Jeep Ride

Saturday 9 September 1944, 9:20 AM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Good morning Sweet. My office is being torn up for a change, and I am still in temporary quarters. I'm writing on my cot so excuse please if any scribbling is worse than usual.
     I'll try to answer your questions as fully as possible. Greys or tans are worn both at work and when on liberty. I'm hoping to see those you mention but for reasons I cannot mention I haven't been able to yet. Having no work to do this morning I'll try to catch up on my correspondence. I'm glad you liked what I sent. That package went through OK but the kid's package got held up. Will get that off as soon as possible.
     Hansen and I got a jeep yesterday and for three hours we drove around. Do you remember the ride around Catalina? Well much of this country is surprisingly similar but I saw some things which we must enjoy together once this mess is over. And by the way, I still expect to take a refresher course before returning to private practice.
     After our sightseeing tour we stopped at an Officer's Club and who do you think I met? Abe Weinberg--in person. So far from home and yet look at all the people that I've run into. This is really a small world.
     I hear there are some packages at the post office for me but they were closed when I looked in. Will try again as soon as I'm finished writing. Received the B'nai B'rith Bulletin yesterday so you can forget that item.
     Darling, if you get a chance to go to San Francisco go ahead. It is fairly certain that we won't go back to the states for some time. I'm running out of small talk so I'll have to sign off.
     I love you Sweetheart and miss you and Linda and Norma more and more all the time and writing about it makes me feel all the bluer. You'll have this letter in a few days and yet weeks and maybe months may pass before I'll have you and the girls with me.
     Bye, darling till tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

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

Photo of Gil

When Is Rosh Hashanah?

Friday 8 September 1944, 8:45 AM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Good morning dear. How'd you sleep last night? For some reason I was dead tired and slept like a log.
     Nothing much to write about since my note of last night. The movie, "Mask of Dimitrios" with Peter Lore. I saw it before but for lack of anything else to do I saw it again. After the movie a few of us "chewed the fat" for awhile and then I turned in. Nothing to add this morning so that's that.
     Regarding the reserve account, the bank has my authorization to transfer available funds to our personal account. However they'll never do it without a reminder so go in and request the transfer. There should be about $150 available now.
     I'm going on liberty today and I'm determined to go places I've not been before. Hope I get there, then I may have a little something to tell you, in a very general way of course.
     When is Rosh Hashanah? I got a card from my mother but I didn't realize it was so soon. So far I have not received any professional magazines or literature but it sometimes takes more than a month for a change in address to become effective.
     We are progressing right along with this war and I'm already looking to the day when we'll be together again. Just think about you and me with both our girls out for the day--no gas rationing or food rationing either. All the time in the world ahead of us with nothing to do but enjoy life together. Just wait and see, dear. Here is one couple that will enjoy life to its fullest.
     Time to close now, dear. I'll be with you later

Loving you always,
Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot
F.P.O. San Francisco

Rats Never Wrote

Thursday 7 September 1944, 3:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Just got back from   censored   Had some things to take care of as welfare officer for the ship. I found the letter I had written you yesterday had been held up because of certain items. From now on I shall confine myself to strictly personal affairs and will not mention anything about where I go or do related to my duties.
     Do you remember Andy Wise, a patient of mine? Well I recently ran into him in my meandering about. We had quite a talk. It sure felt good to see an old face. Jackson was also up to see me several days ago but I was not around.
     The movie I saw aboard Tuesday night was "Chatterbox" with Joe E Brown and Judy Canova and it was "lousy." The mail is sporadic. One day nothing and then I hit the jackpot. Nothing to do about it I guess but just put up with it.
     I haven't written Marty, Sam, etc. because the way I feel now I don't care if I never hear from them. The rats never answered when I wrote from Diego and if I write now they'd probably take a long time answering. As long as I hear from you I'm content, Dear. So who care about the rest of them? No word from Leon either. I now owe letters to your mother and mine, Deb and Dave, Ruth plus all those I should drop notes to, so I've plenty to do.
     Guess under the circumstances you'll have to put up with my short, rambling letters. I love you darling and will make it up to you when I return. We'll do all the things we're missing now and then some. Kisses and hugs to all my girls and regards to the clan.

