Lack Butter

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

 U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Thursday 19 October 1944, 3:00 PM

My Sweet,

     This afternoon's mail brought two letters from you and one from my cousin Fay Springer. I dropped her a note after you sent on her New Year's greeting. Already having an answer is a surprise to say the least. She is a very unhappy woman as you can see from her enclosed letter.

     I got off a letter to Edith so I hope she'll take care of the watch for me. Outside of that all I've been doing all day is work, work, work.

     I am a little surprised at Deb's actions but I always told you that you were more concerned about her than she would be about you. On the other had she is probably pretty upset if Dave is really going overseas; the 15 day leave would indicate just that to me

     Of course I want you to read the book! I guess the title is a surprise so I'll be patient till it comes. So the Corsos are at it again. My, my. Tomorrow they'll kiss and make up and get stiff again. Guess I'll have to drop my mother a note though why she should be upset about Libby is a mystery. By now they should be able to afford a home of their own. Sounds like there are a lot of changes at home. I didn't know butter was so low. Is it a lack of points, butter or both? What does Anne hear from Joe?

     I'm going to sign off now but will write more after the movie tonight. Bye my love till tonight.

Gil

10:10 PM

Hello Darling,

     Had a pretty good movie tonight, "Step Lively" with Frank Sinatra and George Murphy. A light, fast, and enjoyable musical

     This has been a nice day. This evening it was especially enjoyable, sitting out on deck with the breezes blowing, enjoying an amusing picture. Gee, it sure would have been fun to reach over and hold your hand or better yet to put my arm around you and have you rest your head on my shoulder. Ah well, nice dreaming anyway.

     Honey, do you remember many years ago the first time we went to Arrowhead? It was a beautiful starlit night and Eleanor and Gil took a walk along the lakeshore and held hands and then Gil stole a few kisses. After this war let's go back and take that walk again or shall we just turn in early. OK you talked me into it.

     Nothing more for now, Sweetheart. Goodnight and I'll see you in my dreams

Loving you always

Gil

Red ration stamps used to purchase butter.

Philippines Invaded

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francsco
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 closer 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

Box

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Tuesday 17 October 1944, 8:30 PM

My Darling,

     This has been just another day of work. Kept busy with patients all morning and afternoon. I knocked off work at 3:30 and went to my room. Spent the next hour packing up the box of gifts I'm sending on to you. Most items have price tags still on so you can tell what you wish to give to whom. After I finished wrapping the box I stowed all my gear in my locker and chest of drawers. My how time flies when one is busy. By the time I got straightened around it was 5:45 PM so I showered and changed for dinner.

     This evening I didn't go to the movies. We had the same picture that I saw at the Officers' Club last night. However I gave you the wrong title. In last night's letter I called it "Marriage by Mistake." It should have been "Bride by Mistake."
     Don't know why I'm so tired tonight. It hasn't been too hot; it has been raining most of the time. I got plenty of sleep last night. The yellow fever shot can't have taken effect so soon. My cold is almost gone. Still, I'm tired. Guess I'll turn in and read for a while before turning off the light.
     Didn't get any mail today so no quiz program unless something comes in the morning.
     Good night my "Sweet." I'll write some more in the AM.

Love and kisses

Gil

Wednesday 10:30 AM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Been rushing around all morning getting the package wrapped and took care of five patients. Didn't find any mail this morning so there'll probably be a stack this afternoon.
     Honey, do you remember the long hours I used to put in working and how provoked you would get at times? Well, Sweet, after the war you're going to find a changed husband. One who likes to come home early and spend more time with his family.
     No more news for now. I'll close with all my love to you and our girls.

Devotedly

Gil

To Linda

Tuesday 17 October 1944

Dear Linda,
     Hello honey, how is my big girl today? It was real nice to hear from you again and I especially enjoyed the nice picture that you drew at school.
     How do you like being back on Euclid Street with all your old friends and toys? How are you doing at dancing school? Bet you are getting to be a real good dancer. When I get home you will have to put on a real show for me.
     Are you helping Mother take care of Norma? You are the big sister and you should be a lot of help.
     I'm sending a big box home and there are a couple of surprises for you and Norma and Mother but be patient until it comes.
     Be sure to write soon.

