Pin-up Girls

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco
Tuesday 28 November 1944, 9:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Happy Birthday Darling. Although I wasn't able to be with you, I did think about you all day long.
     Today was another busy day. I worked in my office all day or should I say all morning and part of the afternoon. However I was all cleaned up by 2:30 so I wangled a boat from the exec and four of us went ashore for a few beers at the Officers' Club. We got back at 5:00 had dinner at 5:30 and then checkers until 7:30, movie time. Tonight we had "Lucky Jordon" with Alan Ladd. The last time I saw it you were at Arrowhead, remember. You didn't want to see any gangster movies so I took it in at while you were away.
     Now back to your letters. I really would like some more recent photos of the kids. I'll really look forward to getting them. The music you sent was swell and several numbers are just what I wanted. Haven't done a thing with the piano. It's kept in the crew's mess hall and it seems that they are always eating up or cleaning up there. Besides I don't have as much time as you think. As a matter of fact this is the first moment today when there wasn't something for me to do.
     Who said your pictures aren't up in my room? You hold the center spot amongst my pin-up girls and believe me yours is still my favorite. Norma and Linda, Dick and Babs grace another wall so at least I can see some of my family when I'm in my room.
     About the car scratches. I believe that our insurance covers that without any additional payments. Check it and if so have the car fixed up. However if it is necessary to pay additional money let it ride till later.
     Wish I could see you in your new dress or even without any clothes. Who said we'd be going out? I've got other ideas.
     I see you're still talking about Brentwood. Well everything comes with time. Just take it easy and don't get excited. There'll be plenty of lots and oodles of time to buy them before building materials become available.
     I'm getting caught up with my correspondence. Recently I've written to Ruth, your mother, my mother, Deb and Dave, the Fleischers, the Leavys, Libby and Jack Taylor. I still owe several more and it doesn't look like I'll ever catch up.
     Dear, sell the wolf jacket if you like. After all it's yours and if you can't enjoy it you might as well have the money to get something you can enjoy.
     So Sol got "new construction." That seems to be the desire of all officers and men overseas--to go back to the states for new construction. Who knows where our paths may cross, Sols and mine? This is really a small world as I've had opportunities to observe.
     Yes dear I know what things cost but you're just beginning to find out. Now you know why I used to fuss at times about economizing. Now you know for yourself.
     Talking about Xmas and picture puzzles. In my gear locker, I have twenty crossword puzzles. I must break them out for the men. I've also been thinking about Xmas but so far my mind is a total blank. I'm going to scout around for ideas.
     So it's still raining? Well it is out here too. As a matter of fact it rained during the movie and I'm still pretty wet. However that does help in keeping cool so why change.
     "Strange Fruit" is aboard and I'm going to read it as soon as it's available. They tell me it's "plenty hot."
     There was no mail today but who am I to complain after all I got yesterday?
     Just the same I hope the mail man favors me tomorrow. You'll never know how much I look to hearing from my Sweetheart.
     Sweet, do you remember the "Captain" story and the ideas we got from it? Better brush up on it for when I get back--or don't you need any brushing up?
     Really dear, I'm all writ out. So--good night my love with a thousand kisses and nice close hugs from your loving husband to his birthday gal.

With loving thoughts

Gil

Gils's favorite pin-up
His wife Eleanor

Can't See Scratches on the Buick
Eleanor and Norma in Front of Ruth and Harry's House

Birthday Card

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco
Tuesday 28 November 1944

The birthday card Gil sent to his wife Eleanor.

Burnt Souvenir

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O San Francisco
Monday 27 November 1944, 9:15 PM

