U.S.S. Ocelot New Year's Dinner

San Diego--Corpsman Cleaning Teeth

Wednesday 8 March 1944, 1530 o'clock

Dear Eleanor,

     And another busy day.  I did twenty fillings and a treatment.  I got tired and put my corpsman to work cleaning teeth.  As long as my chair is in use I can take it easy.
     Nothing panned out on the ad I ran. Guess I'll run another for the rest of this week and see what happens.

     Another man, Dr. Matson, who had been here six months got orders to go to Port (I don't know how to spell it) at Oxnard for duty with the Sea Bees.  Things seem to be moving right along.

     Was wakened last night a little after midnight by some dope who had been suffering for three days and "just couldn't wait any longer." You see I stood watch at the clinic.  Earlier in the evening I went to the movies and saw "See Here Private Hargrove." A very amusing picture.

     Dr. Doughty is coming back with me Friday night so maybe we'll leave early.

     The "Padre" was in here trying to convert some of the boys and we had a lot of good natured kidding.

     Adios my Sweet until I phone you tonight.

Love,

Gil

        

San Diego--3 hrs. 15 min.

Monday 6 March 1944, 1200

Dearest,

     Had a nice easy trip back--3 hrs. and 15 min.  Talked to Dr. Doughty this morning.  He has decided that he likes his shift now so no change there.  I also phoned the newspaper and there isn't even one response on both ads.  Guess you'll have to try the Los Angeles Examiner.

     I really enjoyed the sandwiches and everybody came around.  All wished they had a wife who could fix them something for lunch once in awhile.  One of the corpsmen had a birthday Saturday; his mother sent him a big spice cake which he disposed of without any trouble.

     I am now biding my time till some of the fellows return from lunch.  Then I'll play some volley ball.  Tonight we are all going to the Dental Meeting (after dinner).

     There really isn't much more I can say--it's only fourteen hours since I left home nine of which were spent driving and sleeping.  The rest working.

     Kiss my girls for me. A real big one for you too.  Isn't it nice to know that by next weekend you'll be well and raring to go again?

     'Til tomorrow.

Your lover,

Gil

         

              

         

San Diego--"A" Book

The letter is misdated. It should be 2 March, 1944.

Thursday, 3 February 1944

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

Dearest ,

    I haven't heard from you since you left.  I hope it's only a delay in the mail and nothing else.  How do you feel?  If you haven't sent me the "A" book on the Plymouth please do so right away.

    This has been a busy day for me.  Not because we are particularly busy now but because I felt like working.  I only saw six patients but I put in twenty fillings.  I could just as well have made twenty sittings out of the six, but one gets tired of loafing all the time.

    One of Dr. Taylor's patients, a cook, brought in four large steak sandwiches for lunch.  I had one plus a bottle of milk and feel quite full still.

    Last night three of us went downtown.  Stopped in a bar for drinks.  Turned in.  Tonight I may go to a movie.  They are showing "Lifeboat."  Maybe I'll leave it for tomorrow night when I stand watch.  It all depends on how I feel.

    Everybody enjoyed the gingerbread cake (the icing was not sour).  I ate the apple for breakfast plus a couple of cookies.

    Excuse my rambling, but everything goes down as it comes up (I mean my thoughts).

    It's just been a couple of days since you left and I can hardly wait for Saturday night.

Love,

Gil

  

Envelope from the Bureau of Price Administration which issued ration books

 "A" Ration Coupons 

Auditor and Mover

The letter is misdated.  The actual date was 1 March 1944.

Wednesday 3 February 1944

            1540 o'clock (3:40 P.M.)

Dearest Eleanor,

     Well here I am taking it easy again--another quiet day after yesterday.

     Did you have a nice trip home? How are the kids?

     Received a letter from Miss Earnest this morning.  It seems the auditor came in early and according to her the accounts are in good shape.  She also told me about the $7.50 Edna paid to the mover.  He was supposed to be there at 4:00 but he got there earlier. You'd better check about the X-ray machine being in the way and try to get the equipment disposed of one way or another. 

     There really isn't much more to tell--nothing but routine stuff around here.  Am going to class in fifteen minutes.

     Love and kisses and a great big hug for each of my girls. 

As Ever,

Your Husband Gil 

Gil's Dental Corps Insignias

Ships and Armament

Tuesday 29 February 1944, 1720 o'clock

Dear Eleanor,

     The same routine again today.  Worked all morning, lunch at 1130, volleyball at 1200, back to work at 1300 and plugged away all afternoon.  At 1530, instead of the regular lecture, we were shown pictures of the different types of ships and their armament and a reel on first aid aboard ship.  Went to chow at 1700 and back here at the clinic twenty minutes later to write my daily note to you.

     I got another letter from you today.  That makes three in two days--a record.

     I'm going to go to town tomorrow noon and place an ad for a place to rent.  If there are no results, I'll contact Sipper's friend at the Grant.  Or should I see him right away?  I'll discuss it with you by phone tomorrow.