Your lonely
Gil

Lt (j.g.) G. Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot
F.P.O. San Francisco

Bought Nothing But Beer

Thursday 7 September 1944, 7:50 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,
     How are you this morning? How about a great big kiss? Thank you dear! Yesterday, I stayed on the ship until after lunch. Then Ambie and I went on liberty. We walked and window shopped most of the afternoon but bought nothing except a few beers. That's the way liberty is.
     Got 6 letters yesterday, 5 from you and one from Mother. I wish there were some answers to you questions but there aren't. Probably, you'll be getting mail from me regularly for some time. No use expecting me back in the States for a while but then no one can tell. I can't say more even though I'd like to.
     At this place I wear my greys exclusively minus the blouse. The pants and shirt with black tie are the uniform of the day for work and play. Occasionally you see a white dress uniform but they are only worn at formal affairs.
     I'm making a mental note about the novelty jewelry you mention. I'll see what I can find the next time I go on liberty.
     Now dear, there is no use fussing about the length of my letters. I can't repeat "I love you" for three or four pages without seeming silly. My activity is limited in its scope and then there is very little I may write about. As for writing in the morning that seems to be the best time because then the letter leaves the same day. I wrote Linda recently and will write again soon. I really must settle down and write to Deb and Dave, Ruth, and Libby, besides all the friends (?) we have. So you see I've got lots of writing to do.
     Well, my Sweet, that's all for now. We'll have to make the best of a bad situation and hope that conditions will change soon.

Loving you as ever

Gil

PS I'm enclosing a memo regarding household effects.

Gil

Lt. (jg) G. Steingart

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

Ain't No Such Animule

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

 

Jack 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

Buy Bonds

Sunday 3 September 1944, 8:45 AM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Just received your letter with a picture of Linda and am answering immediately. I read and reread your lecture but good God Sweet there isn't a thing I can do about it. Every time I write a longer letter and try to put something of interest in it the censor either cuts it or returns it to me for rewriting. If some of you questions remain unanswered, remember I can't tell you everything. For instance I can't say "I'm going to see "so and so." "so and so" denoting either a place or individual. I can't say how long we may remain in any one place or even what's doing where we are. Yet those permanently based here can do and say practically anything they like. However after we leave here or after I see someone or do something then I may mention it, so please be patient.
     As for the insurance on the car, take out the same coverage we had the last year. You ask what to do with the $725 from the Plymouth. Buy a bond with it. Not the series "E" though. Get "G" I believe it is. Anyway the same series as the $2,000.00 bond we purchased last.
     Yes dear we now have movies aboard nightly and I always attend except when on liberty. I don't always mention the picture because some aren't worth mentioning. Last night was a good one--you should see it. "The All American Romance," in color, with Brian Donlevy. It ran for at least 2 1/2 hrs and held me every moment it showed.
     The reason I got my liberty fouled up was because the schedule had been changed and I was misinformed--so what. Not much to do when I have liberty anyway.
     I had a long visit with the Captain yesterday and we are planning recreation for the crew. As soon as it comes of it I'll tell you all about it.
     So you want me to spend at least 10 minutes a day writing to you. Darling every letter I've written has taken at least 30 minutes. If there were more to write about I'd gladly take many times more time.
     I showed off Linda's newest picture at breakfast (the time the letter arrived). The tropical background and the color brought forth many complimentary remarks. I'd almost forgotten how big Linda was getting but the picture refreshed my mind. Please take snaps of yourself and the kids and send them on regularly.
     I must be off now. Have to see the Captain about some arrangements to be made. Don't be blue Sweet. I do love you and think about you all the time.

Missing you always
Gil

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot
FPO San Francisco

Could this be the photo?  The foliage is tropical.

Linda at the San Diego Zoo in June 1944 

Mosquitoes

Friday 1 September 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

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morning. I don't like it but I guess I can stand it if others can. By the time I got squared away it was time for lunch, so I showered and changed. After eating, Graves, Hansen, and I went on liberty.
     We stopped at the hotel taken over by the Navy. I have mentioned it before. We had a few beers. Walked around and window shopped and back for some more beer. Then we had dinner and caught a bus back to the ship. Hansen and Graves have already turned in and I'm going to also. I'll finish this letter in the morning.
     Good night Sweetheart and pleasant dreams.

Love
Gil

Good Morning Honey,
     During the night we were attacked by insects and you should have heard the "bitching" at breakfast. I'm not sure what they were but I think they were mosquitoes. Anyway they bit me here and there and most everywhere except?
     Did you know I've been on a diet? Started last Saturday and during this week I've lost 8-9 pounds. Not bad, eh! I shall stay on a modified diet indefinitely since there isn't much physical activity that I can get into.
     No mail yesterday so I should get some today. Time to go to work and besides there is nothing more I can say so bye darling. I still love and miss you more than ever.

Your one and only,

Gil

P.S. Tell Ruth and Mother and Deb I'll write as soon as there is something to write about. In the meantime, give them all my love.

