Pearl Harbor--Sweetie-pie

Thursday, 28 September 1944

Dear Linda,
     How is my big girl today? How are you getting along in school? Are you glad to be back on Euclid Street and be able to play with Dorene and Mary Lou?
     I just bought cute pinafores for you and Norma and will send it off as soon as possible. I know you'll like yours and I bet you and Norma will look real pretty in them.
     Mother tells me that you've been a good girl and I'm very glad to hear that. Keep up the good work and Daddy will have several nice surprises for you.
     Bye sweetie-pie, be sure to write me real soon.

Love
Daddy

House on Euclid Street

Were Linda and Norma wearing the pinafores mentioned?

Pearl Harbor--Candles

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Wednesday 27 September 1944, 10:00 PM

Good evening Dearest,
     Just got back from the movie. The picture was "The Whistler" with Richard Dix. I think we saw it together in Diego. Anyway, it was something to pass the time away.
     This has been a rather uneventful day. Worked this morning and after lunch got permission to attend the Yizkor Service. The service was simple and the sermon to the point. There were three Yahtzeit candles burning in the pulpit. One memorializing the parents of those present who had passed on, the second in memory of the Jews who had been killed by the Nazis in Europe and the third in memory of our shipmates and comrades who gave their lives in this war. Wish you could have heard the sermon. The essence of it is that no one lives a complete life. All die leaving work to be done and it is up to the living to continue and finish the job that those that have gone on started.
     When I returned I found another letter from you. The news and tone of the missive made me feel much better. Now that Norma is well and you have someone to help you I hope that you'll take it easy and not wear yourself out or worry about me.
     Now for the quiz program. I don't know about the candy situation because I've never gone out to buy any. However I still have some of the taffies left so you can forget that. As far as Xmas gifts forget that also. If I want to pass any out I'll be able to handle it OK. And "do you really like my picture?" Silly girl. I'm nuts about it though I must say that a smile will go a long, long way. A snap showing that you can still smile will make me very happy. That is all for now dear, I'll finish in the morning.  Good night dearest.

Thursday 28 September 1944, 7:55 AM

     Good morning Sweet, how about a nice hug and kiss. Mm, thank you. Gee, we sure slept well last night, didn't we. The kids didn't make a sound all night, guess they're all well now. Swell!!
     Well dear, the isn't much more to tell since last night. I read a magazine for about half an hour after I got into my sack and then turned the light out. This morning seems fresh and cool. Had my usual juice and coffee for breakfast and soon my first patient will be here. Do you remember how, at times, you'd get up and join me when I had my coffee-cake and milk before I dashed off to work? Those were the days. After this war you and I will do everything together, even down to eating breakfast.
     And so, my love, my darling, I must close again. I'll be with you again this evening. Until then

With all my love

Gil

P.S. When shall I begin addressing mail to 714 Euclid?

Pearl Harbor--Kol Nidre Service

Because of censorship, Lt. (j.g.) Steingart couldn't say the the Ocelot was flagship of Service Squadron 10 (a floating supply and repair base). Therefore, the ship would be "safely" removed from the front.

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

 USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Tuesday 26 September 1944,9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Just got back from the Kol Nidre service and found six letters waiting for me. You see I had liberty today. I didn't get back to the ship until it was time to go to the service so the exec and I shoved off immediately. The Captain hasn't attended any of the services as far as I know. I enjoyed this service much more than the last one because the place was much larger and cooler. The service itself was quite simple and the sermon was one that could well be repeated in all houses of worship. But then the chaplain wasn't at all concerned about keeping his pulpit or pleasing Mr. and Mrs. Gotrock who contributed lavishly to the building fund. He spoke his mind and we listened and liked it.
     While on liberty today I bought a couple of cute pinafores for the kids. Both are alike. I hope they fit because they set me back $8.80. Glad pay day is soon because with all the shopping I've done I have very little left. Besides I will have to pay $25.00 to the mess out of my next pay which will leave me about $35 for the next two weeks.
     This garden cafe I mentioned turned out to be a private club that opened its doors to officers. Because they close at 7:00 P.M. all one can do there is drink and eat. I imagine though that they've really had some beautiful affairs when times were normal.
     You ask if I enjoy your long letters. That is what I and all the others aboard live for, a letter from home. Regarding the San Diego business you ask about, everything is OK. As far as my getting back to the states before my present tour of duty is up, the chances are very slim indeed. I'll consider any such event as "manna" from heaven.
     Regarding music, how about sending along those dime store booklets you purchased last year. Also send along the music notes I have.  There is a piano and I might find time to practice if I had the chords and base forms to follow. There are two note books, send them both.
     Will finish in the morning dear, good night and sleep well.