My Dearest,
     Zowie, I hit the jackpot at last. Eighteen letters today. One from Libby, one from Ruth, fifteen from you, my Sweet, and a card that was on the ship that burned. I am sending it back to you. Keep it as a souvenir.
     Didn't do a lick of dentistry today. Instead saw the completion of the cross-indexing of the library. Then did some experimenting endeavoring to find a way to make some projector slides. We are going to have group singing before movies. Because we must not show too much light topside we are going to project the words on the screen. Well I tried to x-ray film and glass a million different ways and then I discovered that plain strips of paper with words written or typed worked best of all. We live and learn.
     This evening the movie was "Swingtime Johnny" with Harriet Hilliard and the Andrews Sisters. This picture is the poorest excuse for entertainment that we've gotten in a long time.
     Now to your letters. OK dear I'll promise not to skip any more days in writing. The reason I didn't hint about our departure was because censorship at that time was very rigid and even a suggestion would have been cut. Al had promised to write but we expected to see each other before I shoved off and maybe that is why he delayed in writing.
     No dear I haven't done any fishing. While we were underway we are moving too fast for trolling and because of something that happened here recently fishing won't be good for a while.
     That gadget I was making hasn't worked out so well but I got a new brainstorm so I'm going to try again.
     You do expect me to tell you a lot more than censorship permits. I can't even hint at arrivals and departures nor locate our whereabouts even by suggestion. Please be reasonable and don't keep asking for such information. Now that I've chided you for the n-the time I'll continue.
     I wish I could take some pictures but where we are now there are no such things as civilians. In fact even the natives have been removed. All we see all day and all night is Navy and more Navy.
     So Marty is up to his old tricks again. One of these days he's going to meet his match and there'll sure be hell a popping. I just want to be around to enjoy the fireworks.
     Sorry about the wrist watch. By now you have Edith's letter and you know the whole story. No dear, I haven't received any gifts as yet. So far very little in the way of packages has been brought aboard. The most recent letter I received took twelve days in coming and some of the mail dated back to the ninth so you see what mail is like out here.
     We'll be out for quite some time but there have been five transfers amongst officers since we arrived. I have a hunch that before long all of us that came out will return to the good old U.S. I've got my fingers crossed.
     I wish I could tell you about our discussions aboard but most is censorable and the rest is sex with a capital "S."
     Between your teaching and classes you seem to be filling out your time and getting a little pleasure out of it and I'm glad. Get it all out of your system. When I return you're going to have a new routine and it won't include classes and teaching.
     I'll send some more gum as soon as they break out some more Wrigley's. Some of the other brands are lousy.
     Letters are taken off of passing ships but only from fighting vessels that are on patrol and do not make any port for months at a time. These ships take on fuel, food, supplies and mail at sea. Thank God I'm in a better spot than that and in more ways than one.
     Dear, I did enjoy all those clippings and your poetry. Keep them coming. There is one thing you can send that I can't buy out here. Black rayon or silk socks (short). All they have aboard are cotton or wool and mine are beginning to run.
     From the sound of things, Linda and Norma are developing so rapidly that I'll not know them when I return. Well we'll get reacquainted and pick up from there.
     You seem to be having plenty of rain. We have rain here daily, but it never lasts long though it does pour. Still we ignore it and keep right on doing what we were doing.
     Hope you have fun at the race track and don't win too much money. I'm not going to say any more about lodge activity. You'll have to be your own judge there. As yet I haven't gotten my course or the letter you mention. Guess it is lost.
      Well honey, here it is 10:00 o'clock, time for lights out and I'm not half through your letters. I'm going to close this letter now and carry on with the rest of your mail in tomorrow's letter.
     Do you remember dear how I selected all your clothes? Now I can't do it. Well after the war that is one change we'll institute. Back to our old way of buying your clothes. Is it a deal? Swell
     Good night dear, I'm going to sleep much better tonight.

Love,

Gil

Sunday Services

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 26 November 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Sweetheart,
     So this is Sunday! Well I can think back to when Sunday was a day with my Sweet and our two little darlings. But this is war and I'm out here doing my duty.
     I started out this morning as usual. By 2:00 PM I had put in thirteen fillings, polished five fillings, extracted one tooth, X-rayed five teeth and treated two cases of trench mouth. Whew, I'm all tired out just recounting my day's work.
     From 2:00 to 2:45 P.M. I had to arrange for the Catholic and Protestant service aboard. Just a few travails, such as bringing a piano out through one of the hatches and rigging up a mike for the chaplain to speak through. Then at 2:45 PM I left the ship in a motor whale boat and picked up one chaplain at one ship and the other at another ship and was back on the Ocelot by 3:15 PM. Took both chaplains up to meet the "skipper" and then showed each one where he was to conduct services. When it was all over I received several sincere thank yous from officers and enlisted men alike and though I did not attend service they tell me the arrangements were perfectly planned and everything went off smoothly. Anyway from now on services will be held aboard every Sunday.
     After the chaplains left I showered and changed. Then it was time for dinner. After eating I played my daily game of checkers and I'm really getting good. Roberts, the officer I play with, was beating me constantly and tonight I beat him six times and tied him once much to his chagrin.
     The mail situation hasn't changed at all. No airmail has been received since November 17 and very little of anything else. However every time the mail orderly leaves I get hopeful again. Maybe tomorrow will be my day. I do hope so. Aside from being with you, your letter is the next best thing.
     The movie this evening was really good. "Meet the People." Remember when we saw it on the stage? Well when they made a movie of it we passed it up and it's nothing like the stage show. If you get a chance, see it. There are plenty of laughs in it.
     Well darling, so ends another week. Do you remember how on Sunday night, maid's night out, I'd lay down on the couch listening to the radio and fall asleep?
     After the war I've got other plans for maid's night out. Can you guess what they are? If you can't now you'll find out later and I know you won't be disappointed.
     Good night honey, I still love you and think about you all the time.

