God is My Co-Pilot

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Sunday 15 July 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello honey, here I am once more. Today being Sunday I only worked a half day. In the early afternoon I spent a couple of hours and finished the trinket I'm sending you for our eleventh anniversary. Do you remember many years ago when I made a ring for you and gave it to you on your birthday? Wish I could give you this gift in person but I'll postpone collecting the kiss for a couple of months more.

     The mail brought me two letters from you, one from your mother, a box of figs and dates from Uncle Bill, and a dental magazine. Not Bad! Now to your letters.

     What's the deal with Betty? Is she staying on or leaving?

     The best thing that could happen to Dick would be for him to be transferred to some base at some distance from any city with no car available. If he's purposely running himself down he'll have a rude awakening one of these days. The old body will take so much and no more. Guess he's too young and irresponsible to realize.

     I'll try to run over to see Simmie again someday this coming week, probably Friday.

No. At the meeting, I didn't run into any doctors that I knew from home or school. All the men in this group seem to be from Chicago and the East Coast. God alone knows where some of the men are that are out this way.

     I enjoyed the stories you sent me. I just finished reading "Anna and the King of Siam" but darned if I can remember the authoress' name. Now I'm reading Joe E Brown's "Your Boy and Mine." Both are interesting and worth reading.

     After dinner tonight we played cribbage as usual and when we finished we were greeted by a terrific downpour. It rained so hard that you couldn't see more than a couple of feet in front of you. Anyway I got out of my regular clothes and changed into a rain outfit I have. It consists of a rubber overall that ties around the ankles and a rubber slipover jacket with a hood to cover your head. With that gear on it could rain and rain and I'd never even get damp. Anyway by the time the two shorts were over it had quieted down considerably but it is still raining. The movie was "God is My Co-Pilot" with Dennis Morgan and was quite good.

    I'm enclosing a new item from the ship's paper that was interesting. Anything with sex involved is interesting out here.

     Enough drivel for now so I'll sign off. Goodnight my Darling, I'll see you in my dreams.

Loving you always

Gil

Movie Watched in Downpour

Brother Rat

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 14 July 1945, 11:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Sweet, here I am though a little late. I worked this morning as usual but I did finish up a little early. After lunch I decided to go ashore, so I went over to Joe's ship and we ran down to the club. We had a few beers, sat and talked and at 4:30 left to return to the Ocelot. We got back at 5:30 just in time to wash up before dinner.
     After eating we played our nightly game of cribbage game until movie time. We had a real old movie which I somehow had missed. "Brother Rat" is the title. It was an excellent comedy about life at a military academy.
     Then we went up to the wardroom, had some coffee and talked for awhile. At 10:30 I came down here to my office and worked on the trinket I'm making for you. I should finish it tomorrow.
     The mail brought me a letter and card from you, a letter from Uncle Mike, an anniversary card from Libby and also one from my Mother.
     Read your accounting of expenditures but darned if I can tell you where to cut down. I'll bet, though, that when I get home there'll be a few corners that we'll cut. Do you realize that figuring $50 for rent, it is costing you $435 a month to live and that's for an adult and two kiddies? Surely when I was home added expenses for my clothes recreation and food ran up to more than $75 a month. I still say it costs too much. One consolation is that as a lieutenant I'll probably save an additional $50 each month.
     What's money anyway? From the way the war is going maybe I'll be a civilian soon and then we'll make up for lost time.
     Somehow we never did have a real "wetting down" party. Something always comes up so that those I'd want couldn't leave. The net result is that there weren't any headaches and all are happy just the same.
     So Darling. Again it is time to say goodnight. Wish I could do it the way I used to with a big hug and kiss. There will come a day! I love you too Darling.

Yours forever,

Gil

Old Movie

Invasion Money

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 13 July 1945, 10:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello my Sweet, how is my favorite wife tonight. Today has been another one of those hot, sultry days but now there is a gentle rain coming down and things have cooled down considerably.

     I was a busy as a cranberry merchant in July all morning, but this afternoon, being field day, I had the time to myself. So I censored some mail, read a couple of magazines and then began work on a little trinket I'll try to have done for you for our anniversary.

