Hawaii Ban

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Thursday 15 March 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello darling here I am once more. Began today as usual with work but I knocked off about 10:30 because I'm having a new style surgical basin (sink) installed in my office. I'm there now. From the progress they've made, there won't be much dentistry done on the Ocelot tomorrow either.
     I got another shot in the arm today and it feels quite sore at present. By tomorrow night I hope to be rid of all its effects.
     So, I had time to read my five letters before lunch today. There was one from Linda, one from Ethyl and three from my favorite wife. This afternoon I just loafed and took it easy. Read a little, talked a little but accomplished nothing.
     Now to your letters. I don't want our ship to go back for repairs. Ships that need such extensive repairs as to go back to the states must have seen some heavy action and many of the crew probably were casualties. I'll get back in due time and safe and sound. Who wants to be a hero? Not me!
     You ask what else can you send me? Well nothing at present. At dinner tonight we were talking about pickles and kosher dills were brought up. It was suggested that "dills" packed in waxed paper containers with additional wax sealing the cover would come on safe and sound. They tell me even whiskey has been sent out that way. How about getting a couple of quart cylinder containers and sending some on (no, not whisky, pickles).
     When I get my promotion I'll arrange to have your allotment increased and have the checks sent to the Santa Monica Bank. Then you can close out the San Diego account and have it all in one bank. You should have plenty of reserve so that there won't be any charge for writing checks even minus an additional $1,000. You can buy those bonds in $500 ones if you like. I still say buy some more.
     I wrote Dr. Ivie the other day. As a matter of fact I'm all caught up now and owe no one any letters.
     About the Sadie A. incident. All I can say is that women are cats and very petty ones indeed. Further no one will stick her neck out if she can avoid it. I'd forget the incident and tell the whole kit and caboodle to do their own dirty work from now on.
     I know my daily letters mean much to you because I know how much they mean to me. We have been lucky too that there hasn't been much of a break in frequency of mail so far. However darling please realize that his can't go on forever and sooner or later there may be a break of days or maybe weeks without mail. Please don't worry though because I'll always be safe and then one day you'll get a great big stack all at once.
     By the first of April I'll have over $450 due me on the books. I'm going to send you $100 then and I want you to buy Linda a bond and use the $25 balance to get her something more tangible.
     Well darling I'm all worked up for tonight. The move is an oldie "Intermezzo" with Leslie Howard. Goodnight my Sweet I'll see you in my dreams,

Love,

Gil

P.S. The ban is off on discussing Hawaii. Ask any questions you like now and if I can remember the facts I'll answer them fully.

Gil

Daddy Misses You

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
15 March 1945

Dearest Linda,
     I received your very sweet letter today and I was surprised at how well you draw. My goodness, your chicken and rabbit looked so real I thought they would jump off the paper and right onto my desk.
     Ethyl Leavy wrote me and told me how well you and Norma are dancing now and what good, sweet little girls you are. Keep up the good work. You are both making me very happy and proud of you.
     Honey, daddy misses you, Norma and Mama, too and I'll try to come home as soon as possible.
     In the meantime keep up the good work at school and at home.

Love,

Daddy

Linda
15 March 1945

Man Missing

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Wednesday 14 March 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Today began like any other day. I had my morning appointments and it was past 11:00 AM before I was finished. Then I went up to my room hoping to find some mail but no such luck. So instead I read from a magazine until time for lunch.
     After lunch I was informed that I was to take charge of today's liberty party, consisting of some seventy odd men. I got them and the beer in the boat and away we went. When we got ashore we found a shady spot and I divided up the beer so that each man got six cans. Knowing that they wouldn't go away (as long as the beer lasted) I went over to the club and had a couple myself. Meandered back to make sure that everything was under control and then returned to the club and joined three of the ship's officers for a few more beers.
     The afternoon went by rapidly and before I knew it was time to round up the men and return to the ship. The muster showed one man missing and though we looked for him we couldn't find him. It is perfectly safe there so we left him. He's probably sleeping it off and the shore patrol will bring him in when they police the area at 6:00 PM.
     I showered and dressed for dinner. After eating, enjoyed the cool breeze but no sunset tonight--too many clouds. Now here I am.
The movie tonight is "Claudia" Do you remember when we went to see it on the stage and how much we laughed and enjoyed it? I'll be thinking of you every moment that the movie is on and wishing you were beside me.
     There was no mail for me this afternoon either so no more gossip. Goodnight darling, I'll see you in my dreams. Love and kisses to you and our two sweet girls.

