Officer's Names Aren't Mentioned Because of Censorship

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 25 April 1945, 7:15 PM

My Dearest,

          Hello Sweet, here I am again, tired from physical exercise instead of hard work at the chair.  After lunch today, I joined a group going over to the island for some volleyball (and a few incidental beers).  We played from two until four.  We got back to the ship at 5:15 just in time to shower and dress for dinner.

          After chow I came down to my office and treated a man with a bad toothache.  Then as long as I was there I spent some time on the coconut shell and carved up a "Linda" which I will put on a chain for a bracelet.  It worked out so nice that I'm planning to make one for Norma and one for you.  How about some more of those chains.  By the time I'm through I'm going to have a whole mess of stuff to send home.

          This morning I was busy as usual and didn't finish work until 11:30.  Then lunch, a little reading ("Martin Eden" by Jack London) and later off to the beach.

          The mail today brought two letters from you and one each from your mother and mine.  Yours were of the 10th and 14th and now I know about Linda's eyes.  I'll tell you more about the 1-1/2 units as soon as I've talked with the doctor.

          The $225 plus your earnings should cover your monthly expenses.  I can't see why you should need an additional $100 a month from our reserve.  Don't worry about me. I have plenty of reserve for any emergency that might arise and I may draw as much as three months in advance if I ever find it necessary.  With the money I have on the books, I'm sure I'll never be in such a spot.  Even if I miss the May ALNAV, I'm sure to catch it June 1.

          By the way in addition to the letters I got a beautiful money clip from the B'nai B'rith Lodge.  It is a silver dollar with a clip on it and has my name and the lodge's name engraved on it.

          I don't know anything about the San Diegans.  Haven't heard from them in months.  I have met Dr. Love out here though.  He is on the "Enterprise" and he can have it.

          I don't mention the officers by name much because of censorship.  At least that was the way it was when I first came aboard and it really isn't important.  You wouldn't know one from another.

          Yes dear the beginning of your letter of April 13 was a real "lady type" letter but nothing you write will ever bore me.

          My course grades have been 3.94 to 3.99 so I'm not doing badly.

          I still want to see those snaps.  Some of mine weren't so hot either but I'll send them along as soon as I get them.

          The movie tonight is another oldie "The Human Comedy."  Last night's "Suspect" was excellent.

          No more for now my darling. Goodnight, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Parade of Old Movies Continues

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 21 April 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello my Sweet, how are you today?  Today was an easy day for me.  I saw a couple of patients this morning and then stood by for captain's inspection.  After lunch I read for awhile and then joined a group of officers going ashore.  Yes, again!  We played volleyball from two to four and believe me in this climate one can sure raise a sweat playing in the sun for two hours.  Anyway, it looks like we finally got enough men interested to play regularly and I surely welcome the exercise.

          At four we had a couple of beers and at 4:30 our boat came for us so we returned to the ship.  I had just enough time to take a leisurely shower (boy was I dirty) and dress for dinner.  Visited on deck for awhile and now here I am.

          The mail today brought a lone letter from Uncle Mike.  However, I did "right smart well" yesterday so I can't kick.  The parade of old movies still continues.  Tonight we have "Song of Russia" with Robert Taylor (I think).  Anyway it has lots of good music and I did enjoy it when I saw it before.  So I guess I'll go and enjoy it again tonight.

          Honey, do you remember how I always was ready to go to the movies though sometimes you didn't feel like it.  With this concentrated dose of movies we are getting aboard one of two things will happen.  I'm either going to get fed up on movies or I'll form a habit that I'll have trouble breaking.  However I bet we'll find other forms of entertainment for our evenings together.  Don't you think so?

          No more for now so I'll sign off.  Goodnight my Sweet, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Keep The Chin Up

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 18 April 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, here I am once more.  I had the whole morning reserved for some men from another ship but they never showed up.  So--I read for a while, sent off a couple more letters and called in two patients who were awaiting appointments.

          After lunch I saw two more patients and then twelve of us went ashore.  We played three games of volleyball and drank a few beers.  After I went to the trouble of husking and shelling the nut, we ate some coconut meat.  Got back at 5:15 just in time to shower and dress for dinner.  After dinner we talked on deck for awhile and now here I am.

          The only mail today was a note from Ethyl.  I really didn't expect much after yesterday's seven letters.

          The movie last night was the "Lost Horizon" revived, but still very good.  Tonight we have another oldie, Noel Coward in "In Which We Serve."

