Philippines Have Been Invaded

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
          Wednesday 18 October 1944, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          After a busy morning, I had lunch and went on liberty.  Began with a couple of beers at the Officers' Club and then took a bus down to the beach.  Didn't do much.  Browsed around in a couple of book stores and window shopped but really couldn't find a thing I wanted to buy.  So after a couple of hours of looking, I returned to the ship and just in time for dinner.

          After dinner, Ambie, my new roommate Cox and I went over to visit a civilian couple living

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They live in

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similar to what we saw all over Southern California near all war production plants.  The only difference is that the interior is finished much more attractively.  This particular place was a studio duplex, the living and dining room and kitchen downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs.  They have two boys and have lived here

               censored. 

We visited and hoisted a few and returned to the ship just a few moments ago with an invitation to come to a party Saturday night which I'm hoping

               censored.

          No mail yet, but I'll bet I get a stack in the morning.  So darling, until then, adios my Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Love

Gil

Thursday 8:30 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,

          Got three letters from you and one from your mother so now I've got something to work on.  Was glad to read that you had gotten out and had a pleasant evening for a change.  Why do you worry so much about money?  Even if we run a little over our present income we can still hold out for a while.  After the war I'll make up the difference, just wait and see.

          I'm not too surprised about Norma and her dancing lessons.  After all she is still an infant and though I didn't want to say so, the $10.00 a month would have been just wasted.  A year from now she'll still be plenty young to resume dancing.

          What happened to Dave's commission? I thought it was all set and now you tell me about he's getting ready to go overseas.  Was that just another of his pipe dreams or what?

          I'm sure electric shaver will be satisfactory just hope it reaches us in a reasonable period of time.  I will write to Edith this morning and see what can be done about a watch for you.

          The Pacific War is moving right along.  I notice that now the Philippines have been invaded.  I just caught the headline of a newspaper so I don't know any more about it as yet.  However as soon as I'm through I'll read all about it.

          Honey, every day and every military action brings me close to home.  Time does drag but still it is almost three months since I reported aboard.  Before you know it, my time out here will be up and I'll be on my way back.

          I must sign off now darling.  Remember that I still love you always have and always will.  Give my two girls a big kiss from their daddy.

Love

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

File a Form to Delay Income Tax Payment

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
                  Wednesday 20 September 1944

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from liberty and found two letters from you.  Got one from you this morning and also one from Linda.  About gifts.  I've purchased three books for Linda, a woven bag and coin purse for you and a charm bracelet.  There are several reasons for my not buying a lot of gifts.  First, they are mostly made in the U.S. and terribly overpriced even at ship service.  Second the amount of money I draw won't go very far and I can't cash a check because I'm on a ship.  I don't know what a fruit salad pin is but I'll find out.  Jimmy is too far away to get together with and his liberty days and mine never seem to fall on the same day.  Send me a $100 money order and I'll go to town.  I'll select items and send them in one package and you can distribute same to members of family as you see fit.  I bought some hankies.  They as well as several items can't be sent by me until we leave here.  I'll see what I can arrange.  I still haven't heard from you about a watch for your birthday.

          Regarding the bank statement I can make two suggestions.  Either a phone call or a letter sent by the local branch of the Bank of America under Mr. Lamb's signature might speed things up.  The present balance is approximately $2750.00.  It may be that the August statement has been forwarded to me since I wasn't in San Diego to receive it.  It should catch up to me soon if that is the case.

          I got a New Year greeting from Manny and Etta and dropped them a note.  I haven't heard from Deb and Dave in some time and answered Dave's last letter.  You'd better check with Dave about filing a form to delay paying any income tax until I get back to the states.  Go ahead and get your coat fixed.  Of course I don't mind.  I just wish I could say go ahead and buy a new one.  We have the money but we'll be able to spend it and get more pleasure and satisfaction later when we are together.  Go on a shopping spree, dear, and have as much fun as you can.  Watch out for those hats though; you know me.

          Sweetheart as much as I don't like to say it Xmas will be a very lonesome day for me.  I'm depending on you, though, to see the kids don't miss out.

          Nothing much to tell about my liberty today and we returned to the ship in time for supper.  The movie tonight was "Falcon in Mexico."  Not too good but still not at all bad as far as entertainment goes.

          Darling do you remember the picnics we went on in Ojai Valley.  After the war you and I and our girls, too, are going there to enjoy a quiet day together.  I wish I knew what to send for Norma.  Can you make a suggestion?

          Good night my Sweet.  I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

 

P.S.   Saw the proofs of my photos today and was greatly disappointed.  So I only ordered three.  Am going to try one of the quickie joints.  I might be lucky and get a good one.

Gil

 

         

Showing Off Photo of Glamorous Wife

Tuesday, 19 September 10:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello my Sweet.  Got you picture today and have been showing my glamorous wife off to everybody.  One look at your photo and I knew I'd better get home soon or else.