Yours alone,

Gil

Liberty Party

Patriotic

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Tuesday 13 March 1945, 7:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     How are you tonight darling? Swell. So am I. I miss you and the girls just as you miss me.
     Today was just another day. Worked all morning and part of the afternoon and secured (quit) at 2:45. There were some doctors from other ships aboard who coaxed me to go ashore with them, but it would have been past 3:30 before we got there and that is too late to get started. I like to be back aboard by 5:30 so I said, "no."
     Instead I went up on the poop deck for thirty-five minutes of sunshine. Then I retired to my room. I censored a stack of mail and then read until 5:15 when I showered and changed for dinner.
     After chow we were standing on deck enjoying the breeze and sunset when a rain squall came along and drove us to cover. However it only lasted a few minutes and we all came back to finish our regular evening routine. Now here I am.
     I got three letters today, four from you and one from your mother. Talking about letters I wrote eight besides yours in the past two days. Soon I'll be all caught up.
You never did send Sol's address to me. There is a good chance of my seeing him if I know what ship he is on. If you haven't done so be sure to include it in your next letter.
     I'm surprised at the Lindenbaums. I'd never expected them to call on you after so long. On rereading you letter I see you met him at dancing school. Well he always was friendly or should I say "smooth." That probably is more the word for him.
     Dick may never be sent to Europe but may come out this way. By the time his training is over, Germany should be licked and all army will be coming out to the Pacific theater. Don't you worry none about him, army life and discipline will do him good.
     When I get back I'm spending my time with my special girl. The Corsos don't have a chance and even the family will wait until we come up for air so to speak.
     So Ruby is still complaining? Well if Marty didn't expend so much energy in other places he might be able to do her some good.
     Traveling long distances for vacations certainly doesn't sound very patriotic. I'm afraid if some of our 100% Americans and patriots could hear some of the opinions and ideas of both officers and men about their actions at home, their ears would burn plenty. Maybe they'd spend a few wakeful nights thinking. Oh well nuff said on that subject.
     There is another appendectomy coming up which I'm going to be on so I'll have to hurry because they're about ready to begin.

Good night my Sweet, until tomorrow.

Yours always,

Gil     

       

Snaps

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Monday 12 March 1945, 7:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Darling here I am again. Today was a nice, easy day. I kept working all morning and part of the afternoon. It was able to do it leisurely so it was easy.
     At 3:00 PM I got undressed and climbed into my bunk and read until it was time to shower and dress for dinner. After that there was the usual evening routine of enjoying the evening breeze and sunset. Now here I am.
     The enclosed snaps were those that I have been promising to send. The informal group was taken last month in front of the Officers' Club ashore. The others were taken aboard. The large group is the ship's officers and the twosome constitutes the medical department. I don't have the negatives so be careful of them.
     There was no mail today for me so I'll expect twice as much tomorrow and I know I'll get it too.
     How has my spelling been lately? When I was writing about the court martial I was sitting in, I knew the spelling looked incorrect but it didn't come to me until the other day what was wrong.
     We had another doctor report aboard for duty so now we have two, and they're both busy. They are doing another appendectomy now and there is a possible perforated stomach ulcer case awaiting a final decision.
     Do you remember the good old days when I'd get the movie camera and the kids out in the back yard and shoot pictures and you'd object because they weren't dolled up? Wish I could do the same tomorrow and other things too, to which you'd better not object. Guess it'll keep for a few months longer.
     Well honey, I'm going to sign off now. Good night my love, I'll see you in my dreams.