Devotedly
Gil

105°

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Friday 24 November 1944, 9:20 PM

My Dearest,
     Here it is Friday, a whole week has passed and still no mail. However I know that it isn't because you haven't written. You see no one else has received any either. All I can say of the mail service out here is that it is lousy.
     The movie last night was "Star Spangled Rhythm" with Eddie Bracken, Betty Hutton and the best of Paramount Stars. We saw it years ago together and now I've seen it alone. Tonight we had another oldie "Road to Morocco" with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour.
     Today was just another day. The thermometer registered from 97-105 degrees in the shade. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't read the temperature myself. This morning I turned out nine fillings, two extractions and a gum treatment. After lunch I took a boat over to another ship and arranged with the chaplain aboard to conduct services on the Ocelot Sunday. He is Catholic and promised to bring along a Protestant chaplain as well. I do hope it works out.
     Outside of that there is nothing new or exciting.--just the same everyday routine. Gee, next week is your birthday and here we are thousands of miles apart. Well, this will be the as well as the first that we'll be apart.
     How are my girls doing? Do they still talk about their daddy? By the time I get back I'll be a total stranger to Norma and almost that to Linda. Yet she remembered Leon when she was much younger and that is a happy thought.
     Talking about Leon, he never did answer my letter and so help me. I'm really going to tell him off when that opportunity presents.
     Have you been doing any more teaching? Are you still going out for an evening? There are so many things I want to know and I'm sure when that stack of mail does arrive all my questions will be answered.
     Darling, do you remember those happy sessions on the studio couch in the Admiral Apartments? Well, after the war, I've got some new ideas we'll have to try out. You see I have plenty of time now to think about all the wonderful times we had together and also to plan all the things we'll do in the future.
     Good night my Sweet. I'm going to close with loving thoughts of days gone by. I love you so!

Your devoted husband,

Gil

Thanksgiving Day

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Thursday 23 November 1944, 1:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     This is Thanksgiving, the first one we've been apart for more than fifteen years and the last one I am sure.
     Yesterday was a bitch. It was hot and I was swamped all morning and part of the afternoon. I had seven extractions, nine fillings, and several treatments and examinations to make. Then, when I was through, a few of the officers decided to go ashore for a couple of hours. We hadn't gotten more than a hundred yards from the ship when the engine began to smoke and the boat had to be towed back to the ship. Thus ended the shortest liberty of my career as there were no other boats available at that time.
     So I played a few games of checkers and before I knew it, it was time for supper. After chow we sat around in a cool spot (comparatively only) and chewed the fat. Then it was 7:45 PM and time for movies. Another "oldie" but a good one, "Hollywood Cavalcade" with Alice Fay and Don Ameche. Then I turned into my sack and read for a while but didn't get far because of officers dropping in for a visit. My room seems to be one of the coolest on the ship, hence the popularity.
     Awoke this morning at 7:30 AM, showed, dressed and had a very light breakfast. The enclosed menu will explain the reason why. I had only one helping of everything and I'm stuffed like the turkey was before it was served.
     I had a light routine this morning so I spent an hour helping my corpsman get the library in order. It is quite a job, but the end is now in view.
     Well Sweet tomorrow is Friday and a whole week since I got any mail. Service out here is rotten so I hope you won't worry or be upset if you don't receive any regularly. I bet though when it does get here there'll be a stack of it.
     Darling, remember how I hated to write? Well except for our visits, I still hate it and after the war you'll be appointed my chief and only letter writer so help me!
     That is all now honey. I'm going to say "adios" for today. I wish I could wax poetic and express my deep love for you as I'd like but I can't so I'll wind up with my usual "loving you as always."