     Don't know what I'll do tonight.  Saw "Lady and Monster" last night--a very interesting movie but you wouldn't like it.  It is also on tonight.  Taylor and Gilman are going downtown.  I may join them.  I'll see later.

     I really feel good today and hope that you and the kids are O.K. too.  Four more days and I'll be home and this is going to be a hard weekend.

Love,

Gil

Christmas 1944

Thank you for reading my dad's story. 

Lt. Gilbert Steingart, one of the Greatest Generation,  kept his promise and wrote over 500 daily letters to my mom during WWII. The WWII Navy Dentist blog,  is a slice of history, containing the letters plus other original, unedited documents. 

Most days, I make a new blog post. I try to comment on Facebook and Google+ only once a week.  However, you can receive/follow each daily blog post by email. Submit your email address at https://wwiinavydentist.blogspot.com

Links to the blog can be found at UShistory.org,  NavSource.org, and World War 2 Facts.org.  It is acknowledged as a source for the book APc-48 by Ben Young.   The Story Quest WWII Project, Washington College, Maryland calls it a  "Wonderful source for future historians." Reviews of the blog also appeared in the  Samohi Viking News #97, Spring 2014, p. 17 Class Connections and Trodent USC Dental Magazine Spring 2014 "Love, War & Dentistry."

Wishing all a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Healthy New Year.

Linda Steingart Frumkes 

Christmas Menu

Autograph's on Reverse Side of Menu

Ulithi--USS Ocelot Xmas Card

Mimeographed greeting created by a crew member of the USS Ocelot, probably the corpsman of Lt.(jg) Steingart who had a dual role as ship's dentist and welfare officer.

Christmas Card

Wishing all a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Healthy New Year. My parents card sent this holiday card.

Thank you for reading my dad's story. 

Lt. Gilbert Steingart, one of the Greatest Generation,  kept his promise and wrote over 500 daily letters to my mom during WWII. The WWII Navy Dentist blog,  is a slice of history, containing the letters plus other original, unedited documents. 

Most days, I make a new blog post. I'm trying to put links on Facebook and Google+ once a week.  However, you can receive/follow each daily blog post by email. Submit your email address at https://wwiinavydentist.blogspot.com

Links to the blog can be found at UShistory.org,  NavSource.org, and World War 2 Facts.org.  It is acknowledged as a source for the book APc-48 by Ben Young.   The Story Quest WWII Project, Washington College, Maryland calls it a  "Wonderful source for future historians." Reviews of the blog also appeared in the  Samohi Viking News #97, Spring 2014, p. 17 Class Connections and Trodent USC Dental Magazine Spring 2014 "Love, War & Dentistry."

Peace and Hope,
Linda Steingart Frumkes

Sent Christmas Card to Daughters

Wishing all a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Healthy New Year. Below is a card my dad sent to my sister and me.

Thank you for reading my dad's story. 

Lt. Gilbert Steingart, one of the Greatest Generation,  kept his promise and wrote over 500 daily letters to my mom during WWII. The WWII Navy Dentist blog,  is a slice of history, containing the letters plus other original, unedited documents. 

Most days, I make a new blog post. I'm trying to put links on Facebook and Google+ once a week.  However, you can receive/follow each daily blog post by email. Submit your email address at https://wwiinavydentist.blogspot.com

Links to the blog can be found at UShistory.org,  NavSource.org, and World War 2 Facts.org.  It is acknowledged as a source for the book APc-48 by Ben Young.   The Story Quest WWII Project, Washington College, Maryland calls it a  "Wonderful source for future historians." Reviews of the blog also appeared in the  Samohi Viking News #97, Spring 2014, p. 17 Class Connections and Trodent USC Dental Magazine Spring 2014 "Love, War & Dentistry."

Peace,

Linda Steingart Frumkes 

San Diego--Lady and the Monster

Monday 28 February 1944, 1745

Dear Eleanor,

     Am surprised--received two letters from you today. I'm going to advertise as you suggested with rent in advance. If I don't get any results by the end of the week I'll see Sipper's friend.

     Yesterday was very uneventful.  Last night I saw "Where Are Our Children?" with Jackie Cooper.  Tonight I'll see "The Lady and the Monster.  I hope it'll be more entertaining.

     A lot of ships are in, so we are keeping pretty busy.  At noon today I played volleyball and had lots of good exercise and fun

     How is the weather now?  The sun came out Sunday early and it has been beautiful ever since.

     Glad to hear the kids are well and that you are keeping busy.

     Nothing more except a big hug and kiss to Linda and Norma.

Love,

Gil

San Diego--Monotony

     

        Sunday 27 February 1944, 1750 o'clock

Dearest,

     What a day.  First I sat on one chair, then another, on one desk and then a second.  Nothing to break the monotony except chow.

