San Diego--U.S.O. Show

Monday 7 February 1944, 1735 o'clock

Dear Eleanor,

     This has really been a busy day so I didn't get much of a chance to "crap out" (loaf).

     We had an easy trip back.  I let Dave drive for an hour and I turned in at 0230.  Finished the sandwiches without any effort and had the best dinner I've had since I reported in.  I had a tenderloin steak about 2-1/2 inches thick and really delicious.  I still can't figure out what happened.

     Tonight there will be a U.S.O. show as well as a movie so I guess I'll go.  If the movie is no good I'll leave and turn in early.

     Got one response on the ad but haven't been able to reach the party.  All that was left was a phone number.  I'll try again later tonight and if no luck tomorrow noon.

     Hope Norma is feeling better.  It really won't be so long before I'll be home this week.  give Linda and Norma a big hug and have one for yourself.

Love,

Gil

Dave

San Diego--Draft

Friday 4 February 1944

 17:30

Dear Eleanor,

     Another day, another dollar and that's about all I made today.  Stalled all afternoon with a patient in the chair so that I would be busy for Captain's Inspection.

     Got another letter today which makes at least one for every day this week--a record.  Sorry to hear that you have a cold, hope it'll be better by tomorrow.

     So the draft is catching up with some of the men--ain't that too bad.  Marty is probably worrying although he probably has less to worry about than the rest.  Neither the Army or Navy will take him.

     Going to the movie tonight.  "A Chip Off the Old Block."  They say it's good so I'm going.

     Called Bailac at the Golden State but he was out.  I'll try his hotel tonight. Enclosed is the ad. It's in a good spot.  I'm really hoping for something.

     Love to the kids.  I bet I beat this letter home.

Your husband,

Gil

The ad is in a good spot at the top of the column.

San Diego--Placed Ad

Thursday 3 February 1944

 1730 o'clock

Dear Eleanor,

     Another busy day.  I'm a little tired now.  Orders came in for a number of the corpsmen.  A whole group is leaving Saturday morning for Farragut, Idaho.

     Received the picture you sent and was a little disappointed in the way Linda looks. It's not at all like her.  She really sounded like quite a lady over the phone last night.

     Last night I had a very good dinner and a few drinks.  Got in by 11:30.

     At noon today I went downtown and placed an ad in the paper for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  The charge is $5.25 for both the morning and evening editions on Friday and Saturday and once in the Sunday paper.

     When I got back I got a phone call from a lady friend of Leon.  She wanted a ride to Long Beach and back, but I have no room.

     Big surprise.  After dinner I came back to write and found a letter from Libby. Guess she thought better of my letter to her because she says she is sending Mother money regularly.

     Nothing else to talk about except to say you'd better be ready this weekend.

Love,

Gil

Ad  

Photo of Leon

He probably tinted the photo himself.

San Diego--Fuel Pump

Wednesday 2 February 1944, 1645

Dearest,

     Am I aggravated.  Took the car out at noon today to go downtown to place an ad and got stuck. Fortunately I was able to get a club tow car. I just called and found that the car is O.K.--some fuel pump trouble.

     This really has been a busy day. Thirteen patients, including two WAVES.  The daily lecture was called off, so from four to five we were able to loaf. I didn't do anything last night after all.  Read, took a shower and turned in early.

     Tonight Gilman and I are going into town for dinner. This damn food may be good but I'm sick of the sameness of it all.

     Got another letter today and am glad to hear that there is no serious illness at home.  Don't worry too much about help down here.  I just mentioned what we are doing now to a couple of married technicians and they begged me to keep them in mind if we rent a three bedroom house.  These boys are really having a tough time because of the financial end of it.

     Just three more days and I'll be home with my three Sweeties. 'Til tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

Dental Corps Insignias

 

San Diego--Phantom Lady

Tuesday 1 February 1944

9:10 P.M.

Dearest,

     Went to the movie tonight and saw "Phantom Lady," an interesting psychological murder story.  Returned to my quarters at 8:30 and wrote a few letters--Ethel and Doc, "Wally," Bruce Stern, the Jaffes and the Lodge.  Five letters in an evening is quite a record for me but I expect to do the same each evening until I'm caught up.