Love

Daddy

House on Euclid Street

Censoring

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Monday 16 October 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Another busy day. Right after breakfast I borrowed a Navy sedan and drove over to pick up the rest of the recreational gear I had ordered. When I returned I saw a couple of patients and then attended to some changes in my quarters.

     I got two letters from you this morning and one from Uncle Mike. This afternoon I got one from Libby. Showered and changed after lunch and went on another shopping spree and spent a little better than $35. Now I'm through. I have plenty planned for the next couple of days. Lots of letters to write and I must get all these gifts packed and sent off.
     When I returned from my shopping, I went over to the Officers' Club for a few beers and took 1 1/2 hours to lose $1.00 in a slot machine. Some fun!
     Returned to the ship for dinner and then went back to the Officers' Club to see the movie. There wasn't one aboard tonight. The picture "Married by Mistake" with Ruth Hussy and Allan Marshal was very amusing. Do see it if you get a chance.
     It has been raining on and off all day and over last night. I got wet at the movie (it was in the open) and I'm going to my room and change into something dry. There was some painting done there today so I'm writing from my office. I'll finish in the AM.
Good night, Sweet, I love you.

Adoringly

Gil

Tuesday 9:00 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,
     How about a big kiss? Mmm!! Gee thanks, you didn't have to bite me, did you? I have your two letters of yesterday before me, so here we go on our daily quiz program.
     You ask about my first visit with Al Klein. That was when I saw him at his station. The reason you got confused is on that is because I could not give you any details as to where, when and I how I met him.
     Regarding the course, the Doctor and I are going to work the rest of it together. That will make it much easier.
     Censoring mail varies. I'm supposed to have the duty every six days, but with the Xmas rush we are doubling up now so it'll be more often. This duty was interesting at first but after awhile it gets quite boresome. However I will say this, some sailors do have a sweetheart in every port and they all (the girls) get the same line of bull.
     Yes, Sweet I have both of my shavers with me and I will be able to use them. If you get a hold of another one (Willie's or through Dave) send it on "post haste."
     Glad to hear that you are enjoying studying and that the children are working out OK with Betty. Thanks for those measurements. I'll get to work on the surprise in a couple of days.
     Even though you are writing often you still have more to tell me than I have to tell you. I did enjoy the U.S. News clipping.
     Nothing more that is new this AM. We just finished giving the ship's company their yellow fever shots. In a couple of days they'll get typhoid and tetanus. Then back to regular routine.
     That is thirty for now, honey. I've been at this letter for 1 1/2 hours and I want it to go off this noon. Bye my own sweet love, till tonight.

Lovingly

Gil

New Quarters

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 15 October 1944, 7:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello darling. I hit the jackpot again today, four letters from you, one from Deb and one from the Bergmans. This has been a hot, sultry, very busy day. After lunch I had my gear moved into my new quarters but it will take a couple of days, probably, before I get everything squared away.
     About 3:00 PM today it began to rain and has continued on and off for the past four hours. It was a nice gentle rain and I stood out in it just trying to cool off.
     Because of

censored

on there won't be any movie tonight which is the reason for my writing a couple of hours earlier than usual. I have all your letters in chronological order and will try to answer all your questions as fully as possible. Some I've already answered a couple of times but will repeat where necessary.
     Dick's illness does sound serious. Maybe the Markowitzes have learned a lesson and will keep a close tab on Dick. I'm just as sick of male company as you are of female and I don't even know where I could find anyone to respond to overtures even if I wished it.
     Guess again darling. Mary was not right. She never could have been more wrong. I never wanted to leave and am just living for the day when I come back to you and our girls.
     I've received all the music you sent. (I believe). There were three separate envelopes. I really don't believe Leon will be able to enlighten you any. Tell him for me that he is a flag waver from way back.
     Honey I've bought many items with no one in particular in mind. Some I'll be able to send on and others