     When I arrived here this morning I changed into my grays and am I glad with all the laying around I've done.  For breakfast I had orange juice, coffee and donuts; lunch--creamed chicken on toast with peas and coffee and ice cream; for dinner baked pork chops (2) with asparagus, small salad, red tart plums and ice cream (both for dessert).

     I read some, did some work on my correspondence course and even took a nap.

     How was your trip home?  Did you find the kids well?  I hope that tickling in your throat was a false alarm and not a cold coming on.  I really feel much better today.  The achiness is gone as is my headache. Now I'm getting drainage from my sinuses.

     Don't forget to write Deb about my leaving Saturday instead of Friday.  It has only been eleven hours since I saw you off and I miss you already.  It's going to be hard to wait 'til Saturday.

          By, my Sweet, 'til tomorrow

Love,

Gil

P.S.  Before the movie this evening, they are having a general service.  I may or may not attend.

Gil

Part of the Insignia from Gil's Officer's Cap

$2.25 for Dinner

Tuesday 22 February 1944, 1745 o'clock

Dearest,

     This has been a fairly busy day so tonight I'm going to catch up on my sleep.

     Went to the dental meeting and though I enjoyed it, next time I'll go after dinner. $2.25 is too much for a j.g. to lay out for dinner.  I met my accountant at the club where the meeting was being held and explained to him about the change in the tax return, so you don't have to worry about it anymore.  I also ran into two more classmates who are practicing here.  One in National City--the Manpower Commission has refused to release him. The other has applied to the Navy three times and was turned down each time.  I also saw a Jewish dentist whom I met at the B'nai B'rith last Monday.  The speaker talked for two hours on a subject which was interesting but it would take years to prove him right or wrong.  The topic was nutrition and its effect on heredity.

     It has been squally all day here.  Rain and wind intermittently all day long.  This is the first time I got more food at chow than I could eat.  Roast turkey and so much of it with ice cream for dessert.  The only reason we could figure out for the menu was Washington's Birthday.

     This is probably the last letter I'll write you this week (I hope).  I really am looking forward to Thursday.  All my love to you and the girls.

As ever,

Your lover Gil

San Diego--December 7 Attack

Monday 21 February 1944

Dear Eleanor,

     Arrived safe and dry at 4:45 and hit the sack at 5:00.  The trip down was easy even though we did run into a lot of rain.

     Your chicken sandwiches went over with a bang.  Three of the doctors joined me for lunch.  This afternoon instead of the regular lecture at 4:00 we were shown official movies of the December 7 attack of Hawaii by the Japs. Will tell you more about it Thursday (I hope).

     I am a little sleepy now but a shave and a shower will wake me up enough for the meeting tonight.

     By this time you should be all over with your little trouble and by Thursday be raring to go.

     Kiss my girls for me and don't be too impatient.  As ever

Your lover,

Gil

This is a link to a Navy movie about  Pearl Harbor.  Was it the one Gil saw? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk3mU54PrfI


Part of Gil's Officer's Hat Insignia

San Diego--Navy Way

Friday 18 February 1944
16:20 O'clock

My Dearest,

     What a day! Saw three patients. One this morning and two this afternoon.  Wasn't able to chase down regarding an apartment this noon as I had planned.  My corpsman was sent to San Francisco for a week course in Gas School and with Captain's Inspection this afternoon I had to spend part of my noon hour seeing that everything was spic and span. The Captain didn't come through until 4:00 P.M. I had to stall with my last patient for more than an hour so that I would be busy when he came through. That is the "Navy way" of doing things.  I did attend to my life insurance today.

     I believe I forgot to mention it in my last letter, but the night that the fellows went downtown for a couple of drinks I ran into Harold Jiler and Maurry Green. They were not together but we all three ran into each other simultaneously. What a coincidence.

     Received three letters from you today, so I guess that your Tuesday letter was delayed somewhere along the line. It was postmarked 15th and the other two were the 17th and they all came together.

     I hope you are out of the "red" and feeling in the "pink" because we have an important date for Saturday night.  So until then my Sweet

Lovingly,

Gil

San Diego-Working Hard

Thursday 17 February 1944, 1615

Dearest,

     Hello my Sweet this is me again. Nothing new, nothing exciting.  Couldn't go to the movie last night; I had already seen it. Tonight they are showing "Jane Eyre" so again I won't go. Some fun!

    Went down and placed the ads at noon. Who knows?  Maybe by Monday I'll have some good news.

     We are still working pretty hard here. A new man is expected within a week.  He is a full Lieutenant, so he should be able to ease up the load considerably.  No letter from you today.  Guess I'll get one tomorrow.

     How are you feeling now, any better? I hope your Mother has completely recovered.

     It sure will be nice when we are down here all together.  With nicer weather coming on and longer days we'll have lots of fun together.

     'Til tomorrow night when I'll give you my love personally.

Your husband,

Gil

Gil