Gil

Jungle Woman

Thursday, 31 August 1944, 10:30 AM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Good morning, Sweet, dreamed about you again last night. I was a civilian and working hard in my office. You came up but wouldn't kiss me because you had a cold. However I put stop to that nonsense. Guess if I had slept on I would have had a cold too.
     Kept pretty busy yesterday. Got your package off this morning and I hope you like what I sent. Will send along Linda's and Norma's as soon as possible.
     Received your letter of the 26th, one from Libby with Jim's address and the bulletin. Send the bulletin regular mail. Any news in there will keep a week or two longer. That was yesterday. This morning I received two more from you, one from Libby and one from my mother.
     It certainly would be wonderful if I could be back in time for your birthday (no I haven't forgotten) but I don't believe anyone knows now where we'll be then. All one can do is hope. Even if I can't be with you in person you are always with me in my heart.
     After dinner last night we got out on deck and played a game of dart throwing for awhile. Then we had a movie "Jungle Woman" which was a remake of one we'd seen. About a female ape that is changed by some doctor into a human and how she saves the life of an animal trainer when he is attacked by a lion in a cage. Interesting but some of the sequences were very illogical.
     Dear, I'm enclosing a poem I picked up which I think is apropos to us. Time to go to work my darling so good bye till tomorrow.

Your loving husband,

Gil

Censored

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 because I suggested the

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we would

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     Sorry!
     No more for the present Sweetheart. Time to go to work. Till tomorrow then

Love,
Gil

Was the sunsuit/malo actually a "maillot." Here is a sketch from a Simplicity sewing pattern. Linda remembers it had beige background and a red floral print.

Allergic to Love

Tuesday 29 August 1944, Morning 

Dearest Eleanor,
     Good morning my Sweet. I dreamt about you last night. Wow, what a dream! It was all mixed up but did we have fun!
     Yesterday was just another day. The usual routine of eating, working and loafing. Saw a very amusing movie last night I'm sure you'd enjoy it. "Allergic to Love" with Martha O'Driscoll and Noah Berry, Jr. It's all about this couple that gets married and every time they kiss the wife gets an attack of hay fever--some fun.

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     If it is I won't be going ashore until Friday.
     Don't worry about money. I cashed a $20 check with Dr. Gilman before we left and since then got paid. I still have over $70 and there will be another pay day Thursday. I'm sure I can more than get along on what I get here                    censored
     Got a letter from Deb yesterday, but nothing else. Bet I get several today.
     Glad to hear Linda is doing so well. I'd love to hear some of Norma's chatter, but then I'd love to be with all three of my girls. Sweetheart your last letters sounded like you were so unhappy. Please don't let this get you down. This mess will be over soon. We're young and we'll have lots of good times together.
     Remember, we always enjoyed life and made the most of everything and when we are together again we'll have first, a swell second honeymoon, and then resume where we left off.
     It's time for me to go to work darling. So bye until tomorrow.

Loving you always,

Gil

Old Maid

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

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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

Checkers

Jewish Chaplain

Sunday 27 August 1944, 10:45 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,
     Boy, wouldn't I love to be home this morning with you in bed alongside and Linda and Norma climbing all over us. Guess we'll have to put it off for awhile.
     Got my liberties all fouled up. Thought I was off today but instead I was off yesterday. So I don't go ashore again until Tuesday. Saw "Sensations of 1945" again last night and enjoyed it. There is so much good music in it. You remember I saw it at the Repair Base when I was there.
     It's always warm here but there is a cool breeze coming down from the hills that makes it quite comfortable. You can lean over the rail and watch the rain come in off of the hills and in the past few days it has rained frequently. However, no one pays any attention to it because it rains but a few minutes and you are completely dry in another few moments. In the past few days I've seen several rainbows and thought back to those happy days at Niagara Falls.
     This morning we had three chaplains come aboard. Two conducted services and the third, a Jewish chaplain just visited around. He comes from the same town as the executive officer who has known him for years. He also knows Rabbi Lifschitz.
     Dear, I am enclosing some papers which I want you to file away for future reference. Nothing else to say since my last note except I love you and miss all my three girls.

Love,

Gil

Diet

Saturday 26 August 1944

Dearest Eleanor,
     Just received a letter dated the 24th, so mail is not always slow. You ask several questions and here are the answers. I've already written about the last night out in Diego. When I go on liberty here I usually go with the chief engineer "Ambie" Hansen. He's a lot of fun. Forget buying anything for me. I'd rather travel light and if I need anything I'll get it wherever I am. As far as the temple is concerned, do whatever is the most economical and convenient. Of course I want Linda to go to Sunday school. As for visiting Jimmy, I still don't have his address and wrote Libby for it. I'm trying to locate Alvin K. but this place makes the last base I was at a pygmy in comparison. I'm well, and if I had you and the kids with me there isn't a thing more I'd want. So much for that.
     Since I've been aboard I've gained 12 pounds and now I'm going to lose it. Just got a call so will finish later.
     Here I am back again. Yes, I'm on a diet as is Ambie. No bread, butter, cream, sugar, potatoes or dessert. If either of us catches the other cheating for the next week he loses $10.00. Guess I'll get along.
     Liberty has been changed. Instead of being off every other day from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, it is now every 3rd day. Guess it could be worse. My next liberty is tomorrow, Sunday, which is a poor day to shop. However next Wednesday I should be able to do lots of spending and will my three girls be surprised.
     Well my Sweet I'm really tired now. I forgot to mention that I worked out with a medicine ball just before I began this letter. So--bye honey till tomorrow. I love you and look forward to the time we'll be together again.