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     When you get the box pick out what you want first and then pass the rest on as you see fit. There'll be several duplications.
     You are right in what you read between the lines. Wish I could explain more fully but that is impossible. Of course, dear, I don't expect you to be content with our present set up but still we can't change the situation, so we must make the best of it. It may not be any consolation but your load is lots easier than many, many service wives. However, let's not rehash that anymore.
     Yes dear, I have that list and will use it for Xmas greetings. Please send me Bruce's address though I don't think it will reach me in time.
     Gee, is Dutchy still ailing? It certainly has been a long time. I do try to vary my letters and then I forget to tell you something that I might write someone else. Then again some of our censors are rabid and will cut out anything that even reads suspicious even though no information is passed along. For example I wrote I was the only man on the ship with two navels and it was cut. (it better not be cut this time.)I followed: that if you couldn't figure it out I'd explain in my next letter. The explanation is simple. It's been so long since I've been with a woman that my "whozit" looks like a second navel, all shrunk up. That fling consisted of dinner and plenty of drinks. I didn't go to the U.S.O. show myself, hence no details. I don't believe there is a ban on records to service people. None of you mail is ever censored.
     Sweet t

censored 

     We still have the same number of officers, no change. The Doctor and I are all the officers in the Medical Department.

     Honey, do you remember the letters I used to write to you when you went to Philapdelphia many years ago.  Your "Impatiently Eleanor" reminded me of that.
     After this war I hope it'll never be necessary for me to write any letters to my only Sweetheart. I love you so that you'll never get away long enough for that.
     I've been writing for 45 minutes and it's time to sign off. Good night, Sweet, until tomorrow.

Lovingly 

Gil

Wrong Form

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Saturday 14 October 1944, 9:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Went on a wild goose chase this morning. Got some requisitions made out, borrowed the Captain's jeep. After chasing around for an hour getting it okayed, I was informed that the form used was wrong and so I've got to do the whole thing again.
     Well I returned to the ship and worked the rest of the morning. After lunch, I rated liberty so I went on a shopping tour. By the time I was through it was 4:00 PM so I returned and stowed my package aboard and then went over to the Officers' Club for a few beers.
     After dinner one of the officers and I played checkers until movie time. My game is really improving. We had a swell movie tonight, "Janie." If you haven't seen it you must.
     No mail today except the enclosed card from Rabbi Lifschitz. So no quiz program. I have so much to do in the morning that I won't be able to write until tomorrow night. You see, if I don't get the letter off early in the morning it won't leave the ship the same day.
     I've had a slight cold the last couple of days. First I thought I was getting one of my sore throats but a few doses of "sulfa" and my throat cleared up. The Doctor says as soon as we leave here my cough will clear up. A harbor cough is what he calls it. However, there are several colds aboard and I believe it's being passed around.
     Darling do you remember how much we've always enjoyed boating and how I wanted to buy a small craft for our pleasure? Well Sweet, I haven't had too much of the sea yet and after the war I wouldn't be surprised if the Steingarts turned up with their own boat at Arrowhead or Catalina.
     How are my two little darlings doing these days? Hope Norma soon gets over the crying spells she has when left outside to play. And Linda must be getting to be quite the young lady now. Did Dutchy get over her illness? Every time I send a letter off I think of dozens of things to say but when I'm writing I forget.
     Well honey, it is time to turn in because I'm going to have a busy day tomorrow. I love you Sweetheart and am counting the days till we are together again.

