80 Degrees

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 11 July 1945, 10:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello honey how is my Sweet tonight?  I'm still the busiest dentist on the ship, there aren't any others.  Was swamped under all morning and worked this afternoon until 3:00 P.M.  Then I had my wardroom books audited.  Following which I made out an order for some more recreation gear.  By then it was 4:15 so I retired to my room for some reading and relaxation.  Also, I had some mail to censor. Before I knew it, it was time to shower and dress for dinner.

          After chow we played cribbage until 7:30 and then went to see tonight's cinema.  We had an excellent color cartoon and a short about Nova Scotia.  The feature attraction "Hangover Square" with Laird Craeger and Linda Darnell which was also good.  However don't see it.  There are a few murders and such.

          Today was the coolest it has been since we've been here.  As a matter of fact I felt cold lying in my skivvies and reading this afternoon.  So when I got dressed I went up to the bridge to check the thermometer.  What do you know?  It had dropped to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and I was cold.  Will you keep me warm when I get home?

          There are several questions I've failed to answer.  About our chaplain, one was requested but so far none has shown up.  Dr. Law is the second doctor aboard but he is only on temporary duty until the one who was assigned to us arrives. That should be in fifteen days or thereabouts.

          That is all for now darling so I'll say "nite-nite" my dear and until tomorrow I'll always be

Loving you as ever,

Gil

Civilian First Class

Lieut.  Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 9 July 1945, 6:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey, here I am again.  For a change today, I was busier than ever.  I worked form 8:15 till 11:30 and then went to lunch.  After chow I had a one and one-thirty appointment and secured at 2:00 PM.

          I got word that a ship was leaving for the states and had some recreational gear to dispose of.  I took a boat over there and got about $200 worth of equipment for nothing.  I'll never know why they gave me the stuff and didn't want any money. But I didn't ask questions.  We are only allowed $200 a year by the Navy and have to make up the difference from ship store profits.  So the skipper and everyone else concerned are tickled pink to get the stuff.  We got six tennis racquets, baseball gloves mitts, and bases, checkers and boards, etc.  Not bad, eh.

          I got all the stuff back aboard and stowed by 5:00 PM.  Then I had my hair cut, showered and dressed for dinner.

          This month's ALNAV is out and from the way it reads the promotion period will be extended to eighteen months beginning next month.  They aren't stopping promotions but they are dragging it out so that they might just as well.  I know I'll never make Lieutenant Commander and don't want to.  Civilian first class is okay with me.

          I got three letters today postmarked July 2 and that isn't bad.  Don't you worry about when I get home.  No one will horn in on our honeymoon, least of all your sister Ruth.           I do hope Norma gets over her indisposition soon because I know how upsetting her being sick can be.  Did you take her to the doctor's as I suggested?

          Dick's carrying on is disgusting.  It is no wonder he has been sick so much and he'll be lucky if he doesn't run into any more trouble.

          I enjoyed those pictures you sent especially those of the kids.  Keep on trying. Maybe soon I'll get a snap of the Eleanor I used to know with a real smile on her face.

          Our movie tonight is "The Clock" with Judy Garland.  I hope it's good.

          I'm writing letters to both mothers and Ruth so I've got enough to do for tonight.  Goodnight, my Sweet, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Kids in Cowgirl Outfits

Recreation Island

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 3 March 1945, 7:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Darling, here I am again.  Awoke this morning at 7:45 feeling swell.  Had my usual juice and coffee for breakfast and so to work.      

          I had a busy morning and it was 11:40 AM before I was through with work.  Lunch is at 11:45.  After eating I took it easy for awhile on the poop deck and got some more sun.  I'm sure getting tanned.  Soon I'll look like some of those natives you've seen in the movies.

          At 1:00 PM I returned to my room and just read until 1:30 when I had another appointment.  When I cleaned up my work I returned to my room and censored some mail.

          Today's mail brought a letter from your mother, a card from you written at Rene and Jean, a 5th District Dental Bulletin. The box of fruit you sent came in perfect shape.  I know I'm going to enjoy it.

          It was 3:30 PM when one of the officers said he had a boat alongside which was going to the recreation island.  How about joining the party? It took me two minutes to change shoes and cap and away we went.  I had a few beers, picked up some more shells and got back to the ship at 6:00 PM, just in time to eat dinner.

          After chow I showered.  After getting cleaned up, I dressed and went topside to enjoy a very pretty sunset.  Then I went below for a cup of coffee and watch a crap game but they couldn't quite "seduce" me because it was time for our daily visit and here I am.