Yours forever,
Gil

Medicine Ball

Medicine Ball

Mail Delivery

Friday 25 August 1944, 4:30 PM

Hello Sweetheart,
     Here I am again. What did I do the last night in Diego? Well we met at the Playroom of the Grant and drank until 11:30 and then some Chinese food and back to the ship. This, being my second letter to you today, makes an average of one a day since we shoved off. Be patient and you'll probably receive them all. I received some postmarked August 17 and 18 before others dated a week prior. You just can't tell about mail nowadays.
    Darling as soon as I know anything that I can tell you I will. In the meantime be patient. Had quite a busy day today doing dentistry but nothing more to write about. I'll send those gifts along as soon as possible. When you are on a ship, any item that tells where you are can't be mailed until after you've left--so they'll be mailed the day we leave.
     Missing my three girls more and more every day. I am

Your husband

Gil

Pineapple Cannery

Friday 25 August 1944, 8:45 AM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Went on liberty again yesterday. Went over to the dental clinic and met Jackson. We had lunch at the Officers' Club and are planning to get together one day next week. Met some of the officers of our ship and went out with them. We returned to the base and did a little elbow bending at the Submarine Officers' Club. Then we returned to the ship. It was about 8:45 PM then, and we hadn't had any dinner so--we went into the galley and I concocted an omelet of catsup, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and eggs. We ate every bit of it so it must have been, at least, edible.
     A few of us recently visited the largest pineapple cannery in the world. I drank ice cold juice and ate sliced pineapple until it came out of my ears, but I still like the stuff. The tour through the plant takes one hour and I was impressed by the cleanliness of it all. Every bit of the pineapple is used, even down to the shell which is used as feed for cattle.
     Well dear, nothing much else to tell. I took out a couple of juicy impactions and surprised myself. Even though I haven't done any real surgery in months everything went smooth and even the patients survived. Right now I'm waiting for an anesthetic to take effect. The patient says it is really numb so I've got to go back to work.
     Bye dear till tonight. I love you and miss you.

Your own husband,
Gil

World War II Dole Magazine Ad

Liberty in Pearl

Wednesday 23 August 1944, 11:00 PM

My Darling,
     Went on liberty yesterday. Joined the Officers Club for $1.00 and got a ration of whiskey. Had lunch there and ran into Barney Silver, Leon's friend. Bummed around downtown, had a few drinks, did some window shopping and returned to the ship. We really got pie-eyed, played the accordion, sang and raised hell until I literally poured myself into my bunk. Today I have what is known as a hang-over, but a good one. However I'm not sorry. I felt like it and I got it out of my system now--yep even the alcohol.
     Worked all morning on some men from another ship and saw three patients this afternoon as well.

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     Will tell you all about it tomorrow. Got three more letters yesterday and three today. You say I sound homesick--well why not with you and the kids so many miles away. I have some gifts in mind for you and the kids but may not be able to send them until we leave this place--censorship! Wish I could say we are returning soon--so far we are waiting. As I wrote you before, several weeks may elapse before anything happens and then where we go is still too remote to even hazard a guess although it looks like we'll be heading west.
     Gosh honey, as I sat out on deck and looked at the millions of stars in the sky and felt the cool breeze blowing in from the hills, I went back to past years when we enjoyed beautiful spots together. Dear, when this is over we'll enjoy many, many such things together. I wish I could just pour out of these pages the love I have for you in my heart but you know me--all I can say is I love you! Repeat many more times. Not enough room.
     No darling there is nothing I need that I can't buy here. There are many large department stores and a large Sears. Sell the Plymouth for whatever Bob gives you. Within reason, of course. Heard the war news this evening and things are really popping. Maybe this will be over even sooner than we dared to hope and I'll come home to stay. Anyway, there's going to be a hot time in the Steingart domicile when I return. Wish I could save all your letters but room is something there isn't much of. You save mine and I'll use it as a refresher when I return and tell you all about things and such.
     Good night my Sweet. I'll see you in my dreams.

Your loving husband,

Gil

P.S. Had to cut out where I was going on liberty. You might know where I am as if you didn't.

Gil