Letter from Dingey Gal

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 10 February 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Still busy.  Worked all morning and placed twelve fillings and extracted one tooth.  This afternoon I completed eight more fillings so I guess  I earned my money today.

          No mail this morning but this afternoon I got the "Yearbook of Dentistry," the December Esquire, American Dental Association Journal and a package from you containing several Coronets and those party recordings.  Because of the slight motion of the ship, two of the recordings at normal speed were scratched and spoiled when the pick-up arm slipped across the face of the records.  In the future, any recordings you make should be at 33-1/3.  They are much easier to play back without messing them up.  Intend playing the good ones tonight after the movies.  If the officers like them I may request more.

          Remember the letter that disappeared?  Well it showed up today.  It was a nice note from this Dingey gal thanking me for writing her.  It'll probably be Xmas again before I get caught up enough to write her again.  I'll enclose her note in tomorrow's letter.  It is in my room.  I want this to go off in the morning if possible.

          Nothing new, different or exciting out here.  I've been sunning myself at noon daily and should have a nice tan soon.  Tomorrow if nothing comes up I'll go ashore for a little refreshment.

          Darling, do you remember how much pleasure we got out of our records and movies on Wednesday nights?  I was reading a Radio News magazine and it seems that television is a certainty after the war and the receivers will be a great improvement on pre-war sets.  Are you thinking what I'm thinking? OK we'll get one.

          The movie tonight is "Sunday Dinner for a Soldier" and hasn't been shown out here yet, so it hasn't been rated.  Hope it's good.

          That is all for tonight darling.  Good night and pleasant dreams. I love you.

Always yours,

Gil

P.S.    Going up to my room so I'll enclose the above mentioned note.

Got 200 Books From Another Ship

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 9 February 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Got four letters from you today and a couple of dental periodicals.  About Cousins, the Army is like that.  Promotions are sometimes rapid.  However in the Navy everybody short of God has to put in his time in a grade or rank before he can expect any advancement.

          About the Professional Bureau.  If and when they turn an account back to you and you turn it over to Posner, notify the Bureau what you have done.  After they turn it back to you they can't expect any collection commissions if you have, in the meantime, turned the account over to someone else.  Regarding the Ottis-Kelley account.  There are three cards, one for Mrs. Kelley, one for her daughter and one for her mother Mrs. Ottis.  Don't let them confuse you by claiming credit on one card when the credit is given on another.  If you get in a jam, phone Miss Earnest for a hand.

          After all these months I'm surprised at the long letter from Blanche.  It goes to show something, but I don't know what.

          So you are reading "Forever Amber" eh?  What a gal.

          The dinner party at the Beverly Hills Hotel sounded especially nice.  Wish I could have been there for a couple of rumbas and sambas with you.

          You're right Honey.  Dave hit it right on the head this time.  But then a guy can't be wrong all the time.  He's bound to be right once in awhile.

          Yes dear, I'll try out that technique you mention first chance I get and I know you can do it.

          Now back to me.  Today began as usual with work and more work.  I knocked off at 11:15 AM and read Esquire until chow time.  This being field day, I "crapped out" while my corpsman worked all afternoon.  One of the ships had 200 books they wanted to get rid of so I took them off their hands.  Nice of me wasn't it.  The books aren't new but there is still plenty of good reading in them.  They are mostly mystery and detective stories.  I think they'll be quite popular.

          The movie tonight is "Music Over Manhattan" with Ann Savage but only rates 3.  However I don't believe I'll miss it.  Not me.

          Well Sweet, this thirty for tonight.  Good night and pleasant dreams.  I love you, I love you, I love you.  (note the repetition for emphasis).  When I get back I'll show you how much.

Impatiently,

Gil

Cyst, Fillings, Abscess, Extractions, Treatments, X-rays

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Thursday 8 Feb. 1945, 7:15 PM

My darling,

          Here I am again.  This has been a "bitch" of a day.  The way I was working today would make outsider think I was getting paid for each operation. Began the morning with a nice juicy cyst that almost extended into the nasal cavity.  Then I had nine patients off other ships to take care of.  By 11:40 I had removed a cyst, filled 14 teeth, X-rayed several teeth and extracted a couple more.  After lunch I had a couple of treatments, lanced an abscess and filled another tooth.  By then it was 3:00 PM. I was tired so I just quit.

