Ulithi--Tanked

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 23 December 1944, 10:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Sweet, here I am and tanked to the gills just like I threatened last night.
     Today began like every other day--work. I knocked off at 11:00 AM and visited with the skipper. Then I had lunch. After lunch five of the officers including the

went ashore. We got back at 6:15 P.M. I had dinner with the rest. Somehow I made my rack and climbed in. Came to at 8:15 PM and went to the movie. Don't ask me what it was about? And don't bother seeing it, lousy!!
     You'll probably think, my is he tight, but really it's not as bad as it sounds. I am reading an interesting book called "The Pacific World." It describes of the islands of the Pacific, the animal life, vegetation, sea life and additional interesting information. I have the book in my room and in my next letter I'll give you more details about it. I know you'll enjoy reading it.
     When I got back this evening I found a package containing the electric shaver so you can see how long mail takes out his way. That was all today so there is nothing for me to comment on.
     Darling, do you remember past years before Xmas when I came home "blotto" and how provoked you were? Please excuse this performance. I really felt like I had a good excuse. Next year we'll do it together.
     Good night love, I'll sign off before I pass out. I love you and miss you and wow could I do with a little loving tonight.

Devotedly,

Gil

Beer, beer, more beer with engineering officer



Whew is he stinkin!



The camera man must have been higher than us

Ulithi--Card to Daughters

23 December 1944

Ulithi--Damn Monotony

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 22 December 1944, 9:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     And so another day. This damn monotony is sure bad for me. Come hell or high water, a bunch of us are going ashore tomorrow and get plastered. It's no wonder that some of the officers prefer duty on a man-o-war where something is popping all the time. Don't begin to worry dear; this is just a temporary thing with me. I've had a few days of loafing but soon I'll be swamped under again and the days will pass by much more quickly.
     What did I do today? Well after breakfast I went down to my office and worked from 8:30 to 11:00. Read from "Strange Fruit" until noon and chow. Then loafed some more till two, the time the Glee Club rehearsal was scheduled. The turnout was so poor that I got mad and called it off. Aren't I in a swell mood? Returned to my room and read some more. Visited on deck with the OD and then showered and changed for dinner. After chow until movie time, I visited with the doctor and some corpsmen in sick bay. Tonight we had Lana Turner in "Marriage Is A Private Affair" and it was very good. See it if you haven't already.
     The mail today brought me nothing but a dental magazine so I have nothing to cheer about there either.
     Darling do you remember how I'd come home from the office mad about something or another and how sweet you'd be to snap me out of it? Gosh a little of your sweetness in my arms could sure be a swell tonic. Oh well that can't be yet, but still five months have already gone. Who know what the future may bring? Orders can come through unexpectedly and all we can do is pray.
     I'm going to close now Sweet, there isn't a thing more to say except three little words, "I love you."

Yours as ever

Gil

Ulithi--24 Sacks of Mail

  Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 21 December 1944, 10:35 PM 

Dearest Eleanor,
     This has been a busy day. I began by working in my office all morning. Then twenty-four sacks of mail, all packages, were brought aboard and the normal routine was completely disrupted. My haul amounted to the Xmas cards, the package of assorted candy and gum from our daughters, two books ("Strange Fruit" and "The Apostle") from Ruth and a box of luscious glazed fruits and nuts from Deb and Dave. Then I got some more song books from you. Don't send any more. I have plenty now. A copy of the Santa Monica Evening Outlook was forwarded from San Diego along with couple of dental magazines. In the afternoon I got the enclosed Xmas greeting from Alvin Klein.
     In the afternoon we had a session with the Glee Club and by the time I showered and changed it was time for dinner.
     I went to the early show tonight. We had Wallace Beery and Binnie Barnes in "Barbary Coast Gent." It was quite amusing. Last night's movie was Bob Crosby in "Singing Sheriff" also an amusing picture.
     After tonight's movie (about 8:15 PM) I returned to my office and have been addressing cards ever since. No wonder my writing is so poor. I bet I've got corns on my fingers. Anyway I got all but twenty-five addressed and ready to go.
     Darling, do you remember how in past years you always checked my Xmas mailing list and supervised the whole job? After tonight's session you are rehired. Just try and quit.
     I'm dizzy so I'm going to cut this note short. Good night my Sweet, gosh how I could do with a little loving tonight. Will see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