     Now that I'm through I sure wish you were here for a little "diddle" or something.  And maybe Linda and Norma would want me to put them to the bed.  Well maybe sooner than I think we'll all be together again.  I hope.  Won't we have fun--you and I and the kids!

Love and kisses,

Gil

San Diego--Replaced Fuse

Monday night

17:30 o'clock (5:30 P.M.)

Dearest,

    Just finished chow.  This is the first free time I've had today.  Been pretty busy.

    When we arrived in San Diego last night, it began to rain, and it was doing quite well by the time we reached the base.  The car really runs swell although a fuse did burn out in Long Beach.  However there was a box of fuses in the car, and I fixed it in a jiffy.

    Applied for my "A" ration and expect to get my book on Wednesday.  Then I'll apply for my "B" book.

    All your cake is gone. There is a steady flow of corpsmen and doctors to my locker where I keep the two boxes of cookies I brought last week.  They are practically gone.

    At 6:15 a few of the doctors are going to the movie," The Phantom Lady" with Franchot Tone.  I don't know what it's about but it'll kill a couple of hours. then a shower and early to bed for a good night's rest.  It was 2:00 A.M. before I got unpacked and into bed this morning.

    I hope you got a decent night's sleep.  Don't worry dear.  Things will work out so that soon we'll have more than just weekends together.

    Kiss Linda and Norma for me.   Until tomorrow I am

Your loving,

Gil

San Diego-Mileage

Thursday 27 January 1944

  

The Navy paid mileage of $10.08. Lieut. (jg) Gilbert Steingart had driven his Buick from Los Angeles to San Diego to report for active duty on January 17, 1944.

1944 Thanksgiving Menu

23 November 1944

Lt. (jg) Gilbert Steingart was in Ulithi Lagoon aboard the USS Ocelot.  Here is the Thanksgiving dinner menu he sent home to his wife Eleanor.

San Diego--Dry Socket

Wednesday 26 January 1944

2200 o'clock (10:00 P.M.) 

Dearest,

     Just got through "schmussing" with Dr. Denny who is standing watch with me tonight.

     Last night I went to the movie and saw Sinatra in a real stinkaroo.  This morning was quite busy.  This afternoon was dead.  I only saw one patient.  Did it rain in Santa Monica during the night?  We had a real cloudburst here.

     This evening I saw "Henry Aldrich Haunts a House" and found it quite amusing. Tomorrow night "Madame Curie" is showing but I won't go to see it.  I'll wait to see it with you.

     Called Nina Hursey.  She is busy getting ready for her vacation beginning next week.  She insisted on my dropping in on her before she leaves, so I promised to call on her tomorrow (Thursday) night.

     Things aren't bad here during the day. The doctors and corpsmen sit around and talk when they are not working, but when evening comes, they all go their individual ways.  I do miss my "girls."

2230 o'clock (10:30 P.M.)

     Just had an emergency call, a sailor with a dry socket.  He was here yesterday and this morning he asked for relief and they gave him aspirin.  A lot of good that did.  I cleaned out the socket and packed it.  Now he is a new man.

     Am going to go to the BOQ and turn in. Dr. Denny lives off base so he will sleep at the clinic.  The new watch list was posted this afternoon.  I'll be off this weekend.  Next week I have the Friday night watch which means I'll leave as soon after 8 A.M. as I can on Saturday morning.

     My Sunday watch is on February 20 so I'll have to get someone to trade watch with me. I think it can easily be arranged.

     Am getting sleepy.  Nighty night and pleasant dreams hone.  Only two more days and one more night and I'll be home again.

          Love and kisses to all my girls.

As ever,

Gil

San Diego--The Radio Works

The letter is misdated.  The correct date is Tuesday 25 January 1944. 

Tuesday 24 January 1944

1530 o'clock (3:30 P.M.) 

Dearest,

     The flurry of business we had yesterday was short-lived.  Today things are slow and easy again.