Love

Gil

Friday the 13th

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

 USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Friday 13 October 1944, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     This has been another busy day for me. This is Friday the 13th. I examined and treated 13 men. If only I were superstitious I could begin worrying right now!
     This afternoon's mail brought a letter from you, one from Ethel and a card from my Mother. Mary was all wet and in more ways than one. They seem to be a sore spot with you so I'll not mention them anymore.
     Now for the quiz program. The Mess Treasurer collects the monthly mess charges from officers, pays for all food and supplies drawn from the ships commissary and submits a statement monthly of the status of the officer's mess. What a mess! Just couldn't resist the pun. No I didn't run in Al accidentally. Yes darling I now have plenty of music. In addition to what you've sent I chiseled a couple of song books from the local welfare and recreation office and also purchased a book in a music store. Regarding John York: If you just turned the account over to them call them and tell them the account has been paid and to forget about it. However, I believe they have had the account for some time and you may have to pay them 25% for collection. However, when I left they still owed me some money so you won't need to send them any payment. What you wrote about Jules is typical of the Army. They need dentists and yet the dentists they have do everything but dentistry. However as for Germany fighting on to the bitter end, did you read where Lloyds of London is giving 4 to 1 odds that the European war will be over by November 1?
     I'm certainly not surprised about Dick. Keeping the hours he's been keeping and the things he is doing certainly doesn't do much to keeping a fellow fit. Yet I venture to say that Ruth and Harry will probably not do much about it and after a couple of weeks Dick will drift slowly back to his old routine. I hope I'm wrong but that is my guess.
     Well honey, I've just about run out now. One more item. The movie tonight was "Rainbow Island," with Dorothy Lamour and Eddie Bracken and very enjoyable.
     Sweetheart, do you remember the El Dorado and our singing in bed before turning over? Bet the neighbors thought we were drunk. Maybe we were drunk with happiness. After this war we must try that routine again if we can without waking the kids and the maid.
     Good night my darling. I'm going to close this letter tonight because I have lots to do tomorrow morning. I love you.

Devotedly
Gil

Bad Boy

Lt.(j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Friday October 13, 1944, 8:25 AM 

Dearest Eleanor,
     Good morning sweetheart. Gilbert was a bad boy yesterday. Ambie and I went on liberty and we both got pretty high. The best place to go when I guy is in that condition is right back to the ship and that is what we did. Ambie turned in immediately but I had to see the movies. The picture "Tell It To The Irish," with James Dunn was lousy and in my condition everything about it is very vague. Considering everything I feel swell this morning. No hangover, headache or even bad taste in my mouth. Oh well, this is only the second time I've done this and I think under the circumstances it is the best thing to do, blow off a little steam and now I'll relax and go back to work.
     From the sound of things Norma is really making rapid strides in her development. Wish I could see some of it but then I'll make the best of the situation as long as you keep me posted. What is Linda doing these days? The only time you mention her is when there is some kind of difficulty. Or is she at a standstill now?
     Sounds like Dick is really going places. It would be too bad if the draft did pick him up now but on the other hand a little discipline might do him a whale of a lot of good and he could continue on with his music while he is in the service.
     You are still worrying about what the Corsos say and do. As I remember we never did see much of them Saturday nights. We very often tried to get together but seldom did. Now that you're alone you just notice it more, that's all.
     What happened to Irving Fink that he is being released on a medical discharge? I received only one letter in the past 2 days and when I do get several from you they all bear the same date on the postmark. The pickup service must be just as poor at your end as it is here. However, honey don't worry. I'm writing everyday and you'll get all my letters eventually.
     I'll look for my Xmas packages and hope that when I get them I can hold out till Xmas. You know me darling. I'm very restless and just like a little boy when it comes to waiting for anything.
     So, Sweet, until later, good-bye. I just wish I could transmit a little of the love in my heart to you. All I can do, however, is say I love you, my darling, my own.