V mail Xmas Greeting from Al Klein

Ulithi--Service Wives

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 20 December 1944, 1:15 PM

My darling Wife,
     Got eight letters today. One from Libby and the rest from you. Please clarify what you mean when you said, "Uncle Lou underestimates the hell Ida...". Tell me more about it in your next letter.
     Talking about houses. $26,000 is a lot of money for three bedrooms and I don't care where it is. Don't forget that taxes and interest go on regardless of economic conditions. Our new home will be ours after we buy or build and not some finance company's or bank's.
     It would be nice if you could make friends with some service wives. Your problems and interests would be similar and you'd enjoy each other's company.
     Don't worry about the mail. It'll probably all come at once and then you'll have lot of reading.
     You still seem to worry about money. Your monthly expenses seem high but I suppose the $131 in taxes cover the house tax and that is for a whole year. Besides I have about $175 on the books and another $59 due on the first so I'll probably save some of the excess over our income that you are spending. Besides Xmas only comes once a year and I do want the kids to enjoy it.
     Talking about grey hair. You should see my five day old beard. There is plenty of it there. Did you find the gray hair in your head or?
     I see you did a little more teaching. That also should help balance the budget. Seems like most of your teaching is a cinch. You're making money a lot easier than I ever did.
     I explained about your corsage in another letter but here goes again. It was ordered through the Army Exchange Service and if they can't deliver they send a check for the amount involved. My guess is that it got mixed up with the Xmas orders and you'll get it then.
     The movie last night was just fair. "The Climax" with Boris Karloff and some gal with quite a singing voice. I can't recall her name.
     The Temple Tattler looks quite good. Looks like they are progressing in spite of themselves.
     I gave up Keats. His poetry certainly is mild and does not express my feelings in the least.
     Deb wrote about the mouse incident and it did sound funny although actually it certainly wasn't.
     Some phases of the war don't look very good, but Germany can crack at anytime without any warning. Here's hoping.
     Darling, do you remember the Mother's Day we both went to see Linda at the hospital? Just now it seems so long ago.
     Going to close now. With all my love.

Devotedly,

Gil

Ulithi--Mail Service

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 19 December 1944, 7:15 P.M.

Dearest Eleanor,
     Got several pieces of mail. But only one that mattered, a letter from you postmarked November 30 and yesterday it was the 18th. Well that's the mail service out here.
     Finally got the correspondence course, a post card from Ethyl, dated October 18. And surprise--a letter from holier than thou, Leon. "Write soon," he says "and I'll answer promptly."
     Dear I'm all confused about the bank balances. Send me the balances at both banks as soon after January 1 when you get the statements.
     There is nothing else in your letter that needs any comment. I know from later letters that the kids are both well and that you're still Xmas shopping.
     I just picked up enough shells to make two matched necklaces for Linda and Norma. However there is one obstacle. I cannot find any small fine chains. How about buying a couple inexpensive ones and sending them on along with you letter via air mail. Then I may get it before I get ordered back to the states. Still awaiting the Xmas cards. Bet I get them along with my Xmas packages.
     Not much doing today. I worked on some men from another ship this morning. After lunch I finished "Imperial City." A medical officer came over to see Dr. Bushyager who had gone ashore, so I showed him around. He is on a repair ship and has invited me over to show me around. I'm planning to do that in the next day or so.
     Sweetheart, do you remember how busy we always were before Xmas shopping and wrapping gifts? Now it's more than two months since I shopped and you have to wrap all by your lonesome. Next year we'll do it together again. Is it a date? OK
     I got some crayolas so here is a copy of my "art."
     Good night darling. I love you always