     The mail didn't bring me any letters but I did receive two cans of candy from Deb, a Dental Digest and a B'nai B'rith Bulletin.

At 5:00 PM I showered and dressed for dinner. After eating I played cribbage. Bet parts of all my letters read the same.

     Our movie tonight was quite interesting. It was "Betrayal from the East" with Lee Tracy and is supposed to be a true story of counter-espionage prior to Pearl Harbor. Anyway everyone got killed off in the end, but the war started anyway.

     I'm enclosing some Japanese invasion money that I picked up the last time I was in town. Because it was in my room, it was never around when I wrote. This money is not negotiable now (thank God) but a peso was equivalent to fifty cents when it was good. Please save the money as the stuff is hard to get. It was given to me gratis but the natives sell the stuff three pesos for a dollar.

     That is thirty for tonight darling. Goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Electric Razor Broke

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 12 July 1945, 7:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello Sweetheart, how is my favorite girl today? This has been one hot day and to top it all I was extremely busy all morning and afternoon.

     I retired to my room at 4:30. Censored some mail and read Esquire until 5:30 when I showered and dressed for dinner.

     After chow we played cribbage until just a few moments ago and so here I am.

     My Sunbeam broke down this morning. The broken part couldn't be fixed out here, so I've airmailed it home. Please have it fixed and send it back as soon as possible. The head on my Schick is also in bad shape. I may have to resort to a safety razor before many days. If you possibly can, get a "hollow ground" head for a Schick Model "S" shaver and send it to me. I've heard that items can be airmailed to personnel overseas if a request for airmail is made. Find out and if that is so, use this letter to substantiate your claim.

     I got three letters from you Sweet and one from Libby. All are postmarked July 5. The colored photo of you isn't bad and the picture of Deb is excellent.

     I'm glad Norma is well again. I hope all stay well now for a long time. Sol is back again, eh? Good. I guess my dope was okay again.

     I'm sorry your 4th wasn't too pleasant. Out here it was like any other day except for the special dinner for men and officers. Next time I get a story I'll send it along. You'd be surprised how few I hear.

     Our movie tonight is an unknown quantity but I hope it's good. It is "Delightfully Dangerous" plus a color short "Devil Boats."

     No more for now Darling so I'll sign off. Goodnight Sweet. I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Color Snap of Eleanor

80 Degrees

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 11 July 1945, 10:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello honey how is my Sweet tonight? I'm still the busiest dentist on the ship, there aren't any others. Was swamped under all morning and worked this afternoon until 3:00 P.M. Then I had my wardroom books audited. Following which I made out an order for some more recreation gear. By then it was 4:15 so I retired to my room for some reading and relaxation. Also, I had some mail to censor. Before I knew it, it was time to shower and dress for dinner.

     After chow we played cribbage until 7:30 and then went to see tonight's cinema. We had an excellent color cartoon and a short about Nova Scotia. The feature attraction "Hangover Square" with Laird Craeger and Linda Darnell which was also good. However don't see it. There are a few murders and such.

     Today was the coolest it has been since we've been here. As a matter of fact I felt cold lying in my skivvies and reading this afternoon. So when I got dressed I went up to the bridge to check the thermometer. What do you know? It had dropped to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and I was cold. Will you keep me warm when I get home?

     There are several questions I've failed to answer. About our chaplain, one was requested but so far none has shown up. Dr. Law is the second doctor aboard but he is only on temporary duty until the one who was assigned to us arrives. That should be in fifteen days or thereabouts.

     That is all for now darling so I'll say "nite-nite" my dear and until tomorrow I'll always be

Loving you as ever,

Gil

U.S.S. Ocelot

negative

Thumb Sightseeing

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 10 July 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Darling, here is that guy again. This morning was the usual busy routine. Then I received a typhoid booster shot and a smallpox vaccination. My arm isn't very sore now but it will be by tomorrow.

