Pearl Harbor--New Quarters

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 15 October 1944, 7:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello darling. I hit the jackpot again today, four letters from you, one from Deb and one from the Bergmans. This has been a hot, sultry, very busy day. After lunch I had my gear moved into my new quarters but it will take a couple of days, probably, before I get everything squared away.
     About 3:00 PM today it began to rain and has continued on and off for the past four hours. It was a nice gentle rain and I stood out in it just trying to cool off.
     Because of

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on there won't be any movie tonight which is the reason for my writing a couple of hours earlier than usual. I have all your letters in chronological order and will try to answer all your questions as fully as possible. Some I've already answered a couple of times but will repeat where necessary.
     Dick's illness does sound serious. Maybe the Markowitzes have learned a lesson and will keep a close tab on Dick. I'm just as sick of male company as you are of female and I don't even know where I could find anyone to respond to overtures even if I wished it.
     Guess again darling. Mary was not right. She never could have been more wrong. I never wanted to leave and am just living for the day when I come back to you and our girls.
     I've received all the music you sent. (I believe). There were three separate envelopes. I really don't believe Leon will be able to enlighten you any. Tell him for me that he is a flag waver from way back.
     Honey I've bought many items with no one in particular in mind. Some I'll be able to send on and others

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     When you get the box pick out what you want first and then pass the rest on as you see fit. There'll be several duplications.
     You are right in what you read between the lines. Wish I could explain more fully but that is impossible. Of course, dear, I don't expect you to be content with our present set up but still we can't change the situation, so we must make the best of it. It may not be any consolation but your load is lots easier than many, many service wives. However, let's not rehash that anymore.
     Yes dear, I have that list and will use it for Xmas greetings. Please send me Bruce's address though I don't think it will reach me in time.
     Gee, is Dutchy still ailing? It certainly has been a long time. I do try to vary my letters and then I forget to tell you something that I might write someone else. Then again some of our censors are rabid and will cut out anything that even reads suspicious even though no information is passed along. For example I wrote I was the only man on the ship with two navels and it was cut. (it better not be cut this time.)I followed: that if you couldn't figure it out I'd explain in my next letter. The explanation is simple. It's been so long since I've been with a woman that my "whozit" looks like a second navel, all shrunk up. That fling consisted of dinner and plenty of drinks. I didn't go to the U.S.O. show myself, hence no details. I don't believe there is a ban on records to service people. None of you mail is ever censored.
     Sweet t

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     We still have the same number of officers, no change. The Doctor and I are all the officers in the Medical Department.

     Honey, do you remember the letters I used to write to you when you went to Philapdelphia many years ago.  Your "Impatiently Eleanor" reminded me of that.
     After this war I hope it'll never be necessary for me to write any letters to my only Sweetheart. I love you so that you'll never get away long enough for that.
     I've been writing for 45 minutes and it's time to sign off. Good night, Sweet, until tomorrow.

Lovingly 

Gil

Pearl Harbor--Wrong Form

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 14 October 1944, 9:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Went on a wild goose chase this morning. Got some requisitions made out, borrowed the Captain's jeep. After chasing around for an hour getting it okayed, I was informed that the form used was wrong and so I've got to do the whole thing again.
     Well I returned to the ship and worked the rest of the morning. After lunch, I rated liberty so I went on a shopping tour. By the time I was through it was 4:00 PM so I returned and stowed my package aboard and then went over to the Officers' Club for a few beers.
     After dinner one of the officers and I played checkers until movie time. My game is really improving. We had a swell movie tonight, "Janie." If you haven't seen it you must.
     No mail today except the enclosed card from Rabbi Lifschitz. So no quiz program. I have so much to do in the morning that I won't be able to write until tomorrow night. You see, if I don't get the letter off early in the morning it won't leave the ship the same day.
     I've had a slight cold the last couple of days. First I thought I was getting one of my sore throats but a few doses of "sulfa" and my throat cleared up. The Doctor says as soon as we leave here my cough will clear up. A harbor cough is what he calls it. However, there are several colds aboard and I believe it's being passed around.
     Darling do you remember how much we've always enjoyed boating and how I wanted to buy a small craft for our pleasure? Well Sweet, I haven't had too much of the sea yet and after the war I wouldn't be surprised if the Steingarts turned up with their own boat at Arrowhead or Catalina.
     How are my two little darlings doing these days? Hope Norma soon gets over the crying spells she has when left outside to play. And Linda must be getting to be quite the young lady now. Did Dutchy get over her illness? Every time I send a letter off I think of dozens of things to say but when I'm writing I forget.
     Well honey, it is time to turn in because I'm going to have a busy day tomorrow. I love you Sweetheart and am counting the days till we are together again.