          Last night's move, Carol Lombard and Robert Montgomery in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" was old but I couldn't remember having seen it and I enjoyed every moment of it.  Tonight's movie is "Nevada" (with a bunch of unknowns) and several short subjects.  Guess I'll go anyway.

          Time to go now Sweetheart, so good night and pleasant dreams.  Love and kisses with a few hugs thrown in.

Devotedly,

Gil

Removed Another Difficult Impaction

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 29 December 1944, 7:25 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Finally got some mail today.  A letter from your mother, a card from Miss Earnest and four letters from you.  Your letters were postmarked--two on the 13th, one on the 19th and one the 20th.  I've already received mail from you for the 14th, 15th and 16th, so I'm expecting more mail for the blank period tomorrow.

          You mention the B'nai B'rith election being a surprise but give no issues.  How about a list of the new officers!

          I don't remember what the fur jacket cost, but it was around $55.  Looks like you made a good deal-if you collect.  That should be easy as long as she stays.

          Don't send any long socks.  If you can't find any short ones, I'll get by on what I have plus a few cotton ones that I'll buy.

          About the gardener--if the Jap will work more reasonably, I'd rehire him.  After all he was nice and efficient and probably after the war all gardeners will be Japanese again.  We might as well get back on the ground floor so to speak.

          If you didn't get the corsage on Xmas let me know and I'll trace down the money.  I'm glad the dolls were so nice.  Linda's cost $6.30 and Norma's $5.10.

          You mention an "enclosed Xmas card" for me to acknowledge but no card.  Maybe it'll come in one of the other letters.  Anyway let me know who it was from--just to make sure.  Thanks for Curry's address I didn't have it on my list.

          Today was just another day.  I removed another difficult impaction in but thirty minutes.  I'm really getting good at it.  Put in a few fillings and was through as far as my professional duties go.

          I finally got the carpenter to make up a ping pong table.  I bought the balls, paddles and nets in Honolulu and now we're going to have a contest with an award for the best players.

          The rumors I mentioned still come through unchanged so the hope for a return in a few months remains bright.

          It has just poured all day with short period of clearing off in between.  You've never seen such torrential rain in your life.  I like it though because it does make things cooler.

          The movie tonight is the "Cry of the Werewolf," with I forget who.  I must dash now though or I'll miss the second show.

          Darling, do you remember how I'd dash home from the office, gulp some food down and off we'd go to some early movie or something?  Just let me dash home.  I'd forget the rest of that routine.

          Goodnight Sweet and dream about three or four months from now.

Love,

Gil

 

 

Linda With Her Doll, December 1944

At Sea--Cataloguing 1200 Library Books

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
              Monday 23 October 1944, 8:00 PM

censored

Dearest Eleanor,

          This has been a swell day. The sun was not particularly hot today and as a result it was cool and comfortable all day long.

          I did a little work in my office and concentrated on the library the rest of the time.  I didn't realize what a job cataloguing and indexing over 1,200 books was but I know now.  Here is what we are doing.  First we have two cards for each book, one showing the title first the other author first.  Then we have a third card to show the borrowers name and date the book is due.  I will more or less have to classify all non-fiction books according to the Dewey Decimal System.  It is quite a project but I believe I can do it.  So much for our library.

          I've received many requests today for recreational gear and will break those out in the morning.  My next few days will be busy ones but I like that because it helps the time go faster.

          How are you doing?  By now you've probably learned more about me from Al and Jim than I've been able to tell you so I hope all your questions are answered.

          There is little more I can add except that I miss you more each day and doubt whether I'll ever get enough loving to make up for the time we've lost.  However it'll be fun trying.

          Good night Sweet.  I'm going to turn in early.

Loving you always

Gil

Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Tetanus Shots

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
              Monday 16 October 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another busy day.  Right after breakfast I borrowed a Navy sedan and drove over to pick up the rest of the recreational gear I had ordered.  When I returned I saw a couple of patients and then attended to some changes in my quarters.

          I got two letters from you this morning and one from Uncle Mike.  This afternoon I got one from Libby. Showered and changed after lunch and went on another shopping spree and spent a little better than $35.  Now I'm through.  I have plenty planned for the next couple of days.  Lots of letters to write and I must get all these gifts packed and sent off.

          When I returned from my shopping, I went over to the Officers' Club for a few beers and took 1 1/2 hours to lose $1.00 in a slot machine.  Some fun!

