Seven Cans of Beer

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 10 April 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey here I be again.  I was just a little high last night when I wrote so I didn't say much or did I?

          Today was just another busy day for the dental officer on the Ocelot.  I worked all morning and after lunch I had the job of taking the liberty party ashore.  I mustered the men at 12:30.  We loaded the beer and men into the boat. By the time we got to the island it was almost 2:00 PM.  At 4:00 PM we boarded our boat to return to the ship.  Not much recreation for the men but still two hours off the ship and six or seven cans of beer does alter a man's outlook even though it is only temporary.

          We got back safe and dry but no sooner had we gotten aboard when it really began to rain.  Did I say rain? Even if I said it poured I would be grossly minimizing the cloudburst.  Anyway it didn't last too long and now everything is cooler and more refreshing.

          The movie tonight is "Here Come the Waves" with Crosby and Hutton, rated excellent.  I do hope the rain doesn't return tonight to spoil the show though we usually sit through such disturbances.

          I got one letter from you. You say you're throat has been hoarse for some time.  I bet you, your mother and Babs have something you've been passing around to each other.

          You talk about "the tire" but I don't know what it's all about.  Must be some letters still to come.

          So Linda is teaching her mother a little about Judaism.  Well it'll do you good too.

          That is thirty for tonight.  Goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

The Navy Way

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 9 April 1945, 7:25 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Had my usual busy morning but was all secured by 11:15 AM. The mail man brought me a letter from you and one from Dave.

          After lunch I got a boat and went over to a hospital ship to see about some prosthetic treatment for one of my patients. Then I went ashore for a few beers.

          I got back to the ship at 5:45 just in time for dinner.  I ate chow, visited with the skipper and here I am.

          Some of my questions of yesterday are now answered.  Sorry the Seder was dull.  Naturally you'd expect somewhat of a fashion show at the dinner.  Betty and Oscar can give each other loving glances but when I get back we'll omit the glances. Is it a deal? OK!

          I'll look for the snaps you mention.  I hope there are some of you in the next batch.

          The movie tonight is "The Navy Way" and is supposed to be excellent (I hope).

          I am really slightly high so I'd better sign off. Goodnight my Sweet until tomorrow.  

Loving you always,

Your loving husband,

Gil

         

          

Turkey Dinner Topped Off With Ice Cream

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Sunday 8 April 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Today being Sunday I had planned to take it easy.  However others had different ideas about it and I had the usual busy morning. 

          This afternoon, after getting my mess statement and some recreation gear requisitions squared away, I took it easy.  Messed around polishing some shells and then read for a while.  At 5:15 I showered and dressed for dinner.

          We had a good dinner of turkey with all the trimmings and topped it off with ice cream.  Then we went out on deck and enjoyed the cool breeze (for a change) and the usual unusual sunset. 

          The mail today brought two letters from you and one from my mother.  Sounds like the B'nai B'rith had a nice meeting and I'm glad you enjoyed it.  So Edith and Bill are engaged?  Well what do you know? Was it expected or not?

          Babs seems to have had quite a siege of illness.  I do hope the kid has completely recovered by now.

          Did you enjoy your trip to Arrowhead?  What luck?

          The war news does sound good and I believe that the Japs will quit by June of next year. I expect to be home long before that and plan to celebrate the final peace with my sweet wife and kids.

          Did you and the kids enjoy the Temple Seders?  I suppose I'll get all the answers to my question in due time.

          There will be no "if and when" about babies.  We've got our family and now we'll have fun. OK? OK?

          Tonight we have a double feature movie.  First we have "Double Exposure," a mystery and "Let's Go Steady," a musical.  They are rated as good so I'm not expecting too much.

          Darling, will you send me a package of art corners for mounting the snaps in my album.  I started with red ones so please get that color if possible.

          There is nothing more for now. So--- good night Honey.  I love you.  I do mean you.  See you tomorrow.

Yours alone

Gil

Using Dental X-Ray Machine for War Casualties

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 23 April 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, here I am again after another busy day.  This probably has been the busiest day I've had since I've been aboard.  Except for an hour at noon I've worked steadily from 8:30 until 4:30 P.M.  In addition to my regular appointments I had six emergency patients and believe me I did hustle.  I'm really not complaining because I had several surgical cases, all difficult, but interesting with good results.