Wednesday 10:45 AM

     Good morning Sweet. Did you sleep well? Did both our girls behave all night and not disturb you?
     This has been a busy morning and this is the first free time I've had. No more mail this morning but all the letters I got yesterday afternoon should keep me until 1:00 PM when I'll look for more. I got a letters from the "Gs", Deb and Dave, Miss Earnest and three from my Sweetheart. Sounds like you had a busy week-end planned and now that Norma is well again you should take it easy and not overdo.
     Tomorrow my photos should be ready and I'll send them right along. Will know more about Xmas card by then also (I hope)
     There is no use trying to guess where we are going next. I don't know so how can I tell you. We will probably receive casualties because we are equipped to handle them but we won't be a hospital ship and when we get there it'll be all over but the shouting.
     Do you remember how I always wanted to be on the go and never wished to stay home? Well dear after this war I'll be satisfied to remain anywhere as long as I have you and our girls with us.
     Enough for now dear. I want to get this off right away. Goodbye for now, will visit with you again tonight.

With all my love,

Gil

Photo of Gil 

Pearl Harbor--Novocain

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

25 September 1944, 10:45 PM 

Dearest Eleanor,
     Is everything alright? No mail today and with Norma being sick I'm a little concerned.  I hope the morning mail brings the glad tidings that Norma is up and kicking again.
     This has been a busy day for me. I worked steadily all morning and afternoon up till 4:00 PM. In addition to ship's company I've been getting patients based ashore who can't get taken care of. As a personal favor to officer friends aboard I've taken care of several men based elsewhere. It is wonderful what effect a shot of Novocain has on a patient and how grateful they are for the little extra consideration.
     We finally got our movie equipment rigged up so that we can see pictures on deck. What a relief it was to sit and see a movie with a nice cool breeze blowing all the time. It has been much warmer lately and the stuffiness took all the pleasure out of seeing a movie. The picture tonight was "The Avenger," a British production, and good. A propaganda story about Norway before and after Nazi occupation.
     There are several changes to be made in my operating room which will make my work easier. We've been discussing the changes for the past half hour and now the plans are complete. Nothing more for now. I'll finish in the AM after I've gotten the morning mail (I hope). Good night dear and pleasant dreams.

Tuesday 8:15 AM

     Good morning darling. Hope you slept well last night. No mail again this morning and now I'm really worried. Hope the mail this afternoon brings me good news. In the past a day or two went by and then I'd get a whole stack so here is hoping.
     There really is nothing new to write about since last night except that I'm alive and kicking. Do you remember how you and Linda would meet me at the steamboat landing at Catalina and what a reunion that was every week? Well after this war when I come home that reunion will be our last. Then we'll always be together wherever we go.
     So long dear, I'll write again tonight. I do love you.

Your anxious
Gil

Pearl Harbor--Aquarium and Beaches

U.S.S. Ocelot was the flagship of Service Squadron 10 (a floating repair and supply base). It would stay out of combat and only more forward after a site was secured and safe.