Love

Gil

Pearl Harbor--Friday The 13th

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

 USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Friday 13 October 1944, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     This has been another busy day for me. This is Friday the 13th. I examined and treated 13 men. If only I were superstitious I could begin worrying right now!
     This afternoon's mail brought a letter from you, one from Ethel and a card from my Mother. Mary was all wet and in more ways than one. They seem to be a sore spot with you so I'll not mention them anymore.
     Now for the quiz program. The Mess Treasurer collects the monthly mess charges from officers, pays for all food and supplies drawn from the ships commissary and submits a statement monthly of the status of the officer's mess. What a mess! Just couldn't resist the pun. No I didn't run in Al accidentally. Yes darling I now have plenty of music. In addition to what you've sent I chiseled a couple of song books from the local welfare and recreation office and also purchased a book in a music store. Regarding John York: If you just turned the account over to them call them and tell them the account has been paid and to forget about it. However, I believe they have had the account for some time and you may have to pay them 25% for collection. However, when I left they still owed me some money so you won't need to send them any payment. What you wrote about Jules is typical of the Army. They need dentists and yet the dentists they have do everything but dentistry. However as for Germany fighting on to the bitter end, did you read where Lloyds of London is giving 4 to 1 odds that the European war will be over by November 1?
     I'm certainly not surprised about Dick. Keeping the hours he's been keeping and the things he is doing certainly doesn't do much to keeping a fellow fit. Yet I venture to say that Ruth and Harry will probably not do much about it and after a couple of weeks Dick will drift slowly back to his old routine. I hope I'm wrong but that is my guess.
     Well honey, I've just about run out now. One more item. The movie tonight was "Rainbow Island," with Dorothy Lamour and Eddie Bracken and very enjoyable.
     Sweetheart, do you remember the El Dorado and our singing in bed before turning over? Bet the neighbors thought we were drunk. Maybe we were drunk with happiness. After this war we must try that routine again if we can without waking the kids and the maid.
     Good night my darling. I'm going to close this letter tonight because I have lots to do tomorrow morning. I love you.

Devotedly

Gil

Pearl Harbor--Pretty High

Lt.(j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Friday October 13, 1944, 8:25 AM 

Dearest Eleanor,
     Good morning sweetheart. Gilbert was a bad boy yesterday. Ambie and I went on liberty and we both got pretty high. The best place to go when I guy is in that condition is right back to the ship and that is what we did. Ambie turned in immediately but I had to see the movies. The picture "Tell It To The Irish," with James Dunn was lousy and in my condition everything about it is very vague. Considering everything I feel swell this morning. No hangover, headache or even bad taste in my mouth. Oh well, this is only the second time I've done this and I think under the circumstances it is the best thing to do, blow off a little steam and now I'll relax and go back to work.
     From the sound of things Norma is really making rapid strides in her development. Wish I could see some of it but then I'll make the best of the situation as long as you keep me posted. What is Linda doing these days? The only time you mention her is when there is some kind of difficulty. Or is she at a standstill now?
     Sounds like Dick is really going places. It would be too bad if the draft did pick him up now but on the other hand a little discipline might do him a whale of a lot of good and he could continue on with his music while he is in the service.
     You are still worrying about what the Corsos say and do. As I remember we never did see much of them Saturday nights. We very often tried to get together but seldom did. Now that you're alone you just notice it more, that's all.
     What happened to Irving Fink that he is being released on a medical discharge? I received only one letter in the past 2 days and when I do get several from you they all bear the same date on the postmark. The pickup service must be just as poor at your end as it is here. However, honey don't worry. I'm writing everyday and you'll get all my letters eventually.
     I'll look for my Xmas packages and hope that when I get them I can hold out till Xmas. You know me darling. I'm very restless and just like a little boy when it comes to waiting for anything.
     So, Sweet, until later, good-bye. I just wish I could transmit a little of the love in my heart to you. All I can do, however, is say I love you, my darling, my own.