Your devoted

Gil

30 in Sick Bay

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Tuesday 21 November 1944, 9:20 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello honey, how is my sweetheart today? The mail service out here is lousy. I haven't had any mail now since last Friday. Here is hoping I get some this afternoon.

     Things were sure booming in sick bay yesterday. We never did find out what it was but about thirty of our officers and crew turned in with nausea and diarrhea. However after vomiting several times they got rid of whatever was causing their discomfort and this morning all is quiet and peaceful.
     We had a very good movie last night, "Summer Storm" with George Saunders and Linda Darnell. See it if you can.
     I took out two impactions this morning. One was rather simple but the other was a bear. It was buried deep in the jaw bone and I had to split it into two pieces (the tooth not the jaw) to remove it. I had expected several patients from another ship this morning but they didn't show up. Hence I have time to write in the middle of the morning.
     Our library is in a hell of a mess once more. It is open for only one hour a day and by the time the men get through browsing you couldn't tell where "a" ends and "z" begins.

12:45 PM

     Excuse the interruption; I've been busy with patients from 9:30 until 11:30 and then chow. Now we'll continue our visit. About the library--I spent a couple of hours there last night getting everything straightened out. And then I noticed my watch had stopped. I don't know what's wrong so I'll take it over to another ship where there is a watchmaker and try to get it fixed. In the meantime I have my Bulova to fall back on.
     Mail came aboard this morning so I'm hoping there'll be something for me. Am I perspiring! I have a towel right handy and use it after almost each sentence.
     Darling do you remember how tight I got at your graduation party? That seems so long ago. Actually it is only twelve years. Guess a lot has happened since then. Well dear, after the war we'll be together again and forever.
     So long honey with "lotions of love" (a la Winchell) I am your loving correspondent.

Gil

USS Ocelot

Beer 10¢

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 20 November 1944, 11:00 AM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Good morning Sweet. How is my darling today? Swell, I'm glad to hear that.
     Yesterday morning, I did a little work in the office and cleared out so my corpsman could finish painting. Now that it's finished and looking 4.0, someone got the bright idea to run some electric cable through the office. It never fails. As soon as you get something fixed up someone will come along and mess it up again.
     After lunch yesterday I hit the beach on a little liberty. About a half dozen of ship's officers went and we got fairly tanked up. Still in all, the day cost the magnificent total of $1.20. Beer cost 10 cents a can and V.O. whiskey 30 cents a shot. Any bar in the United States could make two drinks with the amount of whiskey used in each drink.
     By the time we got back it was 6:30 PM and there was no more dinner left. So we fixed some toast and made cold meat sandwiches. And with a little left over potato salad I sated my hunger in a hurry. Then I went to the movie and saw "Hail the Conquering Hero" with Eddie Bracken. What a laugh! By the end of the picture I was plenty sleepy so I hit the sack early.
     This morning I was routed out of my sack at six o'clock and though I didn't do any work I had to stand by until ten o'clock. Then I showered, shaved and feeling much refreshed sat down for our little visit together.
     Honey, do you remember our weekend reunions while you summered at Catalina? Can you imagine out next reunion? I can't. Right now it seems so long since I've held you in my arms that it is difficult to imagine such pleasure and happiness.
     I'll sign off with the hope that I get some mail today. I haven't had any since Friday. Loving you as always

Devotedly

Gil

The probable reason for being routed out of his sack was that a Kaiten, had attacked and sunk the USS Mississinewa in Ulithi. 63 men were lost.  

 Kaiten, a Japanese torpedo/kamikaze/mini-submarine.

Half dozen of the Ship's Officers

Gil is the Short One

Paint Cheap

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 18 November 1944, 9:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello darling, here I am again. Just saw a movie I saw several years ago but I enjoyed every moment of it. The picture was the "Black Swan" with Tyrone Power, a story of Henry Morgan and the Spanish Main.
     I'm catching up on my mail now. Last night I dropped notes to Manny Stern and the Fleischers. I don't know who'll be on the program for tonight until I look at whose letters are lying around. You see I don't throw any away until they're answered.
     I didn't do any dentistry today because my office is being painted. That's one thing about the Navy. Paint is cheap and labor plentiful so as soon as any place looks the least bit bad it gets a fresh coat of paint.
     What did I do with all the time? First I took those large photos of you, covered them with blue celluloid and hung them on the bulkhead in my room. Then I took that booklet of pin-ups you sent me recently, cut those out and stuck them up too. Believe these pictures along with Linda's, Norma's, Dick's and Babs' brighten up my room considerably. Then I did a little reading, took a shower and won another buck at blackjack. After dinner I played some checkers and then to the movie. My what a busy day!
     Well I expect to be much busier next week. I'm going to work on the crew of a ship anchored nearby. These men plus those on the Ocelot will keep me busy for awhile.
     There was no mail for me today, so no answers. Good night my Sweet, I love you and wish you were near. Boy, would I like that and you would too!