Devotedly,
Gil

Medical Department

Gil (Dental Officer) and Bushyager (Medical Officer

Ship's officers

Gil is the short one in the middle row

Casual photo Officers' Club

Gil bottom left

Suit and Coat

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Sunday 11 March 1945, 7:25 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello darling, how are you today? I didn't feel so hot last night but after taking some pills and a good night's sleep I woke up feeling swell.
     Today being Sunday I didn't work so hard but still managed to kill the whole morning working.
     After lunch I let them coax me into going ashore to have a few beers and I'm glad I went. The afternoon was very pleasant, as a matter of fact most enjoyable. We got back at 5:00 PM just in time to shower and change for dinner. After eating I enjoyed a most gorgeous sunset. I won't attempt to describe it but the striated and rippled sky changed colors from a pale yellow to a gold, to a salmon pink, red and purple with patches of deep blue as a background for the colorful clouds.
     Now here I am. I got two letters today marked 2 March so here goes. Don't worry about the income tax. If you've overpaid we'll get a refund sooner or later. I'm glad you are buying some more series "G" bonds.
     I hope to have more snaps to send on soon. Be patient Sweet until they get through. Your new suit and coat sound swell elegant. Hope I'm home to see you in it before they are worn out.
     I got a letter from Leon and will write as soon as I can. As far as the kids are concerned, my writing him won't make any difference.
     I still think the news about Deb and Dave is great, accident or not. I'm hoping to be there when the grand opening takes place.
     Those clippings were interesting. It seems like some time since I received the last Outlook Service Edition but I suppose it'll get here in due time.
     Last night's movie "Tomorrow the World" was very good and thought provoking. Tonight we have a repeat "Standing Room Only" with Fred McMurray and Paulette Goddard. Of course you know I'm going.
     Well honey, I've rattled along and said nothing so here goes. I love you my Sweet and more every day. Gosh I can hardly wait till we're together again.
     Goodnight dear, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Eleanor wearing new suit and coat

Hell

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Saturday 10 March 1945, 7:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Another busy day! Worked all morning even though on Saturday we usually stand by for captain's inspection. Just too much to do.
     Had lunch and then censored some mail until 1:00 PM when I returned to my office for more work. I finished up at 2:30 and went up on the poop deck for forty-five minutes of sun.
     Then I returned to my room and read from a magazine. At 4:30 I showered and dressed. I scared the hell out of one sailor who had a code worked out with someone at home and was attempting to pass on some information. After the talking to he got, I bet he doesn't try anything like that again.
     We had a nice steak dinner tonight after which we stood out on deck talking and enjoying the evening breeze.
     I wrote to Uncle Bill and Dr. Ivie today and have Ruth and Deb on tap for tomorrow. Soon I'll be caught up again.
     No mail today, but who am I to complain with the sweetest, truest correspondent on the ship, as a matter of fact, in the Navy.
     Last night, I enjoyed "Winged Victory" very much but I wouldn't recommend it for you. Now I suppose, you'll dash off to see it just because I suggest you don't. Well bring a bucket and some hankies if you must.
     Tonight's movie is "Tomorrow the Word" with Frederick March and Betty Field. It is rated as very good so here goes.
     Not another thing to write about. Good night my Sweet, have I told you I love you lately? Well, I do! You'll have to wait until I get back to find out how much.

Yours always,

Gil

U.S. News

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Friday 9 March 1945, 7:10 PM

My Dearest,
     Hello Sweet, how are you tonight? Today has been an easy one for a change. Saw a few patients in the morning and had some broken appointments, so I wrote letters to Bob and Uncle Mike. Tomorrow I'll write Willie and several others that I owe letters to. By Sunday I should be all caught up.
     After lunch I got the sun for forty-five minutes and had just gotten comfortable in my room to censor some mail when I was called down to my office. I had three emergency patients from another ship and had to take care of them.
     When I was through I sat in on some more of the court marshal and because of its interesting matter I stayed on until the final verdict was given. Then I returned to my room finished my censoring, showered and read the Post until 5:30 when I dressed and went up for chow.
     After eating we stood up on deck and enjoyed the gentle ocean breeze and pretty sunset and here I am.
     The movie tonight is "Winged Victory" and is rated as very good, guess I'll go.
The mail brought two letters from you and a card from my mother. We haven't had much rain lately but I see you have. Enjoyed the publicity clipping you sent. I thought you said your picture was to be run with it or is that something else?
     I'm glad you are getting the suit you wanted. You sounded so disappointed in your last letter.
     In Pearl Harbor, I began "Earth and High Heaven" in the Collier's magazine. It was run serially and I never did get past the first installment although I did try to get the following issues. No luck! Maybe I'll get hold of the book because I did want to read it.
     You and Nina are carrying on a regular correspondence. Well she was nice to us and I think you enjoy writing to her so go to it.
     All the appendectomies have been successful though some of them weren't very simple. Outside of minor stuff that is all the surgery that is attempted. Other types are usually not emergent and are referred back to a base hospital or hospital ship.
     The heat rash is all gone so forget about it. I knew I shouldn't have mentioned it but I was just making conversation.
     Who am I to disagree with U.S. News? Yet I don't believe the Japs will fight to the bitter end like the Germans are. The Nazis have nothing to lose. The Japs, on the other hand, could give up all the conquered land and still have their home industries and cities intact. Surrendering their fleet would be giving up something they haven't much of anymore. Peace terms keeping them down to a fourth rate power wouldn't have to be so harsh as with the Germans. Anyway that's my opinion and I'm stuck with it until we see what really happens.
     I'm very happy to hear all is quiet and serene on the home front. Keep the home fires burning honey and don't let things get you down.