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 24 September 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Wife,
     Just saw "Ghost Breakers," a typical Olsen and Johnson movie. I got a big bang out of it though you probably wouldn't like it.
     I hope Norma is better now. Didn't get any mail this afternoon except the service edition of the Outlook. However Sunday is a bad day for mail so I'm looking to tomorrow morning.
     Had liberty so after 1:00 PM mail call, Ambie and I hopped a bus with no destination in view. Went to the end of the line, took another bus and went on. This drive was along the beach and very scenic. Came back on the same bus and stopped at an aquarium of tropical fish. Wish you and the kids could see it. All sizes and such shapes; "nightmares" could describe some of the fish very well. Got back to the ship at 7:15 PM and so another liberty.
     Again dear, don't worry about me. I'll be quite safe. Our duties won't bring us into actual combat and I expect you'll be hearing from me more or less regularly.
     About Xmas cards--I am working on something now. If it materializes all the crew and officers will have Xmas greetings to send home free of charge.
     I played back Dave's record which had a personal message from him to bolster my morale (supposedly) and a cute story on the other side. As soon as our public address system is in operation I'll play it so the whole ship can hear it.
     As far as studying after the war is over, where I go will depend on what is available. How can I say now where I want to go when I don't know myself? Good night dear.

Monday 9:00 AM

     No mail this morning. I hope Norma is better. Got a letter from your mother and mine yesterday along with yours which I failed to mention. Here it is 11:00 o'clock and this is all I've gotten written. The next patient will wait until I'm through.
    Sweet, are you feeling better this morning? Hope you got a decent night's sleep. Do you remember how we went sailing on Lake Arrowhead and how scared you were? Well we're going again and let's try sailing once more. Maybe you'll have more confidence in me.
     I'd better close and make sure this gets off today. Bye Sweetheart until tonight.

Your loving husband

Gil

The Waikiki Aquarium

Founded in 1904

Pearl Harbor-Ain't What She Used to Be

Lt. (jg) Steingart couldn't write about what was happening aboard the U.S.S. Ocelot. In August 1944 the ship arrived in Pearl Harbor as a barracks ship for 50 officers and 800 men. While in Pearl Harbor she was being converted to flagship of Service Squadron 10. The conversion included the addition of extensive radio and visual signaling equipment. Radio and coding rooms were being added in the superstructure, and berths for the squadron commander, staff officers, and enlisted men below.

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 22 September 1944, 10:00 PM

Hello Sweetheart,
      Just got back from liberty and now for our little visit. Nothing important this morning until mail call. Got a letter from you and a home recording from Dave, but I haven't been able to play it back yet. Hope I can tomorrow. After lunch the exec and I went on liberty together. We sat around and drank all afternoon and then went to the beach for dinner. After dinner we played some miniature golf and got a ride back to the ship with some marine flyers. And here I am.
      I wish I could take you to the dance at the "G's" but--well why say it? However dear, when this is over there'll be many dances. We always have and we always will go again together.
      Yes dear I am sorry to say the Ocelot "ain't" what she used to be and I won't be home for some time. What is the $29 storage bill for? You didn't explain. If you have anything you wish to send me send it on.
Certainly you are going to Chicago with me. You didn't think I'd come home just to leave again. Silly girl! And Grand Canyon is our first stop.
      Last night I wrote to the Aranoffs and the Bergmans. So two more off my list. And as far as Leon is concerned, he is right, but I wouldn't worry. Everything will be all right.
Nothing more for now Sweet but I'll be with you again in the morning. Good night and sleep tight.

Saturday 8:15 AM

      Good morning darling. Just had my juice and coffee and now for a few more minutes together. Just you and I. I had hoped for some-thing in the morning mail but no such luck. I'm sure there'll be some letters this PM. I hope you slept well, that our girls were good and also slept well. Gee, even to be awakened at night just to cover Linda or Norma would be fun.
      I have a pretty heavy program scheduled today. About five patients this morning and a couple this afternoon. That with some non professional duties should keep me busy today.
      You should be well on your way to being settled by the time you read this note. Hope you haven't worn yourself all to a frazzle but I know how you are when you begin cleaning and straightening. Maybe you've learned by now.
      Dear, do you remember the Coconut Grove and Freddie Martin, how we loved dancing to his music? Well Sweet, after this war it's you and I at the Biltmore, Ambassador, Slapsy Maxie's etc, etc.
      Goodbye for now. Will be with you tonight and who said I like to sleep alone?