          Returned to the ship for dinner and then went back to the Officers' Club to see the movie.  There wasn't one aboard tonight.  The picture "Married by Mistake" with Ruth Hussy and Allan Marshal was very amusing.  Do see it if you get a chance.

          It has been raining on and off all day and over last night.  I got wet at the movie (it was in the open) and I'm going to my room and change into something dry.  There was some painting done there today so I'm writing from my office.  I'll finish in the AM.

          Good night, Sweet, I love you.

Adoringly

Gil

Tuesday 9:00 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,

          How about a big kiss?  Mmm!!  Gee thanks, you didn't have to bite me, did you?  I have your two letters of yesterday before me, so here we go on our daily quiz program.

          You ask about my first visit with Al Klein.  That was when I saw him at his station.  The reason you got confused is on that is because I could not give you any details as to where, when and I how I met him.

          Regarding the course, the Doctor and I are going to work the rest of it together.  That will make it much easier.

          Censoring mail varies.  I'm supposed to have the duty every six days, but with the Xmas rush we are doubling up now so it'll be more often.  This duty was interesting at first but after awhile it gets quite boresome.  However I will say this, some sailors do have a sweetheart in every port and they all (the girls) get the same line of bull.

          Yes, Sweet I have both of my shavers with me and I will be able to use them.  If you get a hold of another one (Willie's or through Dave) send it on "post haste."

          Glad to hear that you are enjoying studying and that the children are working out OK with Betty.  Thanks for those measurements.  I'll get to work on the surprise in a couple of days.

          Even though you are writing often you still have more to tell me than I have to tell you.  I did enjoy the U.S. News clipping.

          Nothing more that is new this AM.  We just finished giving the ship's company their yellow fever shots.  In a couple of days they'll get typhoid and tetanus.  Then back to regular routine.

          That is thirty for now, honey.  I've been at this letter for 1 1/2 hours and I want it to go off this noon.  Bye my own sweet love, till tonight.

Lovingly

Gil

 

Will Be Leaving Pearl Harbor Before Long

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
          Wednesday 11 October, 1944, 9:25 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another busy day.  Worked in my office all day long examining, extracting and filling teeth.  It was so close that I was wringing wet.  However, as soon as I went topside I was dry.

          The recreational gear I ordered was cut to the bone so this time I'm really ordering stuff.  If we get it fine and dandy, if they cut me, we can get by, but I'll reorder a third time.  Maybe by then I'll get what we need.

          No mail today except another song book, so I hardly have anything to write about.  Although I've been busy it has been a straight routine and very uninteresting from a telling standpoint.

          We did have a very good movie tonight. "Abroad With Two Yanks."  It is about two Marines in Australia but there is no war in it.  Just a lot of fun from beginning to end.

          How is the new girl working out?  Do the kids like her?  How much time off is she getting?  Gee, I hope everything is all set now and you can get out for an evening.

          Sweet, it won't be very long before we leave here and then you won't be getting mail for quite some time.  After that you'll get a batch all at once just as you did last time.  I know you'll be patient and not worry when the mailman passes you by.

          I'll send this off after the morning mail and now I'm going to turn in.  Good night my love, my one and only.  You are in my thoughts always and I'm looking to the day when you'll be in my arms again.

Lovingly

Gil

         

The Skipper and I Drove Around

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
             Monday 9 October, 1944, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Well darling, here I am again.  This was a varied day for me.  Censored mail till 8:30.  Examined seven men from our ship and five from another for dental treatment.  Then took care of one of them.  Then went back to reading mail.  By the time I was through it was lunch time and so I ate again.

          After lunch the skipper and I drove out to look for certain recreational gear we needed and some things that he wished to buy for himself.  Then we stopped for a couple of drinks and returned to the ship.  I was hoping to find some mail but I guess struck out today.

          This evening we had "The Great Moment" with Joel McCrea and Betty Field.  When you wrote that you saw it I didn't know what you were referring to.  Marty and I saw it previewed at the Village Theater; that was the only time we attended a movie together.  The original title was "There Shall Be No Pain."   No wonder I didn't recognize it.  The sequences in the picture were also changed.  Instead of the flashbacks as it is now shown, the picture originally began with Morton being a med student and ended with his death.  I do believe the change improved the picture considerably.

          Honey, with no questions to answer I hardly know what to say except that my thoughts are of you.  Very often during my waking moments,  I wish that you could see this thing or enjoy that thing with me.  I do love you, Sweet, and I know how hard it must be for you.  How I wish I could be home to give you a lift.

          Nothing more for now, darling.  I'll finish in the morning after I've seen what the mail brings.  Good night and pleasant dreams.