Loving you always,
Gil

Engineer Fell

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Thursday 8 March 1945, 10:15 PM

My Darling,
     This is the end of another busy day. Worked all morning again and it was 11:45 before I was through.
     After lunch I relaxed and read the morning's mail. I got four letters from you postmarked February 8, 10 and two on the 28th. I also got a short note from Leon.
     At one o'clock I went down and sat in on a court marshal. At two I had my wardroom mess statement audited, after which I returned to the court marshal. However it was too hot so at three I gave up and came topside.
     Then I went to my room and read until 5:30 when I showered and dressed for dinner. I was tired all afternoon and finally decided that the shot I got this morning that the shot I got this morning (yes, another one) must be giving me a mild reaction. Oh well in the morning I'll probably wake up fresh as a daisy.
     The movie tonight was "A Song to Remember" with Paul Muni and Merle Oberon and is a story of the short but productive life (musically speaking) of Frederick Chopin. You must see it if you haven't already.
     Excuse me for a minute. Somebody fell on his face and I've got to go.
     Well, all is well that ends well. The chief engineer fell down a ladder in the engine room and hit his jaw. However X-rays show no break so outside of a sore face for a couple of days he'll be OK.
     Now your letter. The 8th and 10th are about Mary and Willie and I've said my piece about them. I do hope she either quits taking poison and then changing her mind or takes something quick acting and gets it over with. Callous aren't I? Yet I don't know why they bring all their troubles to you. I don't like it. I see you are teaching again. Well after a week's layoff you're probably glad to be called again and the color of the money looks good too, I'll bet.
     I owe the lodge a letter. Joe Orenstein wrote me and I'll answer through him. On second thought I'll write him and the lodge as well. Last night I dropped a line to Marty and Ruby but I bet I don't hear from them for a long time.
     Glad to hear you are active as program chairman for the Auxiliary. I am looking forward to the clippings you say are coming.
I liked the poetry of Sara Teasdale. More please! Don't send any funny papers somehow I didn't enjoy them as much as I thought I would.
     Glad to hear you're getting all dolled up. It'll give you a lift and believe me I can tell just how you feel by just reading your letters.
     So darling, no more for tonight. If I was home now we would both have a "nite nite snack" after the movie. I feel like it. Then to bed, listening to the radio---?
     Good night Sweetheart until tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

Album

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Wednesday 7 March 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     This has been another busy day. I saw seven patients in the morning. When I was through it was 11:45 AM. The score was eighteen fillings and three extractions.
     After lunch I censored some mail and then returned to my office to see a couple more patients. Then I went up on the poop deck and enjoyed the sun for forty-five minutes.
     After that I went to my room and visited with a chaplain who came on board for the day. Then I spent an hour or so mounting snapshots in the album the Goodfriends sent. The first thing I knew it was 5:15, so I showered and dressed for dinner.
     After dinner we enjoyed the cool breezes on the bridge deck and looked for a pretty sunset, but there were many clouds on the horizon and it didn't pan out. Now, here I am.
     There was no mail today. If there had been some I'd have been surprised because I've been real lucky of late. Come to think of it I was lucky when I married my loving correspondent and that luck has stayed with me all these years.
     The movie last night "The Angels Sing" was very good and though I thought I'd seen it I really hadn't. Tonight's movie is "Something for the Boys" with Carmen Miranda and Michael O'Shea. It is rated as being very good.
     Honey, that is all there is for today. I wish there were some new encouraging scuttlebutt about me coming home or something but there isn't a damn thing worth talking about.
     So--good night my love, I'll see you in my dreams (I hope).

Loving you always,

Gil

Snapshot album

Daddy Again

6 March 1945

Dearest Linda and Norma,
     Hello kids, here is your Daddy again. Linda dear, I got a very sweet card from you today and I did enjoy receiving it.
     Linda. The little fairy told me that you don't suck a "pitty" anymore and that you have been a very good girl and I'm glad to hear it.
     Norma. Mommy tells me you are talking very well now. Well, when I get home we'll have a real talk. Just you and I.
     I want you both to continue being good kiddies and help mother keep things nice and straight around the house. Are you still picking everything up when you are through playing or do you forget and leave your toys lying around? Just continue picking stuff up and when you birthdays come I'll have real surprises for both of you.
     I'll say goodbye for now and will write again real soon.