          Nothing new or different to talk about just the same old rumors.  Most of the dental officers in this area are being relieved after fifteen months and some have gone back as early as eleven months after shipping out.  So you see dear, even if our ship doesn't return to the states soon, I still have a good chance of being home in the fall.

          That is all for tonight darling, keep the chin up and the smile on your face.  Until tomorrow.

Your lover,

Gil

Ulithi March 1945 Husking a Coconut

Shipping Our Effects to San Diego

Wednesday 5 April 1944, 1145 o'clock

My Dearest,

          Here I am back at the old grind and I mean grind.  I'll sure be glad when those 5 or 6 new officers arrive.  Although they may send out one or two that are already here, this addition will lighten the load considerable.

          As I told you over the phone, the Naval Supply Depot at San Pedro will call you relative to shipping our effects.  Arrange to have the stuff delivered Friday afternoon after 2:00 or 3:00 P.M.

          Last night I went to the U.S.O. they really put on a real show.  One girl in particular imitated Gracie Fields, Shirley Temple (as a child) and "frozen faced" Margaret O'Brien to a "T."

          Guess I'll take a rain check on tonight's show, "Stage Door Canteen."  Have no plans for this evening.  Tomorrow noon I'll run down and look the apartment over and then phone you in the evening.

          Gilman is coming alright so get four tickets for Saturday night.  After the show he's on his own.

          Hope Norma's leaky nose is better by now.  I wish I could get the kids something for Easter.  Maybe I'll find time Friday afternoon to do some shopping.

          It's 1200 and time for a game of volleyball.  Adios, My Sweet.

Love,

Gil

 

 

Scuttlebutt

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Wednesday 29 March 1944, 1815 o'clock

Hello Honey,

          Just finished a hot game of volley ball and now I'm going back to the B.O.Q. for a quiet evening in.

          Nothing much to say since I wrote but a few hours ago. Rumor still has it that six officers are due to arrive and the Exec thinks we may go on a double shift.  We hope that is true for it will give a fellow enough time during the day to attend to personal matters off the base.  Another rumor is that our whole department is going to move over to Camp Elliot.  As far as we're concerned that wouldn't make any difference.  However all this is "scuttlebutt" so we'll just have to wait and see.

          Love to my girls and a big XX to you.

Your lover,

Gil

Bruce's Letter

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Monday 20 March 1944, 1545 o'clock

Dearest,

          A little breathing spell so here I am again.  Tried to reach Diller twice but no answer at that number.  That was at noon so I'll try again in a few minutes.

          Just got another letter from Libby so I sat down and dropped her a line also.

          Had a nice workout at noon playing ball.  Don't know what the movie is tonight but if I haven't see it I'll go and turn in early.

          Forgot to enclose Bruce's letter so here it is.

Love,

Gil

         

That"ll Save A Little Gas

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Monday 20 March 1944, 1215 o'clock

Hello My Sweet,

          Stopped to see Leon on the way and with the delay I arrived at the base at 1:30.  Deborah is still doctoring.  That's what she wanted to see Leon about--a doctor to go to.

          Phoned about our ad but no response as yet.  But then yesterday was the first day.  Got a letter from Bruce Stern which I am enclosing.  Dr. Gilman was tickled pink with our invitation so you can go ahead and make reservations, etc.  By the way, don't plan on riding with Leon if you come to San Diego in three weeks.  He said he probably would be taking someone down with him and I imagine that someone will be a "she."

          Had a very busy morning and when 11:30 came, I tore into those sandwiches with a vengeance.  Were they good!

          Dave is taking his car down next week so I'll drive to Oceanside and leave the Plymouth there over the weekend.  That'll save a little gas.

          After this letter I'll drop a note to Miss Earnest and then go out and play a game of volleyball.

          In the meantime my Sweet, keep that smile on your face and a little more hope in your heart.  We'll be together in Diego yet.

          A big hug and kiss to all my girls.

Love,

Gil

 

Measles

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Thursday 9 March 1745

My Dearest,

          Received two more letters from you today.  Of course we'll take an unfurnished place from Diller if that's what you want.

          Saw "Soul" last night.  I never did see it before--pretty good. Tonight they are showing "Sahara" so I'll pass it by.  Got a nice box of candy and your pics.  After lunch I went over to the pistol range and shot a pretty good score--got five bull's eyes out of the first ten and six out of the second ten. Then a hot game of volley-ball. Now after dinner I am writing you.

