love and kisses to you, Linda Norma.  As ever

  Your loving husband,

Gil