Love,

Daddy

Linda and Norma
March 1945

5 Patients

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Tuesday 6 March 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     I really worked this morning. I only saw five patients but the count for the morning was fourteen fillings and three extractions. Besides that there were a couple examinations and a denture adjustment thrown in.
     I hit the jackpot this morning. I got nine letters and a card from you, a card from Linda, and a letter from Ruth. I also got a snapshot album from the Goodfriends and a can of almond butter crunch from Deb and Dave. The album is very nice and covered with tan leather. The candy is delicious and is practically gone. Everyone enjoyed it.
     This afternoon I attended to my Mother's Day shopping. Saw two more patients and then got forty-five minutes of sun. After that I had my hair cut, returned to my room and censored some mail. By then it was 5:15 so I showered and dressed for dinner. After chow we enjoyed the cool breezes and the usual pretty sunset and here I am.
     Honey, I know you are busy and if you don't get a letter off right on time don't let it worry you. I still have the sweetest, truest, most loving wife of any man aboard and I will understand.
     I'm glad you enjoyed the ballet and it's a date for next season--just you and I.
It is swell about Deb and Dave. Whether it's an accident or intentional I know they'll be happier for it in years to come. Yes dear it is their show and none of your business anymore than it was theirs when you were infanticipating.
     Honey your outlook on life bothers me. You hate to see anyone happy or making money and seem to delight when upsetting things happen to others. I know they say "misery loves company," but you never were that way. When I come back I want you to be as I knew you, a lovely gal with a great big heart.          Please understand Dear that what I'm saying is not a reproval but rather that you were so much happier with your previous attitude. I won't say anymore about it, but please snap out of it.
     Unless he is very careful about the care of his feet, Dick's athlete's foot business will be recurring as long as he's in the Army. We have it aboard and it's a "bitch" to cure.
     I'm placing the bag and bracelets on my list. Hope we get to somewhere that I may be able to buy some more novelties.
     The donations to the center fund are very heartwarming. It is an important project and will do our community more good than any temple ever did or will. I'm just sorry that some of the diehards won't quit and continue to block any attempt to accomplish anything worthwhile.
     The movie tonight is "The Angels Sing," with McMurray, Dorothy Lamour and Betty Hutton. It's 4.0.
     I'm all run out for now so I'll sign off. Goodnight Sweetheart and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Snapshot album from the Goodfriends 

Dr. Travis

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Monday, 5 March 1945, 9:50 PM

My Darling,
     How is my Sweet tonight? How's about a kiss? Gee thanks. I'll take a rain check on that one too.
     Had a full morning booked with patients from another ship, but they didn't show so I had the morning to myself. Just chased around doing little things but nothing to talk about.
     After lunch I saw a couple of patients. Then a Dr. Travis from another ship came over. We got a party together and went ashore for a few drinks. We got back to the ship about 5:00 PM feeling pretty good.
     I showered and changed for dinner. I invited the doctor to be my guest but the guy was pretty high and couldn't eat. After chow I took him down to sick bay and got him to take a cold shower and drink some coffee. I tried to get him to stay till morning but he insisted on returning to his ship. So I got a boat and took him back. Returned just in time for movies.
     The picture was a repeat "The Very Thought of You" with Dennis Morgan, but I enjoyed it anyway.
     No mail again today. Guess another stack will accumulate before I receive more. Then I'll have a gala day reading letters from my Sweetheart
     Nothing new or different Honey. I have a big stack of mail to censor as soon as I'm finished here. And then I'm going to bed and dream about us.
     Good night my darling, gosh but I feel loving tonight and not a damn thing I can do about it.

Yours always,

Gil

Technicolor

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Sunday 4 March 1945, 7:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Just a nice quiet Sunday for a change. Saw a couple of patients this morning and was through for the day. No emergency calls so nothing to do.
     I've been trying to figure out how I got the box of fruits and nuts so quickly and have decided that it was because you insured it. It came in perfect condition and so quick, too.
     Did lots of reading today but really nothing but trash. I'll settle down to some serious reading one of these days but the way I've been reading in five to fifteen minute snatches there just isn't any use at present.
     I really can't figure where the time went today because I didn't do much. I read in the afternoon, censored a stack of mail, showered and dressed for dinner. We had turkey with all the trimmings tonight. Delicious.
     After dinner we enjoyed a most beautiful awe inspiring sunset. We had an array of colors ranging from a yellow on down the spectrum to a reddish-purple and then grey. Well, there will come a day when we'll enjoy such beauties of nature together and I know my pleasure and enjoyment of such spectacles will be trebled.
     Tonight's movie is in Technicolor, "Virginia" with Madeline Carroll and Fred McMurray and is rated as very good.
     There was no mail today so no more of my interesting (?) remarks. I've really been fortunate about mail even if there are some packages missing. They may still show up. People at home can't realize what letters mean to our boys. If only they could read their letters as censors do--then many would write more often.
     Well Sweetheart, that is thirty for tonight. Bye and pleasant dreams