Love,

Gil

Wiener-bakes

Thursday 12 October 9:30 AM

Good morning Sweet,
     Been rolling right along this morning. I have my fourth patient in the chair waiting for some Novocain to take hold, so I have a few minutes to myself.
     The morning mail didn't bring me anything so I guess I'll get a whole stack all at once, again. There really is nothing new to talk about.
     Sweetheart, do you remember how much you've wanted to go on "wiener-bakes" and how I always talked you out of it?" Well, darling, after this war I'll even go to "weenie-bakes" whenever you ask me to.
     The Novocain is working now so I must close. Bye Honey, till tonight.

Love

Gil

Will Leave Pearl Harbor

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

 U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Wednesday 11 October, 1944, 9:25 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Another busy day. Worked in my office all day long examining, extracting and filling teeth. It was so close that I was wringing wet. However, as soon as I went topside I was dry.
     The recreational gear I ordered was cut to the bone so this time I'm really ordering stuff. If we get it fine and dandy, if they cut me, we can get by, but I'll reorder a third time. Maybe by then I'll get what we need.
     No mail today except another song book, so I hardly have anything to write about. Although I've been busy it has been a straight routine and very uninteresting from a telling standpoint.
     We did have a very good movie tonight. "Abroad With Two Yanks." It is about two Marines in Australia but there is no war in it. Just a lot of fun from beginning to end.
     How is the new girl working out? Do the kids like her? How much time off is she getting? Gee, I hope everything is all set now and you can get out for an evening.
     Sweet, it won't be very long before we leave here and then you won't be getting mail for quite some time. After that you'll get a batch all at once just as you did last time. I know you'll be patient and not worry when the mailman passes you by.
     I'll send this off after the morning mail and now I'm going to turn in. Good night my love, my one and only. You are in my thoughts always and I'm looking to the day when you'll be in my arms again.

Lovingly
Gil

Naughty Girl

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Wednesday 11 October 1944, 9:35 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello darling, how are you this morning? Our chief pharmacist mate got a 30 day leave and is returning to the states. So last night we sat around and talked until so late, that I decided to do my writing this morning instead. It is now 10:45 and this is all I've gotten written since I started. Come hell or high water, now I going to finish.
     Picked up 220 library books yesterday and there are many best sellers amongst them. After I got the books back to the ship I went on liberty. I did a lot of window shopping but still have the $100. Nothing seems to be just the thing I'm looking for. I returned to the ship for dinner and found we had two new ensigns aboard. I got another letter from you in the afternoon mail and everyone wants to know how I do it. Guess they never heard of love.
     We had another good move last night, "Sweet and Low Down," with Linda Darnell, Lynn Bari, Jack Oakie, and Benny Goodman. After the movie I returned to sickbay and the long visit I mentioned at the beginning of this letter.
     You mention Miss Earnest. The last time I heard from her she wasn't working but I don't believe she'd work long for Dr. White. They just wouldn't get along. At least that is my guess. So what if he is busy? As far as your teeth are concerned you were a naughty girl when I was in private practice. You always had something to do instead of keeping dental appointments. Oh well after the war I'll make other appointments for you and you'll break them again, but who cares. We'll be together and having fun and plenty of it. I haven't heard from Libby in a couple of weeks but suppose I'll hear soon. If I don't find anything more by the middle of next week I'll get my gifts off to you both for your birthday and Xmas for all.
     You know honey, you still aren't yourself and I can tell very easily. You say in one letter you are enclosing a clipping and then if comes in the next one. You sent me the first page of Deb's letter but where is the rest of it? Take is easy Sweet, when I get back I want to find you your old sweet self not a nervous wreck. And don't be so suspect when you miss a letter from me one day. When we put out to sea it might be a month or more before any mail will leave the ship. Just remember every day that passes is one day closer to the time when we'll be together again. And even though I won't be hearing from you when we are out at sea you'll always be with me in my heart. You and my two darling girls.
     Do you remember how you got a gift every time I got a big case until big cases came so thick and fast we quit that routine? After the war we'll resume that and continue regardless of how many and now often I get them.
     Honey, I must wind this letter up so that if gets off today. I'll sign off with love and kiss to my sweet wife.