          I was talking to a commander.  He thought that there was a tax forgiveness on 1943 incomes for men in service during 1944.  Ask Dave if he knows anything about that. After all we paid over $5000 and all or part of that would come in real handy later on.

          Did my letter of yesterday make sense?  I was feeling pretty good as you probably concluded.

          The movie tonight is the "Woman in the Window" with Edward G. Robinson.  It is supposed to be 4.0 I do hope so and also hope that it doesn't rain.

          No mail today.  It has been several days now since any "bird" mail came aboard.  I suppose I'll hit another jackpot in a few days.  Also hope those other packages arrive soon.

          I got the "Esquire," January issue yesterday so I guess that'll be coming through now.

          Sweet, do you remember the long walks we used to take on the ocean front when we lived in Venice?  Those were the carefree days but more are just around the corner.

          Nothing new and nothing different so guess I'll sign off with love and kisses for my whole family.

Devotedly,

Gil

Still Receiving Xmas Cards in February

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 7 February 1945, 10:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          What a day!  Began this morning with work straight through until 11:30 AM.  Went up to my room, washed up and went to lunch.  After lunch--more work!  First thing I knew it was 4:00 PM and I was tired.  Under conditions like that a guy needs a drink so--I rustled up a boat, had very little difficulty finding a few thirsty souls.  We went ashore for a few hard ones (drinks to you).

          Got back to the ship at 7:30 PM high and happy.  We ate the supper that the steward had saved for us and went up to see the movie "Hollywood Canteen." I confused it with "Stage Door Canteen."  Anyway as soon as the picture started I knew it was a new picture and I did enjoy it.

          The mail brought me lots of stuff but nothing from my darling.  I got an Esquire, a dental periodical and six Xmas cards.  The way mail is coming through maybe I'll get those other packages real soon.

          Nothing new to talk about.  Scuttlebutt is varied and very unreliable.  Anyway the war is going great and maybe we'll all be coming home soon to stay.

          From the tone of this letter you'll probably conclude "Gil is tight." Well I am, so what!  Quite belligerent aren't I?

          Well Honey before we get into an argument (we never fight). I'll say good night.  Will do better tomorrow when I'm in better condition.

Love,

Gil ollywood Canteen" and I had if confused

How About a Kiss

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 6 February 1945, 7:00 PM

My Dearest,

          How is my Darling today?  How's about a kiss?  Gee thanks, Honey, but take it easy, what will the censor say?

          Worked all morning as usual.  Got to my room about 11:15 AM.  Surprise! Mail! I finally got the package containing socks, "vitamin pills," American Mercury Magazines etc.  I also got a beautiful leather picture frame folder from Deb and Dave.  In addition I got some Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Bulletins, the National Jewish Monthly and a greeting card from the Goodfriends mailed on November 30.  Hope the rest of the packages come through soon.

          The socks are not longies and are swell.  If you haven't done so already how about half a dozen more.  Got hold of an "Omnibus," a magazine with best seller condensations.  It had "Immortal Wife" and I read it between 4:15 and 5:30 PM this evening.  Then I censored some mail, showered and dressed for dinner.  Enjoyed the breeze topside and here I am.

          Now that I have some coloring pencils, I'll do another Valentine to add to your collection.  I finished "Fountainhead" last night and I must say all the characters are most unusual.  It's hard to believe people would act like they are portrayed.  However it was most enjoyable and easy to read.  In fact it was about 1:30 AM when I finished and turned the light out.

          Darling do you remember when I wanted to read at night and you wanted to turn the lights out and go to sleep?  Well I'll let you turn the lights out but I don't know about the rest.

          Good night honey until tomorrow.

Loving you always,

Gil

         

          

Reading Fountainhead

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 5 February 1945, 7:10 PM

My Darling,

          Here I am once more.  Just the usual routine this morning.  Worked on patients until 11:15 AM and then I read a little from "Fountainhead."

          After lunch, except for an hour in my office, I spent the afternoon listening in on a court martial.  It was very interesting but I can't tell you anything about it.

          At 4:30 PM I went to my room, stripped down to my skivvies and read some more until 5:15 PM.  Then I censored a few letters, showered and dressed for dinner.