Lovingly

Gil

Picture of Dick

Presidential Election

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 17 November 1944, 9:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello My Darling, how are you today? Since I wrote last night, I dropped notes to Deb and Dave, my mother, your mother and Ruth. After I finish this letter I'll do some more catching up. I just got two letters today, one from Deb and Dave and one from you, My Sweet.
     This morning was the same as usual. Spent most of it working. After lunch I got into a blackjack game and won six or seven dollars. I don't know how long my luck will hold out but it does help the time pass. I can't get hurt much so I'll indulge in a little gambling now and then.
     You ask how the ship's officers stood on the presidential election. Well with the exception of one or two I believe they were all for Roosevelt. Quite different from what if was in San Diego. There, most of the older men were for Dewey and the young men for Roosevelt. Anyway now that the die is cast we've had lots of good natured kidding about the future of our country and it was good for a laugh.
     As I've written before the dolls were ordered and should arrive before Xmas day. Wouldn't it be swell if I were home then? It doesn't look like there is any chance for that to happen but while there is life there is hope and nothing that happens in the Navy surprises me anymore.
     The movie tonight was "Thunderbirds," a real oldie. I'd seen it before but so long ago I couldn't remember what came next so I enjoyed it as much as the first time.
     Honey, do you remember your birthday many years ago when I gave you that ring I made for you in school? Well I may not be with you this year but beginning in 1945 and forever after we'll celebrate all birthdays together. That's all for now Sweetheart, goodnight.

Lovingly,
Gil

Coconuts

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O San Francisco
Thursday 16 November 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     After writing last night I went to the movie and saw a very unusual picture, "Someone to Remember." You must see it if you haven't already. After the movie I turned in and read until ten and then lights out.
     Worked this morning as usual. After lunch I went on liberty for the first time in about a week. What did I do? I drank a few beers and just wandered along the shore looking for unusual colored shells and pieces of coral. I brought back a pocket full. Maybe I'll have a collection by the time I return. There are many coconut trees here and the nuts are lying just everywhere. So I picked up one and cracked the shell and drank some of the milk and ate some of the nut meat. Some of the coconuts have been lying around so long that they have sprouted roots and green shoots are growing out of the nut itself. Wish I could tell you more about this place, but so much for now.
     Got back tired, hot, and sticky so I took a shower and read for half an hour before dinner. After eating I got into a small blackjack game and after a whole hour I won about fifty cents. There must be an easier way to make money.
     Tonight we had another good movie, "His Butler's Sister." I believe we both missed it and it really is worth seeing.
     And that's the way it is. Somehow the days go by. It is almost four months since we said goodbye but it seems like four years. How I would love to spend an evening with my Sweet and our two little darlings. Oh well, maybe it won't be so very long when we'll have more than an evening together.
     Well Honey, there is no more for now. Do you remember how I used to write you when you spent the month at Catalina? And in between letters how I wanted to telephone but you didn't have a phone. Now you do have a phone but still I can't call. Just wait until I get one I can use! After this war I'll keep the wires hot every time we get separated for even a few hours.
     Good night dear and pleasant dreams.

Lovingly

Gil

Gil Cutting Coconut
 Ulithi

Tokyo Rose

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 15 November 1944, 6:30 PM

Dearest Sweetheart,
     Hello honey, here I am again. After missing yesterday I got twelve letters today, one from your mother, one from Libby and the rest from you. It evidently takes about