Lovingly,

Gil

P.S. I've changed my mind about Xmas cards. Why not have some printed or made up with the signature:

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart
Dental Corps--U.S.N.R
     I could use about 100. If you attend to it right away and airmail the cards to me I should receive them in plenty of time.

Bye again darling. I love you

Gil

This was the Xmas Card

Electric Shavers

Tuesday 10 October 1944,10:00 AM

Good Morning Sweet,
     Just got through reading the morning's mail. I sure did hit the jackpot. Three from you and notes from Taylor, Nina, Freda A., your mother, B'nai B'rith Bulletin and a note from the American Dental Association plus some Navy Department literature.
     I will answer the inquiry about Elaine immediately. Of course Mary is all wet, and I wasn't scolding or being angry honey. I was just trying to illustrate my point. However enough said on the subject.
     How is the new girl panning out? Twenty dollars a month for dancing school does seem quite high but once we leave here I won't spend half the amount I'm spending now and that will more than take care of it. Anyway please don't worry about money. I made some once and I'll do it again.
     Do you remember Linda's first Xmas? How I wish I could just view the movies of that day now. After the war I'm going to take more and more pictures. As a matter of fact I wish I had brought my camera with me. But then the expense would have been high.
     Honey I have an important errand for you. Call Marty immediately and see if he can give you or get for you an electric shaver. Any make will do, either new or used. The Captain's burned out and there are none obtainable here. If you get one, air mail it out immediately. Also write as to what luck you've had finding one.
     Got to dash now so I'll sign off. Bye, Sweetheart. I do love you and miss you and my girls a lot.

Lovingly
Gil

Skipper

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Monday 9 October 1944, 10:30 PM 

 Dearest Eleanor,

     Well darling, here I am again. This was a varied day for me. Censored mail till 8:30. Examined seven men from our ship and five from another for dental treatment. Then took care of one of them. Then went back to reading mail. By the time I was through it was lunch time and so I ate again.
     After lunch the skipper and I drove out to look for certain recreational gear we needed and some things that he wished to buy for himself. Then we stopped for a couple of drinks and returned to the ship. I was hoping to find some mail but I guess struck out today.
     This evening we had "The Great Moment" with Joel McCrea and Betty Field. When you wrote that you saw it I didn't know what you were referring to. Marty and I saw it previewed at the Village Theater; that was the only time we attended a movie together. The original title was "There Shall Be No Pain." No wonder I didn't recognize it. The sequences in the picture were also changed. Instead of the flashbacks as it is now shown, the picture originally began with Morton being a med student and ended with his death. I do believe the change improved the picture considerably.
     Honey, with no questions to answer I hardly know what to say except that my thoughts are of you. Very often during my waking moments, I wish that you could see this thing or enjoy that thing with me. I do love you, Sweet, and I know how hard it must be for you. How I wish I could be home to give you a lift.
     Nothing more for now, darling. I'll finish in the morning after I've seen what the mail brings. Good night and pleasant dreams.