     The "watch" schedule was taken down last night and a new one hasn't been posted yet. The Captain is not here, so there is no way of telling what my schedule is going to be until the last minute.  However I am planning for Saturday and Sunday at home until I hear otherwise.

     Last night I was "dead" tired.  I phoned the president of the B'nai B'rith.  He told me they were having an open meeting with Dr. Nussbaum as the guest speaker.  I was so tired and with the uncertainty of my "watch" night, I decided not to go to the meeting. Instead I talked to him. Although he was not very encouraging, he promised to try and help out.  He gave me the name of a member who is in the realty business.  I'll try to reach him tonight.  I took a shower and turned in at 8:00 P.M.

Wednesday, 26 January 1944

1615 o'clock (4:15 P.M.)

      Dr. Thompson, in whose office I worked till this morning, returned.  Now I'm in another office.  The last man here cleaned out all the supplies when he left, so I've got to re-supply all the necessary items, but not from my pocket.

     Regarding hand pieces.  I have two straight hand pieces, one S.S. White and one Terry.  Sell the Terry. $20 is a fair price.  All the hand pieces are stowed in the full barrel. What a job finding them. Miss Earnest will have to do the best she can.

     The radio works well at my quarters.  I can't decide whether I want it there or here at my office.  If I were rich, I'd have two of them, one at each place.  But as a Lt. (j.g.), one will suffice.

     One of the doctors who has been married only a couple months came to me all excited.  His wife is "pregling" and what'll he do about it? Neither of them wants a baby right away and they are really desperate.  Of course there wasn't much I could advise except that if he had anything done to be sure to get a good man to do it.

    The wind howled and it poured "cats and dogs" last night. Today is sunny and quiet.

    Hope "Stinky's" nose is better, and tell Linda I'll be home soon.  I'll write to Deb about the chances of a hitch for the weekend.  As far as your coming here, we'd best wait and see what develops.  Impatiently till this weekend and with "lotenis" of love.

Gil

OXX   Here is a bigger kiss back to you and

oxx   Two little ones for Linda and Norma

Gil

San Diego--Free for Nothing

Monday 24 January 1944

 1630 o'clock (4:30 P.M.)

Dearest Eleanor,

     Well--at last I can sit down.  We've really had a busy day today.  I put in twenty-four fillings and most of them were large ones.

     I took my time driving and got in at 7:30 A.M.  The other doctors here say I shouldn't take chances like I am.  If you're late for duty, car trouble is no excuse so I may have to rearrange my schedule.

     There really isn't much I can say.  I worked steadily all day.  Just dozed a little during the noon hour.  I really am sleepy and can't decide whether I should go to the B'nai B'rith meeting tonight.   I'll probably yawn and yawn.  However I shan't decide until after "chow."  Maybe a cup of coffee or two will wake me up?

     How is Norma's cold today?  Is Linda still naggy?  I hope they'll both be good this week.  I talked to the officer at the desk.  Long distance calls are hard to get through unless on official business.  So if you must reach me, you'd better wire instead of phoning.

     Your cookies made a big hit.  There were lots of seconds and thirds and they are practically gone.  I hope this week goes fast so I can get back to my three girls.

Love,

Gil

Note: The Red Cross supplies all this stationery "free for nothing."

San Diego--All Hands Aboard

Thursday 20 January 1944

Dear Eleanor,

     How is my Sweet today? Just one more day and I'll be home and are we going to have fun.

     Last night an order came through for the Medical Department (including the Dental Corps) to have "all hands aboard" for an inspection by the Admiral on Saturday.  And was I in a dither!  That meant that I couldn't leave until after the Admiral made his inspection. This morning a change in orders came through.  We had to get ready for inspection by 1:00 P.M.  We did, he came, and everyone is happy.

     I ran into the younger Levison boy; he is an ensign.  I don't remember his first name, but his brother's name is Billy.

     I was a little busier today.  I placed twelve silver fillings, two porcelain fillings and cleaned a lieutenant's teeth.  Usually by 4:00 o'clock things drop off, but we must remain "aboard" until 5:15.