Love,

Gil

Pearl Harbor--Kol Nidre

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--Yom Kippur

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Saturday 23 September 1944, 9:50 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Came out of the movie a few moments ago and here we are together for a few moments anyway. The picture was Phil Baker in "Take It or Leave It." Very little story to it but very good entertainment value. See it and it'll give you a lift.
     Sweet, you must face it. I won't be home for a long while but really I'll be quite safe. I can't tell you what our ship is going to do but believe me we'll be as safe as we have been up to now.
     I wrote to Sieger and White several days ago but haven't written to the Vaneteks because I've been hoping to see Al and then I plan to write.
     I'm worried about Norma. I do wish you would call the doctor immediately when the kids get sick instead of waiting to see. You know how nice Harry is and I'm sure he'll be glad to do what he can.
     Glad to hear the party was at least a little pleasant for you. I know how much you dreaded going and I'm really glad it was at it was. Just goes to show you must go wherever there are people. Honey, if you stay at home and wait for a call everyone will forget about you. That is the way people are. "Out of sight out of mind" (all except you and I). Talking about the food you had reminds me. I've been watching my diet and have lost about eight pounds. Am trying to lose eight more and with this hot weather we are having it should be easy--no appetite.
     As long as you've been having trouble with your periods again why don't you consult Harry about that too. I hope you are not neglecting yourself. I remember when you were plenty thin and I also remember that you didn't feel as well as you did as when you were around 128 pounds. I don't like my women thin and you know it so young lady don't lose too much.
     I wrote about Rosh Hashanah Eve. The next day I was getting ready to go to the service and had couple of emergency extractions. By the time I was through it was too late so I just skipped it.
     I don't know whether the Captain will go to the Yom Kippur service, but the executive officer and I have already made plans to go to Kol Nidre.
     My new quarters will probably not be as roomy as they were but I think they'll be cooler and believe me out here that is important. As for Jim Frug, don't think he'll be home so soon. I bet it'll be another six months before he is transferred back to the states. At least that seems to be his opinion and he ought to know.
     I am worried about Norma and am looking for tomorrow's letter with anxiety. And please dear again I say take care of yourself. I don't like the tone of you letters. Sound that you are just letting go and you mustn't for your sake and our girls. Please reassure me in your next letter.
     Do you remember how upset you were when we had to leave the El Dorado and you thought we couldn't find another apartment? Well everything tuned out OK didn't it? After the war when I am settled in private practice we'll be planning our new home with all the things we've always wanted. As usual we won't listen to anyone and we won't be sorry.
     It's 10:20 PM now and it's time I turned in. Good night my Sweetheart, please take better care of yourself and don't worry about me. I'll be OK. I love you dear.

Your anxious

Gil

Picture from Party Eleanor Attended

Pearl Harbor--Novocain

Thursday 12 October 9:30 AM

Good morning Sweet,
     Been rolling right along this morning. I have my fourth patient in the chair waiting for some Novocain to take hold, so I have a few minutes to myself.
     The morning mail didn't bring me anything so I guess I'll get a whole stack all at once, again. There really is nothing new to talk about.
     Sweetheart, do you remember how much you've wanted to go on "wiener-bakes" and how I always talked you out of it?" Well, darling, after this war I'll even go to "weenie-bakes" whenever you ask me to.
     The Novocain is working now so I must close. Bye Honey, till tonight.

Love

Gil

Pearl Harbor--Will Leave

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

 U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Wednesday 11 October, 1944, 9:25 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Another busy day. Worked in my office all day long examining, extracting and filling teeth. It was so close that I was wringing wet. However, as soon as I went topside I was dry.
     The recreational gear I ordered was cut to the bone so this time I'm really ordering stuff. If we get it fine and dandy, if they cut me, we can get by, but I'll reorder a third time. Maybe by then I'll get what we need.
     No mail today except another song book, so I hardly have anything to write about. Although I've been busy it has been a straight routine and very uninteresting from a telling standpoint.
     We did have a very good movie tonight. "Abroad With Two Yanks." It is about two Marines in Australia but there is no war in it. Just a lot of fun from beginning to end.
     How is the new girl working out? Do the kids like her? How much time off is she getting? Gee, I hope everything is all set now and you can get out for an evening.
     Sweet, it won't be very long before we leave here and then you won't be getting mail for quite some time. After that you'll get a batch all at once just as you did last time. I know you'll be patient and not worry when the mailman passes you by.
     I'll send this off after the morning mail and now I'm going to turn in. Good night my love, my one and only. You are in my thoughts always and I'm looking to the day when you'll be in my arms again.