          In addition to my work we've been using the dental x-ray machine for x-raying several ambulatory war casualties that came aboard today.  Now the operating room is being prepared for the second appendectomy of the day.  Our sick bay has been really busy.

          The mail today brought the package of booklets you sent me--you know--puzzles, games, jokes, etc.  Looks like there should be several hours of amusement there.  Gee thanks!  Besides that I got an American Dental Association Bulletin but no letters.  Oh well, I can't complain, I've been getting my share.

          The movie tonight is Abbott and Costello in "Here Come the Co-eds" and should be be good for a laugh.

          Gee honey, I'm too tired to say any more even if there was something new or different to tell you, which there isn't.  So-o-I'll sign off.

          Good night darling, till we meet again tomorrow.

Your lover,

Gil

Didn't Make Lieutenant

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 7 April 1945, 6:50 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey, here I am though a wee bit tight.  I had my usual busy morning. Because Dr. Law and the chief engineer were both celebrating birthdays, I decided to help a worthy cause along and help with the celebration.

          We left the ship at 2:00 PM and our boat came back for us at 5:15 PM.  So you see we had about three hours and made the most of it.  By the time we got back it was too late to shower and change before chow so I'll take care of the bath before retiring.  I have a mess of mail to censor but I'll take care of that later as well.

          There was no mail today so I'm practically barren of stuff to write about.  The movie tonight is a good one and is entitled "The Lady Vanishes."  It is an Alfred Hitchcock production so the story should have plenty of suspense.

          The new ALNAV came out and by the look of things I may not make Lieutenant until June 1st, unless the next one covers a thirty day period which it probably won't.  Oh well, if I can wait sixteen months I can wait seventeen and then again maybe it will catch me May 1st as I had expected. Keep your fingers crossed and we'll see later.

          No more for now Sweet, so I'll sign off.  Goodnight and love and kisses for my three girls.

Yours as always,

Gil

Are You Camera Shy?

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 6 April 1945, 6:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another busy day.  I worked in my office all morning.  After lunch I had my mess statement audited and then consulted with the captain relative to purchasing some recreational gear.  By the time I was through it was 4:00 PM.  I returned to my room, censored some mail, showered and dressed for dinner.  I also got lesson 6 of my correspondence course off today.

          The mail brought me two letters from you postmarked the 21st.  That was the day you were called as a gym teacher.  Most of the things you mention I've gotten from other letter so there is little to comment on.

          Talking about pens, you never did tell me whether I should get you one.  Maybe I'll hear in a day or so.  I've really enjoyed the one I am using now--even more than the Sheaffer I got from the lodge.

          I'm thrilled too that Norma was able to pick out her daddy on a group photo.  After all she was only two when I left.

          Talking about photos, the last snaps of the kids are swell.  What is the matter? Are you camera shy?  Why didn't you get into a couple of them?  I know.  You weren't dressed or something.  Well next time, I don't care, have one taken just as you are.  Dressed on not (but not undressed of course).

          The Hutchinson story sounds interesting but you can't go by newspaper publicity.  Anyway you'll never have the complaint as she had.

          The movie tonight is another oldie "Lifeboat" but as I recall it was excellent.  Last night's movie "Union Pacific" was new to me though it is a reprint. Somehow we missed it.  Anyway it also was good.

          Well Dear, I'm all run down with nothing more to add.  Good night, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Linda, Dave and Norma

Two Little Angels

6 April 1945

Dear Linda and Norma,

          Hello kids, I'm so proud of you.  Mother sent me those snapshots taken at the "G's" and you're like two little angels.

          The Easter cards you send me were very sweet and though I couldn't send you one I was thinking about you all the time.

          I do hope you are both all over your colds and feeling quite chipper now.

          Continue being sweet and good because I always want to be proud of you.

          Will be home as soon as I can.

Love,

Daddy

Angels?

Norma and Linda at the "G's"

Norma and Linda with Dave

Norma and Linda at stables