censored

days for an airmail letter to reach me so it you have to know something in a hurry you'll have to use your own judgment.
     I wouldn't worry about money. Where I am now there is very little to spend on. As a matter of fact I didn't draw any money on the first and none today and I still have $50 cash on me.
     I missed "Mr. Winkle Goes to War." It was shown onboard one night when I was on liberty. Last night, by the way, we had "Shadow of a Doubt" with Theresa Wright and Joseph Cotton. About half way through the showing we had a regular cloudburst and although we were all soaked to the skin we saw the picture through to the end. Tonight we have "Someone to Remember." The featured players are all unknown to me, but it has a high amusement rating so here's hoping.
     From your letters it sounds that you are finding plenty of things to do to take up your time and I'm glad. Being occupied makes the time go so much faster.
     Do I remember that "pencil?" Wait until I get back, will you be surprised! "Esquire" is still going through the mail. I don't believe it was ever actually stopped. That is one magazine I'll really enjoy receiving. By the way I did receive an Evening Outlook just the same as you sent several weeks ago so I guess they have my new address. I also received the American Dental Association Journal. I'm sure that now all my mail will soon catch up with me.
     Talking about records, they are the only dependable entertainment we have. We do get rebroadcasts of radio programs; sometimes they are good, but most of the time there is too much static. We do get "Tokyo Rose" often. To hear them we've practically lost the war. These broadcasts are meant for American consumption and it makes one wonder at the intelligence of the Japanese propaganda directors. We all listen to it just for the fun and discount all their claims about 100%. Besides the above reading, checkers and a game of cribbage make up the entertainment and recreation I indulge in now.
     Sorry you had car trouble. Yes the battery was a new one purchased when the car was painted. It had a thirty month guarantee by Western Auto. The date is stamped into the metal on the battery but I suppose it is too late now to do anything.
     It rains here almost every day but not for long--thank god. I'm getting used to the heat and until now had forgotten about it completely.
     Soon you'll receive the other package I sent. There are a few items there I know you'll like. The dolls were purchased through the Army Exchange Service and will be delivered just before Xmas. They are also going to bring you something for your birthday, but I won't say what it is.
     Well darling, I'm just about run out. I've been doing quite a bit of work and am meeting many new faces and making new acquaintances. I do believe my work is appreciated and I do treat every enlisted man and officers with as much consideration as I would if he were my patient in private practice. Believe me after some of their past experiences they do know the difference.
     I enjoyed the quotation and wish I could reciprocate with another to tell you the love I have for you in my heart. However having no references to go to I'll just say I love you more than ever before (if that is possible) and we'll make up for all we are missing now.
     Sweet, do you remember how we would start out downtown on Saturday morning with all our family to visit and shop? That's the way our family always will be--together. We'll always enjoy all our little pleasures and big ones too!
     That is all for now dearest. Goodnight and pleasant dreams many x's and hugs and exclamation points.

Devotedly

Gil

The Buick's red paint had oxidized, so the car was repainted green at Earl Scheib.

Officers' Club

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Monday 13 November 1944, 6:20 PM

My Dearest,
     I feel swell now. I got eleven letters from you and one each from your mother and mine and one from Edith. I'll send Edith's on to you so you can read firsthand about the wristwatch you want.
     Sure sounds like you've had a siege with household appliances. Oh well, who cares! As long as they can be fixed, why worry? I didn't draw my last paycheck and won't draw my next either. There is no place to go and spend money except for a few drinks at the Officers' Club.
     I did buy four suits of khakis (shirts and trousers) and I believe I'll buy more and lay away my greys. That way I'll have grey uniforms complete when I return. Otherwise the pants and shirts would be worn out and the blouses new. Anyway khakis are all you see out here and some of the higher ups dislike greys and have said as much.
     Glad to hear everyone is prospering. Just means there'll be more money to spend when I return to civilian life.
     The name of the magazine we sent Sol was "Our Navy." I can't give you the address of the publisher but Harry B. has it.
     I read an interesting book by James Cain. It is really three separate books under the title "Three of a Kind." Two of the stories, one entitled "The Embezzler" and the other "Double Indemnity" were made into movies. I don't quite recall the name of the third but all three are worth reading. Now I am reading a Charlie Chan mystery, "Keeper of the Keys."
     Glad that you liked the gifts I sent. I didn't know gum was so difficult. I'll see what can be done. Sorry I look fat in the picture. I am no heavier than when I left the states. As a matter of fact I think I'm a little lighter. I'm going to check as soon as I finish this letter.
     Bill Spivak is wrong and if you'll read what I told you about Leon you'll have the real answer.
     Well Honey, I've run out of question and answers so I'm going to sign off. But first, do you remember how we enjoyed the moonlight in a speed boat up at Arrowhead. Do you remember what came next? Well I do too. Will repeat at my earliest opportunity.
     Good night Sweet. I love you and miss you more than I can say.

Lovingly

Gil

Here is a link to images of WWII Navy Uniforms http://www.usww2uniforms.com/figures_navy.html