Lovingly

Gil

Leper Colony Is Not Close

Saturday 7 October 1944, 11:00 AM

Good Morning Sweet,

          Another busy morning.  Found a couple of patients waiting when I came down to my office.  It was 9:00 o'clock by the time I was through, and I had to dash over to the Welfare and Recreation office to get tickets for a U.S.O. show.  Also attended to some library matters and checked with the Red Cross about getting additional recreational material.  Just got back and I hope I can get this off in today's mail.

          Wish I could hear Norma talk.  Maybe Dave will make a record for you to send on to me.  A few words from you and Linda would also be a real surprise.  The civilians are male shipyard workers.  I met them through our chief pharmacist mate.  We went over early and made lunch for ourselves and dinner for all.  It isn't too bad that I didn't go into the Army.  Two reasons:  First Ray Davis was made available the same time as I and he has been in nine months longer than I have.  Second, I know I'll do dentistry in the navy, but in the Army I might be recruiting, setting behind a desk, drilling men, in fact anything but dentistry and when a dental officer does work in his own line he likes to have good equipment to work with.  Besides dear, all the Army isn't in Europe.  There are plenty in the Pacific area and they'll stay there along with the Navy and the Marine Corps until they are good and ready to send them home.  I have no regrets and please don't worry your little head about what might have been.  The past is behind us and we must look to a happy future together.  That clipping doesn't mean a thing so forget it.

          About my accounts.  Turn everything over to the bureau that you don't get any action on by the end of the month.  Regarding John O. York. Check with the bureau and Al Posner.  If either has the accounts, have them follow through on the information you have or release the account to you.  Then turn it over to the Santa Monica Credit Association.

          Put in a claim with Al Blumberg for lost and damaged personal property.  He'll collect from Bekins faster than you can.

          The leper's colony or any other place is not as close as it would seem. Ten hours is not much time to do any sightseeing at any distance from the ship.  I'll get in the learning mood as soon as we get underway; I won't have so many other things to do.

          Honey, do you remember the summer of 1932 when you rode the trams with me and brought me my dinner? After this war we'll always ride together wherever it may be and enjoy every minute of it.

          Bye my darling, till tomorrow.  I love you and miss you more each day.

Your one and only

Gil

Ratio--One Woman to One Hundred Men

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
              Friday 6 October 1944, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          I've sure been on the go today.  Went on the ship's outing I wrote you about and got plenty of exercise playing volleyball and swimming.  Plenty of sun also but not too much this time.  Besides that I found time to drink six or seven cans of beer and eat a nice big steak.  We left at 8:00 AM and returned at 4:30 PM.  Then I showered, changed and joined a group of officers heading into town on a little fling.  There were seven of us and we had a lot of fun drinking and kidding and what have you.  I was able to chisel a station wagon for us for this jaunt and we didn't get back until 10:00 P.M. Please send on my driver's license.  I couldn't drive myself because I didn't have mine and one never knows when I'll need one again.

          When we returned I found I'd hit the jackpot again--5 letters from you and also the music you sent along.  You ask so many questions that I'll answer some tonight and finish the rest tomorrow.  Here goes.  As I've written before, Wally is partly correct but I wouldn't worry about that two years.  Since he was here last, however, just for the record, all those houses he referred to have closed down by the civil government. The ratio of one woman to one hundred men still persists.  So even if I was inclined that way I'd find just a few obstacles to hurdle.  I don't believe I'll send any Xmas cards to patients except to some few whom I care for particularly.  And to them I'll write notes instead.  I will send greetings to our friends however.  Forget about any additions.  I'm satisfied with my two girls and won't worry about a son and heir.

          All the officers are swell fellows and the reason I only mention some of them is because we have different liberty section, so I never get to go out with some of them.  The doctor is a very fine chap and I would like to make a liberty with him but we stand duty on alternate days and that is out.

          That is all for now, Sweet.  I'll close with loving thoughts of you and of our ten years together.  Good night darling.

Love

Gil

Chiseled 260 Books for the Library

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Thursday 5 October 1944, 10:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,   

          This has been a busy day for me but I didn't do any dentistry.  This morning I got a jeep and chased over to a supply depot and picked up a mess of recreational gear for the ship.  It doesn't sound like much but one can sure waste a lot of time doing nothing.  This afternoon I went to the district library to see how many more books I could chisel for the ship.  Didn't do too badly as I was able to get 260 volumes--that is they are promised, but I feel certain that I'll get them.  Then I returned and found a letter from your mother and you.