          Since this morning I've been busy running around on some duties and that damned sun is hot.  For dinner tonight our executive officer had two guests.  One was a Jewish chaplain, the one who conducted the services here.  Didn't want to go to the movie tonight because I had seen it before.  "The White Cliffs of Dover.  All through the picture I kept thinking of you.  Do you remember when we saw it in Diego? Anyway I don't think it's the type of picture to show men overseas and from the Captain down all of us agreed on that.

          Well darling, on the day I stay aboard there is little to write about.  Just routine and that is all.  I did see the chap I sewed up and he looks swell.  Nothing interesting outside of that.  Will finish in the morning.  Good night, darling.

Wednesday September 20, 1944, 8:25 AM

Good morning Sweetheart,

          Did you sleep well?  I read the August Reader's Digest until midnight and then turned the light out.  I had hardly closed my eyes when it was 7:00 AM and time to get up again.  It seems the bugs were biting again last night.  We all have a few welts to show for the attack but they must have just taken little nips out of me because I slept right on through.

          So you've got nothing to do at night but bathe and stay clean.  Well I shower at least once every day because I have to.  I perspire so much that I'd probably smell to high heaven if I didn't.  I hasn't rained much here during the day but it rains every night and when I come out on deck in the morning everything is wet and fresh looking.

          My love, I'm going on liberty today.  Will check the proofs of my photos, look around some more for those books you mention and then?  Bye my Sweet, till tonight.

Loving you more & more.

Gil

 

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

 

 

Our Ship Won't Arrive Anyplace Until It's Safe

Tuesday 19 September 1944, 8:25 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,

          I never believed in mental telepathy but I do now.  Either Sunday or yesterday I recalled our visit with Belle and Charlie.  In the letter that I received from you yesterday you did the same.  On my liberty yesterday I went to a bookstore looking for something suitable for Linda and saw those books you mentioned in the same letter.  However I hadn't seen the letter until I returned.  There must be something to this telepathy.

          Worked all morning yesterday.  Had lunch aboard and then went on liberty.  Stopped at the Chaplain's Office to locate Wally and Al.  Wally is nowheres near here.  Al is at a station some distance from the base but I'll arrange to see him soon.  Then I went and had some pictures taken.  Will see the proofs on Wednesday (tomorrow) and then will wait a week for the finished photo.  Then I did the shopping I mentioned.  By that time I was pretty warm so I went to the beach and had a cold drink.  As I walked into one of the hotels another familiar face greeted me.  You may remember the name, but I've forgotten.  But you must remember the officer who lived around the corner at Diego with whom I tried to get together and share rides to the base when my schedule was changed.  Well he just arrived on the 14th and was on his first liberty.  He will be based here and seemed quite lonesome and lost.

          I hope Linda's stomach is completely settled now.  If she has another spell take her to Harry Sieger's and have him check her over.  Dear, don't worry about Leon's ideas.  Though we are going places alright, our ship won't arrive until it is quite safe.  I can't tell you why but believe me I know.

          Have to go to work now.  Will write again this evening after the movie.  By the way, saw Henry Aldrich in "Henry's Little Secret" last night.  Very funny and refreshing.  See it.  Bye my sweet.  Do you remember us and the Weinsteins at Arrowhead one afternoon in our cabin?  After the war let's go back, but alone.  I love you dear.

Your husband

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

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

 One of the photos

Liberty at a beautiful Honolulu home--The Willows Restaurant

Thursday, 14 September, 11:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Had liberty today and just got in.  First I stopped at a dental supply to get some teeth for a bridge I'm making.  Then Hansen and I had a couple of drinks and tried to do some shopping, but with no results.  I saw a cute house coat in a print for Linda but I wanted to get Norma one to match and they didn't have one.  I'll keep on looking until I find something in both sizes.

          Do you remember the dining car steward on the Challenger when we went east? A jolly Irishman. Always kidding.  Well we sat down for a drink and there was this civilian sitting there and kidding around.  We got to talking about the states and our home towns and all the time his face looked familiar.  When he mentioned being on the train I knew immediately where I had seen him before.  Anyway he told us about a place to go for a drink and a bite to eat.  We had a hard time finding it, but it was really worthwhile.  A beautiful home with gorgeous grounds was my first impression.  Umbrella tables and chairs were set out on the lawn and then there was a pagoda-like structure with more tables in that.  Besides this structure was a large pool just seething with fish of different varieties that I don't know.  But there were goldfish more than 12 inches long.  We threw bread on the water and the fish practically jumped out of the water to get it.  After spending a pleasant few hours there, Ambie and I returned to the ship.

          You've probably gathered by now that Ambie and I are pretty friendly.  Well, we are and we make all our liberties together.  He is a Swede, about 31, married with a daughter of six.  He is one heck of a lot of fun.  Good night dear, I'll finish in the morning.