Loving you always,

Gil

Recreation Island

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Saturday 3 March 1945, 7:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Darling, here I am again. Awoke this morning at 7:45 feeling swell. Had my usual juice and coffee for breakfast and so to work.
     I had a busy morning and it was 11:40 AM before I was through with work. Lunch is at 11:45. After eating I took it easy for awhile on the poop deck and got some more sun. I'm sure getting tanned. Soon I'll look like some of those natives you've seen in the movies.
     At 1:00 PM I returned to my room and just read until 1:30 when I had another appointment. When I cleaned up my work I returned to my room and censored some mail.
     Today's mail brought a letter from your mother, a card from you written at Rene and Jean, a 5th District Dental Bulletin. The box of fruit you sent came in perfect shape. I know I'm going to enjoy it.
     It was 3:30 PM when one of the officers said he had a boat alongside which was going to the recreation island. How about joining the party? It took me two minutes to change shoes and cap and away we went. I had a few beers, picked up some more shells and got back to the ship at 6:00 PM, just in time to eat dinner.
     After chow I showered. After getting cleaned up, I dressed and went topside to enjoy a very pretty sunset. Then I went below for a cup of coffee and watch a crap game but they couldn't quite "seduce" me because it was time for our daily visit and here I am.
     Last night's movie, Carol Lombard and Robert Montgomery in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" was old but I couldn't remember having seen it and I enjoyed every moment of it. Tonight's movie is "Nevada" (with a bunch of unknowns) and several short subjects. Guess I'll go anyway.
     Time to go now Sweetheart, so good night and pleasant dreams. Love and kisses with a few hugs thrown in.

Devotedly,

Gil

Officers' Club Mog Mog Recreation Island
Gil front left

Back

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Friday 2 March 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Awoke this morning with my back feeling much better. All discomfort has practically disappeared so that's that.
     Worked all morning until 11:00 AM and then sat down to read four letters that had arrived.
     After lunch, I enjoyed the sun for 45 minutes, rechecked a copy of the mess statement and took care of an emergency extraction from another ship. When I returned to my room I found three more letters making a total bag of seven and all from you.
     I spent the afternoon reading as it was "field day." Then I censored some mail, showered and dressed for dinner.
     I intended watching what promised to be a pretty sunset but I got another emergency call and extracted another tooth. Since I was down in my office I couldn't think of anything I'd like better so--we are having our daily visit.
     So Leon is storing his car. Well I'll bet he loses more by keeping it than selling now. By the time he comes back, new cars will probably be on the market and his $4,000 will only be worth $500. I guess he can afford to lose it.
     Leon certainly expects a great deal when he says that he'll go to Pearl Harbor, Philippines and then China or Japan. That is probably all a good guess but if his unit is just forming I doubt whether anyone knows where they are going. Out in the forward area one can't tell from one month to the next leave alone a whole tour of duty.
     I'll drop a note to Dr. Ivie first chance I get. Mrs. Ivie is nice, why don't you try and get together with her some time.
     I figured the "Apostle" was a hand me down. Ruth knows I don't care for that type of fiction and I knew she did. Sorry about "Esquire," I'll say thank you properly next time I write.
     That note you sent to the banquet in my behalf is OK. However before we do any contributing I'm going to wait to see results not plans.
     There must be some letter missing because you refer to Mr. Hansen's phone call but say nothing as to where he is or how he is feeling. Guess it'll come in a day or so.
Your plan for our new home is 4.0 with me, even the location. As for my new office, it'll be a "killer-diller." When we get our heads together we'll give them something to talk about.
     The party I mentioned was for officers on the Ocelot and two or three other ships as well. Can't tell you any more about it.
     The movie last night was "House of Frankenstein." and when it was over they had revived and killed again, Dracula, the Frankenstein Monster and the Wolfman. Not so good. Tonight we have a real oldie, Carol Lombard in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and it's just about time to go. So-----
     Goodnight darling, love and kisses to all my girls.

Your daddy,

Gil