          After eating we stood up on the bridge and enjoyed the cool ocean breeze.  Thought for sure it would rain, but the clouds passed on with very few drops coming down.  We have "See You in St. Louis" tonight so I hope it doesn't rain during the movie.

          There was no mail for me today so I have nothing more to talk about.

          All kinds of talk as to how long we'll be here but none of it seems reliable.  Guess I'll just have to wait and see.

          By the way Sweet, have I told you I love you lately?  Well I do and I miss you too.  Poetic aren't I, but very corny too.

          Darling do you remember when you'd bring me my dinner and ride with me the summer I operated a tram on the ocean front?  That was ages ago and we were just two happy kids in love.  Well, we're not kids anymore but we're still that way about each other.

          I'm going to sign off now Honey.  Good night.  I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Send Salami

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Sunday 4 Feb. 1945, 7:20 PM

Dearest Eleanor

          Happy days! Got nine letters today, all from you except one which was from your mother.  This being Sunday, I had services arranged on board so that took up my morning.

          I did see several patients this afternoon but really I didn't overwork.  Since last night we've had two appendectomies and a third scheduled for tonight at 10:00 PM.  I'll probably go to the movie and then attend the "opening."  The movie tonight is the "Falcon Comes to Hollywood" and I hope it's interesting.

          Sweet, those snaps are swell but I have two complaints.  First, no picture of you and second, only one of Linda.  Norma is simply adorable and I had an overwhelming desire to have her here so I could cuddle her in my arms.  Imagine how a picture of you would affect me.

          Sorry about your unpleasant evening at the "G's." However please don't let all those little things get you.  Really it isn't worthwhile.  Sounds like the affair at the Brentwood was quite swanky even if oversold.

          I do hope Dave does make warrant officer but I doubt that he'll go through officers training.  The Marine Corps training is extremely rugged but then who can tell.

          Send Sadie her camera.  Colored snaps can be taken with a miniature camera and enlarged.  Probably the cost is no more than the way we have been getting our colored pictures.

          For a while you seemed so busy and in such a better frame of mind that my mind was relieved.  Now you are drifting back and letting everything get you down.  Snap out of it Sweet, you owe it to yourself and our girls.

          Saw "Together Again" recently.  Glad you enjoyed it.  
          The four months began Jan 1 and ends April 30.  I still think we should buy another $1000 bond.  The income tax for 1944 won't be much over $100.  A series "G" bond can always be cashed in.  Beside checking accounts don't produce any interest and every bit extra help.  I'm going to the movie now and will finish later.

10:15 PM

          Back again honey.  The Falcon movie was pretty good and took up two hours of my time. 

          The records I got were those of the kids wishing me a happy birthday.  The papers you sent were just what I was looking for.  Now my file is complete.

          One minute you tell me how important money is and the next you tell me about nursery school at $5 a week.  Make up your mind, gal.  That is better than $20 a month that could well be saved.  Anyway I expect to be home by fall and we'll discuss it further.

          Still getting calls to teach, I see.  Well I hope you aren't doing too much.  Seems to me you were happier when you were getting out more with your friends, however you know best.

          Commuting from Long Beach is a small problem.  Thousands who are employed in war production plants do it every day.  Leon is all wet as usual!

          Wish I could tell you about the beach around here but I really can't so please don't ask.  Anything I can say I will, you know that.

          Talking about something to send the other night we were talking about kosher dill pickles and imported salami.  How about that?  Think you could send me some?  I could really go for one of our nite-nite snacks right now.

          I see with Linda something new has been added.  What's causing her nervousness? Find out if you can.  After all there is little I can suggest so far away.  She looks thin in the snap.  Maybe a tonic or some Vitamin B would help.  Have her checked and find out.  However I'm sure that the change you are planning will help a lot.  Do you remember how well she ate at Catalina and Arrowhead?  I won't worry because I know you'll do what is necessary.

          So much for the mail.  Sweet do you remember when you, Linda, and I rented the pony and wagon in Catalina?  Didn't we have fun?  Didn't we have fun? Didn't we always?  Well we will again.

          I'm signing off now.  Good night my love, my one and only darling wife.

Love

Gil