Loving you always

Gil

What USS Ocelot was like on arrival at Pearl Harbor


One of the places Gil and Eleanor danced.

Pearl Harbor--Birthday Suits

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Thursday 21 September 1944

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello darling. Just came out from the movie and now we'll have our little visit. The picture, "Wing and a Prayer," was quite good but still not what the men want. Give them gals in their birthday suits or as close to that as you can. Then they are happy.
     This has been a quiet day. Did some work this morning and some after lunch and the rest of the time odd and end duties and chores. For one thing I placed an order for additional recreational games. I intend to install a complete card file system for our library and catalogue the books by title and author. The fleet librarian is helping out. It shouldn't be too difficult a job.
     Discussed censorship with the executive officer. A few items I purchased to send home won't be able to leave for quite some time. I did order something for you birthday which you should receive on the day and also I found something I think you'll like that I'll send right off. However some books for Linda, hankies and a charm bracelet will have to wait. Please understand dear. I can't just send anything I like as can shore based personnel.
     No mail today so I'll expect a couple tomorrow. I hope Linda is completely recovered by now. I still don't know what to get Norma. I can get some dolls from the Army Exchange. How about a suggestion. With no letter from you I have no question so--no answers.
     Do you remember the play "Lysistrata?" The spelling is probably wrong, but after the war when I come back I'll be in the same condition as portrayed by the returning warriors in the play and you'd better not try any holding out. Good night my Sweet.

Loving you as ever

Gil

Pearl Harbor-Xmas and Finances

   

Lt(jg) Gilbert Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Franscisco
Wednesday 20 September 1944

Dearest Eleanor,
     Just got back from liberty and found two letters from you. Got one from you this morning and also one from Linda. About gifts. I've purchased three books for Linda, a woven bag and coin purse for you and a charm bracelet. There are several reasons for my not buying a lot of gifts. First, they are mostly made in the U.S. and terribly overpriced even at ship service. Second the amount of money I draw won't go very far and I can't cash a check because I'm on a ship. I don't know what a fruit salad pin is but I'll find out. Jimmy is too far away to get together with and his liberty days and mine never seem to fall on the same day. Send me a $100 money order and I'll go to town. I'll select items and send them in one package and you can distribute same to members of family as you see fit. I bought some hankies. They as well as several items can't be sent by me until we leave here. I'll see what I can arrange. I still haven't heard from you about a watch for your birthday.
     Regarding the bank statement I can make two suggestions. Either a phone call or a letter sent by the local branch of the Bank of America under Mr. Lamb's signature might speed things up. The present balance is approximately $2750.00. It may be that the August statement has been forwarded to me since I wasn't in San Diego to receive it. It should catch up to me soon if that is the case.
     I got a New Year greeting from Manny and Etta and dropped them a note. I haven't heard from Deb and Dave in some time and answered Dave's last letter. You'd better check with Dave about filing a form to delay paying any income tax until I get back to the states. Go ahead and get your coat fixed. Of course I don't mind. I just wish I could say go ahead and buy a new one. We have the money but we'll be able to spend it and get more pleasure and satisfaction later when we are together. Go on a shopping spree, dear, and have as much fun as you can. Watch out for those hats though; you know me.
     Sweetheart as much as I don't like to say it Xmas will be a very lonesome day for me. I'm depending on you, though, to see the kids don't miss out.
     Nothing much to tell about my liberty today and we returned to the ship in time for supper. The movie tonight was "Falcon in Mexico." Not too good but still not at all bad as far as entertainment goes.
     Darling do you remember the picnics we went on in Ojai Valley. After the war you and I and our girls, too, are going there to enjoy a quiet day together. I wish I knew what to send for Norma. Can you make a suggestion?
     Good night my Sweet. I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

P.S. Saw the proofs of my photos today and was greatly disappointed. So I only ordered three. Am going to try one of the quickie joints. I might be lucky and get a good one.