     After lunch the captain and I went over to Joe Goldfarb's ship and he ran us up the coast to town. We went ashore and via the thumb went sightseeing. We must have covered plenty of miles because we were riding almost steadily from 2:30 to 5:00 PM when we returned to the dock. We had a boat take us over to Joe's ship which was anchored in the stream. It is an hour's ride, so we had dinner aboard the LCI. We got back aboard about fifteen minutes ago. It was quite and interesting trip and yet nothing outstanding I can write about.

     I received one letter from my sweet today so here goes. Let me know what you find out about a lot in the Pickering Estate. They are probably high but then one can never tell.

     There is a change in the flag setup which I can't go into at the time. Temporarily we have an admiral and commodore aboard. Soon however (we hope) the admiral will leave, but the commodore will remain. This commodore was a captain aboard before and was just promoted to his present rank. So much for that.

     I do hope for Deb and Dave's sake that Dave gets into Officers' Training. There is one catch that they may not be aware of and that is the officers trained at Navy or Marine expense, especially at this late date, will be the last to be released from active duty. Right now there is a big drive on to get reserves to join the regulars. So far the response is poor.

     No doubt Dick is ruining his health, but I for one shan't worry about it. He is old enough to know better and his attitude about the whole deal is very warped.

     There is nothing more to say. The movie tonight is an oldie "Boom Town" with Gable, Tracy, Colbert and Lamarr. The trip ashore was very dirty and I'm filthy. I'll take a shower before going to the movie.

     Goodbye now Sweetheart. I'll see you in my dreams.

Loving you always,

Gil

Dick

Civilian First Class

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 9 July 1945, 6:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello Honey, here I am again. For a change today, I was busier than ever. I worked form 8:15 till 11:30 and then went to lunch. After chow I had a one and one-thirty appointment and secured at 2:00 PM.

     I got word that a ship was leaving for the states and had some recreational gear to dispose of. I took a boat over there and got about $200 worth of equipment for nothing. I'll never know why they gave me the stuff and didn't want any money. But I didn't ask questions. We are only allowed $200 a year by the Navy and have to make up the difference from ship store profits. So the skipper and everyone else concerned are tickled pink to get the stuff. We got six tennis racquets, baseball gloves mitts, and bases, checkers and boards, etc. Not bad, eh.

     I got all the stuff back aboard and stowed by 5:00 PM. Then I had my hair cut, showered and dressed for dinner.

     This month's ALNAV is out and from the way it reads the promotion period will be extended to eighteen months beginning next month. They aren't stopping promotions but they are dragging it out so that they might just as well. I know I'll never make Lieutenant Commander and don't want to. Civilian first class is okay with me.

     I got three letters today postmarked July 2 and that isn't bad. Don't you worry about when I get home. No one will horn in on our honeymoon, least of all your sister Ruth. I do hope Norma gets over her indisposition soon because I know how upsetting her being sick can be. Did you take her to the doctor's as I suggested?

     Dick's carrying on is disgusting. It is no wonder he has been sick so much and he'll be lucky if he doesn't run into any more trouble.

     I enjoyed those pictures you sent especially those of the kids. Keep on trying. Maybe soon I'll get a snap of the Eleanor I used to know with a real smile on her face.

Our movie tonight is "The Clock" with Judy Garland. I hope it's good.

     I'm writing letters to both mothers and Ruth so I've got enough to do for tonight. Goodnight, my Sweet, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Lt. Steingart's insignia

Spirits

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Sunday 8 July 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello Sweet, I hope you are still feeling well and keeping real busy. Simmie had seen last night's movie and didn't wish to see it again. But he insisted I go while he took a nap. After the movie we went up to the wardroom, had cokes, and sat and talked until 11:00 PM and then turned in.

     This morning I ate a regular breakfast to keep Simmie company, and besides, I always had breakfast at home on Sunday. Then I saw a few patients while Simmie read some magazines. Then mail came. I got an Esquire, two letters from you, one from your mother and one from Mary Regan. We read and loafed around until lunch time. After eating I saw Simmie off on the ferry to the beach.

     Now to your mail. I'm worried about Norma's bilious attacks. Does she take after her mother? I wish you'd take her over to Sieger's office and have him check her over.