Lovingly

Gil

Pearl Harbor--Naughty Girl

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Wednesday 11 October 1944, 9:35 AM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello darling, how are you this morning? Our chief pharmacist mate got a 30 day leave and is returning to the states. So last night we sat around and talked until so late, that I decided to do my writing this morning instead. It is now 10:45 and this is all I've gotten written since I started. Come hell or high water, now I going to finish.
     Picked up 220 library books yesterday and there are many best sellers amongst them. After I got the books back to the ship I went on liberty. I did a lot of window shopping but still have the $100. Nothing seems to be just the thing I'm looking for. I returned to the ship for dinner and found we had two new ensigns aboard. I got another letter from you in the afternoon mail and everyone wants to know how I do it. Guess they never heard of love.
     We had another good move last night, "Sweet and Low Down," with Linda Darnell, Lynn Bari, Jack Oakie, and Benny Goodman. After the movie I returned to sickbay and the long visit I mentioned at the beginning of this letter.
     You mention Miss Earnest. The last time I heard from her she wasn't working but I don't believe she'd work long for Dr. White. They just wouldn't get along. At least that is my guess. So what if he is busy? As far as your teeth are concerned you were a naughty girl when I was in private practice. You always had something to do instead of keeping dental appointments. Oh well after the war I'll make other appointments for you and you'll break them again, but who cares. We'll be together and having fun and plenty of it. I haven't heard from Libby in a couple of weeks but suppose I'll hear soon. If I don't find anything more by the middle of next week I'll get my gifts off to you both for your birthday and Xmas for all.
     You know honey, you still aren't yourself and I can tell very easily. You say in one letter you are enclosing a clipping and then if comes in the next one. You sent me the first page of Deb's letter but where is the rest of it? Take it is easy Sweet, when I get back I want to find you your old sweet self not a nervous wreck. And don't be so suspect when you miss a letter from me one day. When we put out to sea it might be a month or more before any mail will leave the ship. Just remember every day that passes is one day closer to the time when we'll be together again. And even though I won't be hearing from you when we are out at sea you'll always be with me in my heart. You and my two darling girls.
     Do you remember how you got a gift every time I got a big case until big cases came so thick and fast we quit that routine? After the war we'll resume that and continue regardless of how many and now often I get them.
     Honey, I must wind this letter up so that if gets off today. I'll sign off with love and kiss to my sweet wife.

Lovingly,

Gil

P.S. I've changed my mind about Xmas cards. Why not have some printed or made up with the signature:

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart
Dental Corps--U.S.N.R
     I could use about 100. If you attend to it right away and airmail the cards to me I should receive them in plenty of time.

Bye again darling. I love you

Gil

This was the Xmas Card

Pearl Harbor--Electric Shavers

Tuesday 10 October 1944,10:00 AM

Good Morning Sweet,
     Just got through reading the morning's mail. I sure did hit the jackpot. Three from you and notes from Taylor, Nina, Freda A., your mother, B'nai B'rith Bulletin and a note from the American Dental Association plus some Navy Department literature.
     I will answer the inquiry about Elaine immediately. Of course Mary is all wet, and I wasn't scolding or being angry honey. I was just trying to illustrate my point. However enough said on the subject.
     How is the new girl panning out? Twenty dollars a month for dancing school does seem quite high but once we leave here I won't spend half the amount I'm spending now and that will more than take care of it. Anyway please don't worry about money. I made some once and I'll do it again.
     Do you remember Linda's first Xmas? How I wish I could just view the movies of that day now. After the war I'm going to take more and more pictures. As a matter of fact I wish I had brought my camera with me. But then the expense would have been high.
     Honey I have an important errand for you. Call Marty immediately and see if he can give you or get for you an electric shaver. Any make will do, either new or used. The Captain's burned out and there are none obtainable here. If you get one, air mail it out immediately. Also write as to what luck you've had finding one.
     Got to dash now so I'll sign off. Bye, Sweetheart. I do love you and miss you and my girls a lot.

Lovingly
Gil