Lovingly

Gil

The Town

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 8 October, 1944, 9:35 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     This has been a swell day and I feel badly that you have to sit around and wait for someone to call while I'm really getting around and seeing things. Al Klein paid me a return visit today and we spent the whole day doing "the town." He came aboard at 10:00 AM. I took one and a half hours showing him around the ship. I learned a few things myself. Some of the explanations we got about different instruments were new to me even though I've been aboard for nine weeks or so. There is always something new to learn. After our tour we sat around and gassed until 12:15 and then had luncheon aboard. Soup, salad, fried chicken, pie a-la-mode with lemonade and coffee to drink. It was as good as it sounds.
     After lunch we hopped into the jeep Al had. He showed me parts of this place I hadn't seen before. There are many beautiful homes, educational institutions and buildings that one can't see unless one has a car for transportation. We also drove along the coast and saw several interesting phenomena. Then a visit to a hotel for a couple of beers and a little walk to stretch our legs. Al hadn't seen the aquarium I've mentioned so we look in there also. By then it was time for dinner. Al led the way to a restaurant I hadn't been to. We had a steak dinner with all the trimmings and it cost $3 plus tip (no tax). The steak would have brought a least $6 at any mainland eating place. It was large, tender and tasty. Then we returned to the ship just in time for the movie "When Hearts Were Young and Gay" was the title--from the book by Cornelia Otis Skinner and Ethel Kimbrough. It is about the two authors when they were teen age girls. Put it on you "must see" list. It is the most refreshing and amusing picture we've had aboard for some time. After the movie, Al left and I found some mail for me. Two letters from you and one from my mother.
     Ran out of stationery so will finish on this paper. That stomach upset must have been something you ate. Hope you are all over it now. You sure haven't had much luck with household help. Hope this new girl pans out. Please don't buy too much for me in the way of Xmas gifts. Unless it is something useful I'd probably have stow it somewhere. Extra room is at a premium. However I guess you realize that and will use your judgment. Please finish typing up my course and send it on. I was hoping it would be here by now but I realize now how swamped under you must have been.
     Do you remember your birthday party many Thanksgivings ago when I gave you your first real engagement ring? Well after the war that new wedding band you've been wanting is going to be first on my list. Going to sign off my darling with these three words, "I love you."

Devotedly

Gil

Sunday Is Just Another Day

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 7 October 1944, 9:30 PM

My darling,
     Just saw the movie aboard and here I am again. The picture "Do It Big" was just fair entertainment. Jack Haley, Harriet Hilliard and Ozzie Nelson were the stars. Now for a little visit.
     Nothing much since my last writing. Saw three patients this afternoon and when I finished I played a few games of checkers. It was pretty warm today and I felt much better after my daily shower and change of apparel.
     Sweet I'm going to make something for you and the kids. Please send me the waist measurements of each of you. It will take time to make but it should be done for Xmas. Don't ask what "it" is going to be. Be patient now and be surprised later (I hope).
     How did your new maid pan out? I hope she showed up and works out OK. I meant to mention it in this morning's letter but forgot. The music you sent sure made good time. It was postmarked the 30th of September and arrived here on the 6th. That is almost as fast as airmail. Must have come over on a pretty fast ship.
     I should be receiving scads of mail soon. I've written Taylor, Gilman, Bergman, Vanetek, Deb and Dave, Ruth, Libby, Earnest, Nina, Aranoff, Harry S., Davis and my cousin in Bell Harbor. We'll write Marty, Sam, Bill and Dave Katz soon. I've written several more that I can't recall just now but I'm doing a fair job.
     Al and I have a tentative date for tomorrow. After our visit I'll finish this note. Until then take it easy, Sweet. Now I'm going to bed and dream about you and I after the war.

Lovingly

Gil

Sunday 8 October 1944, 9:30 AM

Good morning Sweetheart,

     This being Sunday, call for breakfast was 7:30 instead of 7:00. Otherwise, at sea or I should say, aboard a ship, Sunday is just another day.
     This morning our welfare account was audited and then a book was set up for me to keep. I'm finding plenty to keep me busy outside of my dental office. I am mess treasurer now and have to collect the mess bill from each officer at the beginning of the month. Then I have to pay for all food and supplies we draw from the general mess and that is purchased from other sources. Then I'm still trying to get more books for our library without paying for them and that requires a lot of running around. By the time I get home I'll be a real chiseler and you know how I hate to ask for anything for nothing.
     Well honey, this is Sunday, the day we spent together. Boy wouldn't I like to get into the car and drive you and the kids down the beach for a stroll. Then take Linda and Norma to the merry-go-round. Do you remember how scared Linda was the first time I took her on? Now she rides like it is an everyday occurrence. After the war I won't be so anxious to dash off and leave our girls at home.
     Bye Sweet, I've got some more things to do. Will write again tonight. I know you are giving my regards to all so I don't have to ask you to do it.

Lovingly

Gil