     Called Nina Hursey at her work yesterday.  She couldn't talk and asked me to call her at home.  I will one of these days.

     Well Dear, keep your panties on till I get home tomorrow (Friday night).

Love,

Gil

San Diego--Received Letters

Wednesday 19 January 1944

1520 o'clock (3:20 P.M.)

Dearest Eleanor,

     Please don't be so impatient.  We'll have lots of time together.  I'm not sure but it looks like the next three weekends are ours from Friday night until Monday morning.

     I've been kept so busy working and getting my papers in order that I haven't had time to leave the base. This morning I received the letter you mailed yesterday. The one you mailed on Monday came this afternoon.  The delay was probably due to the address, but you have the change now.

     Three men were transferred out of here today. A fourth leaves next month. Altogether there are only eleven dentists, so they are going fast.  We'll have to stay put until I get on a permanent basis here.  Right now I am replacing a man who was sent to San Francisco for a week.

     I, too, find it hard going to sleep at night.  By "it" I mean just what you think, but I did sleep better last night than I expected.  If at all possible, I will phone you Thursday between 6:00 and 7:00. Until then with loads of love I am

Your loving,

Gil

Did I give you the phone of the clinic here at the base?  It is Main 1071 Extension 311.  I can't call out but I can be reached if important.  The hours are 8:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:15.

Envelope 

San Diego--On Watch

Tuesday 18 January 1944

1900 o'clock (7:00 P.M.)

Dear Eleanor,

    Good news--will be home Friday night.  I'm on "watch" tonight.  When you're on watch on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night you get 72 hours leave.  Watch means that you're on duty all night but probably nothing will happen.  We have a nice bed and the corpsmen take care of it.

    Bob Hope and his troop are on the base tonight, and I can hear the broadcast over the public speaker system.

    I finally got all my papers taken care of and began work this afternoon.  I started with what we call the "carriage trade," a commander.  Today, I visited with the men at the auxiliary clinic on the other side of the base.  Things are very quiet now because there aren't many ships here.  They come and go all the time.  When they're here, patients must be taken care of and in a hurry.

    Everyone here says I'll have a hell of a time getting back to the base by train or bus on Sunday night.  Men begin to line up at 4:00 P.M. and all they talk about is getting back.  I'll probably have to pick up a "junk heap" soon.

    Note my address on the envelope.

Love to all,

Gil

Clipping from the Evening Outlook 

  

Reverse side of clipping

San Diego--U.S. Naval Repair Base

Monday 17 January 1944

1830 o'clock (6:30 PM)

Dear Eleanor,
     Just got through unpacking and hanging up my kit. This sure is a busy place but they tell me things are quiet now, so I've got something to look forward to.
     The officer who took me around is a commander who just today received a promotion to captain. I believe he is leaving for the Great Lakes Naval Station in a month. Tomorrow he will take me around to meet the bosses and arrange for my pay and transportation.
     There are two men in the dental department who went to school with me and the rest of them are so friendly that I should feel at home right smart quick. From what I was able to see today, the type of dentistry done here is of a very high level. All the talk you hear about dentistry in the service is untrue. Should you want to reach me after hours, I am at the B.O.Q.-- J room 4. The phone number is Main 7212. My work hours are 7:45 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00. Send all mail addressed: Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart DC-USNR, U.S. Naval Repair Base, San Diego 36, California.
     Noontime today I was aboard an airplane carrier. Lunch was 35 cents for meatloaf, potatoes, coffee and a whipped jello. Dinner was 45 cents. I had oyster stew, rare roast beef, potatoes, peas, coffee and cream pie. I am not eating any bread, potatoes or butter--must watch my waist line.
     Everything at the base is very informal. You only salute officers with the rank of commander or higher. Either the blue or grey uniform may be worn, so in a pinch I could wear by dress blue. I'll also wear my blue on Mondays if I come in just in time to go to work.
     Will write again tomorrow. Love and kisses to you, Linda Norma. As ever

Your loving husband,

Gil

Proceeded from Santa Monica to San Diego

Reported for Active Duty and Assigned Quarters