          Glad you went out and had a pleasant evening.  You must have a little recreation once in a while. See that you get it. That is an order!  You didn't enclose Edna's letter--guess I'll get it in the next mail.  Nick and Wally are right in part.  Let's see what Leon says before I say any more.  Anything new with Dave?  I hope he makes officers' training but one can't be sure until he is on his way.

          Darling, don't be so touchy about what people say.  Look at Jim Frug.  He has been in for a whale of a long time.  Dr. Symington and Dr. Ing didn't go just for the lark either.  They were all released by the War Manpower Commission when I was, and there wasn't much choice.  Don't forget that a man isn't always as well as he seems and Dr. Messer definitely is not well.  He managed to stay out but I'd rather be well and doing my share.  I'll still have my health when I return and we'll have many years together and they'll be happy ones.  I'll say you're  a bit "balmy," but you'd better not wait until I get home to get over it.  You have as big a job at home as I have here and I expect you to do as good a job of it as I'm trying to do.

          The weather here is also perfect.  It is warm in the sun but cool in the shade and at night there is quite a breeze blowing down from the hills.

          I wish I could see my girls growing up but your comments on them will have to do for the time being.  Then when I get home I'll see if you kept me up to date.

          I've got quite an accumulation of gifts collected up but I'm going to wait until a few days before we shove and then send them all in one package.  It will be you job to distribute the gifts as you see fit.  I hope your song books get here soon so I can use them while we are under way.

          As far as food goes we get plenty of it and it's really OK. I'd love some of your "Brownies."  Do you think, though, that they'd be fresh and whole by the time they arrived?  I'll let you be the judge.

          Glad to here you got another woman.  Hope she pans out OK.

          Do you remember the date we made with Belle and Charlie to go to Alaska? Well I dropped them a note last night.  After the war let's keep that date.  I still expect to take a month off each year.

          Tomorrow will be another busy day.  Remember the ship's outing I told you about several weeks ago?  Well the men liked it so much that I've arranged another one and I'm going along in the morning.  We'll leave early so I'm going to close this letter tonight.

          Haven't I told you I love you darling? How can I tell you how much on paper?  Well just wait until I get back!  Good night, sweetheart!

Lovingly'

 Gil

P.S. Just reread this letter and that item about seeing that you get it. "It" means a little recreation in good company.  Sounded funny so the addition.  One never know what "it" can refer to can one? Night again Sweet and here is a big kiss!

         

Ordered Dolls for Linda and Norma

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
             Wednesday 4 October 1944 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Had liberty today, but didn't do much.  As a matter of fact, I stayed aboard for lunch and it was past one before Ambie and I finally shoved off.  We stopped at a music store and bought a book of songs.  Then we stopped for a couple of beers and sat around in a hotel court just relaxing.  Caught a bus and got back in time for dinner.  After dinner, I broke out the song book, Ambie got the accordion and several of the officers joined us.  We sang and played until movie time.  The movie was "Atlantic City" with Constance Moore, Jerry Colona and a lot of old timers.  The picture had much entertainment value but for some reason didn't click.  I personally believe the continuity was lousy.

          After the picture, I went to my present quarters and found a letter from you.  You sound quite busy but the tone of the letter shows that you have more or less gotten over that "Tante" deal.  I hope you'll have better luck with help next time.

          I finished reading Louis Bromfield's "The Green Bay Tree."  It is really a woman's book but it was laying around so I picked it up and before I knew it, I was so far into it that I decided to finish it.  I expect to do a lot more reading once we get underway.

          Well Sweetheart, I'm going to end this letter short for now and will finish in the morning.  I love you darling and I'll be so proud of my wife and girls when I get back.  Good night, hone. Will be with you again in the morning.

Thursday 5 October 1944, 8:30 AM

          Good morning, Sweetheart.  Nothing new since last night.  I haven't seen the morning mail, and I'm in somewhat of a hurry.  I ordered some recreational gear, and I'll have a jeep available in a few moments to go to pick the stuff up.  I still have to shave, so I must close quickly to be sure this goes off in the next batch of mail.

          I've ordered dolls for Norma and Linda and they should receive them for Xmas.  I've been looking for a silver charm bracelet, but they all seem to have local items in miniature on them, so those are out.  I'll continue looking something may turn up.

          Honey, do you remember how surprised you were when you got your silver fox neckpiece?  Well darling, there are many surprises in store for you, but you'll have to be patient until they come.

          I'll sign off and dash now.

Loving you always

Gil