Gil

Example of a Fruit Salad Pin

Pearl Harbor--Glamorous Wife

Tuesday, 19 September 10:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello my Sweet. Got your picture today and have been showing my glamorous wife off to everybody. One look at your photo and I knew I'd better get home soon or else.
     Since this morning I've been busy running around on some duties and that damned sun is hot. For dinner tonight our executive officer had two guests. One was a Jewish chaplain, the one who conducted the services here. Didn't want to go to the movie tonight because I had seen it before. "The White Cliffs of Dover. All through the picture I kept thinking of you. Do you remember when we saw it in Diego? Anyway I don't think it's the type of picture to show men overseas and from the Captain down all of us agreed on that.
     Well darling, on the day I stay aboard there is little to write about. Just routine and that is all. I did see the chap I sewed up and he looks swell. Nothing interesting outside of that. Will finish in the morning. Good night, darling.

Wednesday September 20, 1944, 8:25 AM

Good morning Sweetheart,
     Did you sleep well? I read the August Reader's Digest until midnight and then turned the light out. I had hardly closed my eyes when it was 7:00 AM and time to get up again. It seems the bugs were biting again last night. We all have a few welts to show for the attack but they must have just taken little nips out of me because I slept right on through.
     So you've got nothing to do at night but bathe and stay clean. Well I shower at least once every day because I have to. I perspire so much that I'd probably smell to high heaven if I didn't. I hasn't rained much here during the day but it rains every night and when I come out on deck in the morning everything is wet and fresh looking.
     My love, I'm going on liberty today. Will check the proofs of my photos, look around some more for those books you mention and then? Bye my Sweet, till tonight.

Loving you more & more,

Gil

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Glamorous Wife

According to Linda (Gil and Eleanor's daughter), Eleanor sat for a photographer who did portraits of movie stars. The dress was beige with a magenta print. The clip on earrings were her favorites. The hairdo was done with “rats.” She always tried to keep her mouth closed because she was embarrassed by her crocked teeth.  After the war, Gil fixed her smile with porcelain crowns.  He was one of the first dentists to do that kind of cosmetic dentistry.

Pearl Harbor--Telepathy

Tuesday 19 September 1944, 8:25 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,
     I never believed in mental telepathy but I do now. Either Sunday or yesterday I recalled our visit with Belle and Charlie. In the letter that I received from you yesterday you did the same. On my liberty yesterday I went to a bookstore looking for something suitable for Linda and saw those books you mentioned in the same letter. However I hadn't seen the letter until I returned. There must be something to this telepathy.
     Worked all morning yesterday. Had lunch aboard and then went on liberty. Stopped at the Chaplain's Office to locate Wally and Al.  Wally is nowheres near here. Al is at a station some distance from the base but I'll arrange to see him soon. Then I went and had some pictures taken. Will see the proofs on Wednesday (tomorrow) and then will wait a week for the finished photo. Then I did the shopping I mentioned. By that time I was pretty warm so I went to the beach and had a cold drink. As I walked into one of the hotels another familiar face greeted me. You may remember the name, but I've forgotten. But you must remember the officer who lived around the corner at Diego with whom I tried to get together and share rides to the base when my schedule was changed. Well he just arrived on the 14th and was on his first liberty. He will be based here and seemed quite lonesome and lost.
     I hope Linda's stomach is completely settled now. If she has another spell take her to Harry Sieger's and have him check her over. Dear, don't worry about Leon's ideas. Though we are going places alright, our ship won't arrive until it is quite safe. I can't tell you why but believe me I know.
     Have to go to work now. Will write again this evening after the movie. By the way, saw Henry Aldrich in "Henry's Little Secret" last night. Very funny and refreshing. See it. Bye my sweet. Do you remember us and the Weinsteins at Arrowhead one afternoon in our cabin? After the war let's go back, but alone. I love you dear.

Your husband
Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

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