     You are entirely too sensitive. The Steins were seldom guests at our home. Their interests and ours were always different. They are still as good friends as we have in Santa Monica.

     I don't know why you wish to make yourself miserable losing weight. You look OK to me in those snaps you sent. You could stand a smile on your face, but I'll attend to that later, personally.

     Trying to have a boy long distance is impossible anyway so I won't discuss it now. You'll have to wait until I come home.

     We have a good movie (I hope) tonight. It is "Colonel Blimp" and is 18 reels. Hope it doesn't drag.

     So ends another week. One week less for us to be apart. Sweetheart I sure do miss you and hope we'll be together again soon.

     No more for now so I'll sign off. Goodnight Darling. Try to be in good spirits.

I love you as always

Gil

Snaps of Linda and Eleanor

Seasick

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 7 July 1945, 7:20 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Here I am again my sweet. As usual I had a busy morning. After lunch I wrote Libby a letter about Mother and we'll see what'll happen.

     At 1:30 I met the ferry boat coming from the beach and sure enough Simmie was aboard. He was starved so I took him up to the wardroom and fixed him up with some chow. Then we took a boat and went over to the Officers' Club. Poor guy, he got seasick going over and coming back though it was really calm out today. Anyway we had a couple of drinks and got back to the ship at 6:00 PM. Simmie lay down in my bunk until 6:30 and then we went up for dinner. Now he is reading in my bunk while I'm writing this letter.

     There is no mail to answer so there isn't much more to say. Tonight's movie is a mystery "Circumstantial Evidence."

     I just had a patient come over from another ship so I'll sign off because I want to get to the movie on time.

     No more. So goodnight Darling. I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Gil at Officers' Club Leyte

Gold Braid

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 6 July 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello Sweetheart, here I am again after another day. I had a very busy morning and then after lunch I had six more patients to take care of. Then I repaired to my bunk, censored mail and finished "Strange Women." If you haven't read it do so. I think you'll enjoy it.

     After a refreshing shower I dressed for dinner and then played cribbage. Now here I am.

     The mail brought me six letters, five from you and one from Sam Kahn. Naturally I always enjoy your letters but today's made me doubly happy simply because I read that you got over you nervousness and are generally in better spirits.

     The color scheme of our house sounds quite nice. I'm sure that you are quite able to choose colors without my expert (?) help.

     I'm expecting Simmie over tomorrow. He was supposed to drop me a line confirming our date. Maybe the letter was delayed, so I'll meet the boat he is supposed to come over on.

     Yes Dear I really get more mail than anyone I know of. In a letter to the Fleet Dental Officer, I've already indicated where I'd like my next duty to be. He asked for that and other information.

     So Norma was indisposed again. It doesn't sound like much and I hope there is no more trouble. You've had enough.

     It does sound like the Siegers just had a change of heart or mind about having you along for a month at Lake Arrowhead. However, I hope something does work out and if not maybe I'll be home soon enough to make it up to you.

     Enewetok was our stop over between Pearl Harbor and Ulithi. Regulations now permit saying where you were thirty days after you leave the place. This is a new rule. I just overlooked telling you, but now you know. Did you find it on a map? It's in the Marshall Group.

     It certainly is a surprise about Mike and I'm glad it isn't Berger's Disease. That is incurable while arteriosclerosis can be counteracted by diet and no overexertion or excitement.

     I like the photos you sent although the minicolors certainly aren't worth $1.00 each.

     We have a good movie tonight, "Tonight and Every Night" with Rita Hayworth and Janet Blair.

     In one of you recent letters you asked about changing the braid in my blues. Okay, go ahead and do it. Have two full strips put on the uniform I left with you and send the full stripe that is on the suit now to me. No gold braid is available out here. I'll have it put on the blues I have with me. That way the braid will match better on both suits.

     So my love, another day comes to an end. Another day less for our separation. Won't they be happy days when we are all together again?

     Goodnight Darling, I'll dream of you and us tonight.

Loving you always,

Gil

Gold Braid