          Tried to reach Diller but was unsuccessful.  Will try tomorrow again.  For a change I'm going to try an ad for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

          Dr. Waterhouse, one of the dental officers, came in this morning feeling low.  He was sent to the hospital with the measles.  Hope I'm immune.  I was kidding around with him this morning.

          Nothing new in the clinic but I expect something different before the end of the week.  Got another inlay to make today and also a Commander from Medical as a patient.

          Hope Norma's cold is better and you have gotten over the blues.  A big kiss for each of you.

Love,

Gil

A Record

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Tuesday 29 February 1944, 1720 o'clock

 

Dear Eleanor,

          The same routine again today.  Worked all morning, lunch at 1130, volleyball at 1200, back to work at 1300 and plugged away all afternoon.  At 1530, instead of the regular lecture, we were shown pictures of the different types of ships and their armament and a reel on first aid aboard ship.  Went to chow at 1700 and back here at the clinic twenty minutes later to write my daily note to you.

          I got another letter from you today.  That makes three in two days--a record.

          I'm going to go to town tomorrow noon and place an ad for a place to rent.  If there are no results, I'll contact Sipper's friend at the Grant.  Or should I see him right away?  I'll discuss it with you by phone tomorrow.

          Don't know what I'll do tonight.  Saw "Lady and Monster" last night--a very interesting movie but you wouldn't like it.  It is also on tonight.  Taylor and Gilman are going downtown.  I may join them.  I'll see later.

          I really feel good today and hope that you and the kids are O.K. too.  Four more days and I'll be home and this is going to be a hard weekend.

Love,

Gil

 

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.

 

 

A Lot of Ships

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Monday 28 February 1944, 1745

Dear Eleanor,

          Am surprised--received two letters from you today.  I'm going to advertise as you suggested with rent in advance.  If I don't get any results by the end of the week I'll see Sipper's friend.

          Yesterday was very uneventful.  Last night I saw "Where are our children" with Jackie Cooper.  Tonight I'll see "The Lady and the Monster.  I hope it'll be more entertaining.

          A lot of ships are in, so we are keeping pretty busy.  At noon today I played volleyball and had lots of good exercise and fun

          How is the weather now?  The sun came out Sunday early and it has been beautiful ever since.

          Glad to hear the kids are well and that you are keeping busy.

          Nothing more except a big hug and kiss to Linda and Norma.

Love,

Gil

 

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.

 

 

Had My "Ears Set Out"

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Thursday 17 February 1944

Dearest Wife,

          It's 3:15 and no more patients--ain't that too bad.  A new man reported in Monday, so a few of us got together and went into town for a couple of drinks last night.

          This morning this place was like a morgue so I went to the barber shop and had my "ears set out."  It poured from 10:30 to 11:30 and then cleared off, so we were able to play some volley ball at noon as usual.

          Got a letters from Ethel L. and Debby.  Nothing important from Debby, just that they had a way home but would ride back with me Sunday.  Ethel is upset because "Doc" was reclassified 1A, but such is life.

          Only received one letter from you this week.  You must be slipping or maybe you're pretty busy, but I'll forgive you.  Am going to phone you tonight, so adios my Sweet, with kisses to Linda and Norma.

The best diddle you ever had,

Gil

 

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.

 

 

Red Pony

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Wednesday 16 February 1944

My Dearest Eleanor,

          Another busy day.  Guess they weren't kidding when they said the loafing was only temporary, but who cares.  I would rather keep busy than sit on my fanny all day.

          After the movie last night I returned to B.O.Q. and wrote six letters--the Fleischers, Collons, Goldie M., Frances and Jack, Ruth and Harry and the Aranoffs.

          At noon today the doctors got together and played volleyball.  We're going to do the same every noon.  We had a lot of fun and exercise but we sure looked soft.

          Dr. Tyler, who has been here for six months, got his orders for fleet marine duty.  This is considered the most rugged outfit there is.  The dentist trains right along with the marines and goes on all hikes under full pack.  In combat he goes over with the second wave.  All of this has made him very happy as you can well understand.  Now all the men who have been here for six months or more are expecting orders any day.

          Don't let this worry you.  I still will be here for at least six months and it can be a year or more before anything happens.

          You should be through riding the red pony by Saturday night and then we'll have a little serious business to take care of.  So until Saturday night keep those panties on and it'll be my pleasure to take them off.

Love,

Gil

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.