Impacted Third Molar and Five Cavities

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 14 January 1945, 7:35 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          This has been a busy day but not with just dentistry.  I began my morning by removing an impacted third molar and then filled five cavities for the brother of Raymond Gram Swing, the commentator.  Then I did a gum treatment and was finished for the day.

          The remainder of the morning I chased around making arrangements for the religious service.

          After lunch I did some more chasing around with wardroom mess treasurer's business.  We got a mess of additional flag officers aboard and I had to get them squared away.  At this late hour I still have about 60% of them to see.  Anyway at 4:00 PM I knocked off, undressed, showered and relaxed with a book until 5:30 when I dressed for dinner.  After eating I worked some more on the above mentioned treasurer's job.  Knocked off at 7:30 and here I am.

          "In Society" last night was amusing and tonight we have "Murder in the Blue Room."  I didn't look to see who is in it but I'll see it anyway.

          The mail brought me two Xmas cards from patients and that was all.  I'm ready for the jackpot tomorrow.

          Which reminds me, tomorrow is pay day but I think I'll let my money ride again.  By the time I get back I should have enough for a glorious thirty day leave.

          Well darling there is little more to say.  It was a little hotter today, but except for the fact that my clothes got soaked with perspiration I didn't notice it at all.

          Sweet, do you remember certain hot days in the later part of July 1934 at Arrowhead?  I didn't notice the heat then either.  If I get back in time for summer I won't care how hot it is.  Get me?

          Good night honey, till tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

1944 Has Burned An Indelible Mark on Many Hearts

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 31 December 1944, 11:55 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Well dear, 1944 is almost gone but not quite forgotten.  I'm afraid it has burned an indelible mark on the hearts of many.    

          Today began as usual. However I took no dental appointments today because I had several end of the month and year reports to make.  Besides that I took inventory of the wardroom's mess provisions and worked out a financial statement.  We've been eating like kings but I'll bet there'll be lots of "bitching" when the bill is presented.  However, if they don't like it they can elect someone else.  Either the food is good and expensive or lousy and cheap, so they can have their choice.

          This afternoon we had the usual Catholic and Protestant divine services.  After the services, I noticed schools of multi-colored fish swimming around the ship so I broke out some hooks and line and soon everyone who had time was fishing (even me).  We tried all kinds of bait--pork, beef, and bacon rind--to no avail.  I went back to the galley and got some canned salmon.  Talked the butcher into giving me some shrimp.  Tried shrimp but no luck and then I tried salmon. Still no luck so I left my baited hook in the water and scattered a handful of salmon over the water.  In a few moments the fish just swarmed around my hook and zing, I got a strike and brought in a beautiful Spanish mackerel.  That was the first fish caught aboard since we've been here.  One other was caught today and that was all.  "Happy New Year!"  How about a big kiss and hug?  Thanks dear that was swell I'm sure that when 1945 is ushered out we'll both be in a much happier state of mind because we'll be together.  Back to the fish I cleaned it myself, split it lengthwise, salted it down and put it in the refrigerator.   Instead of roast pork for dinner I and three other ate fish.  The fresh fish really tasted good.  Everybody is going fishing tomorrow.

          After dinner I bought all the corpsmen a drink just as I did on Xmas.  The movie tonight was "Song of the Open Road" which I had seen before but went anyway.  After the movie we all pooled our resources and had a party--champagne, bourbon, rye, and even a little Southern Comfort.  I took it easy because I wanted to be sure to see the old year out and the New Year in with you.  I am plenty sleepy and a little high so I'm going to sign off.

          Without recalling past New Years Eves when we were together and very happy, I'm going to say good night my darling until tomorrow (or today).

Love

Gil

Corpsman Cleans Teeth

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Wednesday 8 March 1944, 1530 o'clock

Dear Eleanor,

          And another busy day.  I did twenty fillings and a treatment.  I got tired and put my corpsman to work cleaning teeth.  As long as my chair is in use I can take it easy.

          Nothing panned out on the ad I ran.  Guess I'll run another for the rest of this week and see what happens.

          Another man, Dr. Matson, who had been here six months got orders to go to Port (I don't know how to spell it) at Oxnard for duty with the Sea Bees.  Things seem to be moving right along.

          Was wakened last night a little after midnight by some dope who had been suffering for three days and "just couldn't wait any longer." You see I stood watch at the clinic.  Earlier in the evening I went to the movies and saw "See Here Private Hargraves."  A very amusing picture.

          Dr. Doughty is coming back with me Friday night so maybe we'll leave early.

          The "Padre" was in here trying to convert some of the boys and we had a lot of good natured kidding.

          Adios my Sweet until I phone you tonight.

Love,

Gil