Friday 8:15 AM

Good morning darling,

          Did you sleep well? 

          At breakfast, Ambie and I were telling the boys about the place we found and they all laughed at us.  You see Ambie is a

"Baron Munchhausen" and they think he dreamed this one up to.  However we'll show them.

          This being the 15th, I drew my semi-monthly pay and am wondering what to spend it on.  Since I left the states, money doesn't mean anything to me anymore.  I've got it and feel like spending it, after all that's what it's for.  You mentioned a wristwatch.  What kind would you like? I'd like to get you one for your birthday.  No use waiting until after the war.

          Got another note from Libby and one from Earl Bubar about Past President's Night at the B'nai B'rith.  I guess I'll have to write to the lodge now even if I don't feel like it.  In a few days now, Linda and Norma should be receiving their little surprise.  I hope they like it.

          Sweetheart, here I've raved for three pages and said very little but nonsense.  Do you remember the Colonial Mansion we stopped at in Upper New York with the twin double beds and I had a cold?  After the war, after Chicago, on our way to Philadelphia let's stop there.  I won't have a cold this time.

          How is school?  How did Linda like going back again?  Does Norma fuss when Linda goes or does she understand?  It's nine o'clock and I've a patient waiting.  So darling, goodbye until later.  I love you so.

Your husband

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

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

Work as Ship's Welfare Officer

Tuesday 5 September, 8:15 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Good morning my Sweet, how are you today?  Had liberty yesterday and spent all morning looking for a pin you would like.  Guess there "ain't no such animule."  They all know what I'm looking for but no one has any.  Returned to the ship for lunch and then Cox, Glass and Yours Truly went into town.  We dropped in on the Rikes whom I've mentioned before and they were as gracious as ever.  We drank and ate canapés all afternoon.  In fact we ate so much we didn't need dinner.  Got back to the ship about 9:30 and visited with the other officers in the ward room for an hour or so and then turned in.

          Got two letters from you yesterday.  You seem to have plenty to keep you busy.  Being welfare officer aboard this ship is giving me a little extra work to do.  This morning I must go out and purchase some supplies and equipment for the officers and crew recreation.  I just arranged for a gift for the kids, and Mrs. Rike promised to get it off for me within the next day or so.  I can't tell you why they are getting if off for me but may be able to later.

          Well dear, such is my routine.  Not much to do and yet not enough time to do things I'd like to do.  What are you going to do about teaching?  If you have to pay help $25 per week, I don't think substitute teaching would be worthwhile, considering how it would wear you out and such.  Again I say don't worry about the money.  If teaching will help occupy your time all right but we'll get by without the additional income.

          I didn't go to the movie last night--got back too late.  "Phantom Lady" with Franchot Tone was the feature.  We saw it together I believe.  If we didn't, see it when you get a chance but have someone with you to hold your hand (female preferred).  I'm way behind on my correspondence to everyone and will have to take a day off and write an original and a dozen duplicates to all.

          Nothing more now dear, take it easy and don't worry about me.

Love

Gil

Lt (j.g.) G. Steingart

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

 

Anyone Who Hasn't Made a Payment Needs Jacking Up

Monday 4 September 1944, 8:15 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Yesterday was my duty day--just another day aboard.  Nothing of interest to talk about.  The movie we had was "Dark Mountain."  If it comes your way, miss it--just a waste of time.

          I forgot to answer a question in yesterday's letter regarding accounts.  You don't have to bother with Miss Earnest.  Anyone who hasn't made a payment since August 1st needs jacking up.  If they have a phone, call them.  If not turn them over to the California Professional Bureau.  A small piece is better than nothing.

          A few of us got together yesterday on the subject of babies, obstetricians, etc. and I was able to make several enlightening remarks on the subject.  Then we talked about buying items of wear for the better half and again I put in my two cents.  You see, we have so much time with so little to do that I really solve all worldly problems.  Yes, I can hear you now, "If you have so much time why not write longer letters and more often?"  Yes, my sweet, but for reasons that I can't mention it is difficult to write now and besides what shall I write about?  The weather is constant, warm with blue skies and occasional white clouds.  No rain in the past week.  Evenings are cool and comfortable.  I'm well and miss you and the kids terribly.  So I can repeat the above twice a day, day in and day out.  The censors will pass that but it is silly to repeat same and nothing else.

          I'm going on liberty this morning.  Your package has been on its way for about a week.  Maybe I'll find something for the kids that I can send off immediately.

          Well Sweetheart, nothing else to gab about and besides I have a couple of patients waiting.  Will write again tonight when I return if there is anything at all to tell.  In the meantime be good and don't upset yourself about nothing.  I love you and always will.

Your loving husband

Gil

Lt (jg) 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

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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

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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