Your loving,

Gil

Leon Rosove

"Holier Than Thou"

Ulithi--Floating Hotel

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 18 Dec. 1944, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor
     Finally Darling. Today I got two letters from you. They were postmarked the 6th . I should be thankful because I was the only officer to get any mail for the past five days.
     B'nai B'rith seems too far away and your reactions just don't seem to matter. After all as important as the work is right now it seems so unimportant.
     So Ruth is "off" again. Well you know what I think, so why waste paper and time repeating myself. After the war there'll be plenty of trips and we'll take them all together and many with our girls--not leave them at home. I don't suppose Ruth ever thought that Babs might enjoy such a trip--but then she never did before either.
     Gosh I wish I could see the little paper ships and help pin them on the Xmas tree. Well I'll do it next year--is it a bet?
     What's all the excitement about Dick getting a PO rate. Sol's store keeper rate is a petty officer rating but then it sounds better to say petty officer than "mate." What will it be `1st, 2nd 3rd class or chief? Or will he wind up holding the bag? Remember how hard Dave and Sol tried and they were more qualified than Dick. After all there is a war and even the Coast Guard is in it. I'll wait and see but don't be surprised to see Dick in "gob's" uniform. It would do him a lot of good. On the other hand a little money (hush! hush!) and some drag will go a long way.
     "Imperial City," by Elmer Rice and it is quite interesting.
     I do feel just the least bit mellow tonight. We had the movie "Since you Went Away" and even I shed a tear or too. Frankly, though it is an excellent movie I don't think it is any kind of a morale builder for men away from family and home. What we need out here is something with a laugh and not a tear. But then, maybe I'm all wet.
     That item about the "floating hotel" you sent sounds interesting but couldn't be much. A ship of any size at all should be able to berth a lot more than 700 men and even the Ocelot has what this hotel has with the exception of the fountain and I'm working on that now. I just bought eight gallons of coke syrup from a supply ship and the engineers are rigging up an apparatus to charge water. Ice cream is next on my list and we'll have that daily darn soon.
     Talking about fountains do you remember in the good old days when we'd stop at "Thrifty's" for an extra thick chocolate shake? I can hardly wait for the day when our whole family jumps into the car to drive down for a drink after dinner.
     Good night my darling, my sweet. I wish I could seal a little of my love in this envelope for you.

Love,

Gil

U.S.S. Ocelot

Ulithi--Checkers

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 17 December 1944, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Another Sunday and all day I've been thinking of you and our girls and wondering what you did. Don't tell me--Linda went to Sunday School and Norma wanted to go too. When Linda got back, you all had lunch. Then the kids played and Norma laid down for a rest--no nap. Then you went over to Ruth's for dinner and after that returned home and tucked our darlings in. This is where I should come in and I'm so far away.
     Sweet this has been just another day. A little work this morning and then a little reading. After lunch I got everything lined up for Sunday services and so the afternoon went. After the chaplains left the ship, I showered and read until dinner. After dinner, Roberts and I played checkers until movie time.
     The movie tonight was screamingly funny. Cary Grant in "Arsenic and Old Lace." In many ways I enjoyed it more than the stage show but it would have been so much more enjoyable it I could have held your hand or better still put my arm around you with your head on my shoulder.
     There was no mail again today so by tomorrow there should be a whole sack full, all for me. My beard and mustache are coming right along. I do hope I can have a snap taken before they're gone.
     Darling, do you remember your antipathy to whiskers? I promise I'll come home without.
     When I write Deb and Dave I'll be all caught up on my correspondence, so I know I'll have plenty more in a day or so.
     Good night Honey. Sunday, as every other day, is not the same without you beside me awake or asleep.

Love,
Gil

Ulithi--Taking on Stores

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 16 December 1944, 9:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Here I am again and none the worse after yesterday's "flier." Awoke this morning to find quite a wind and rainstorm raging. It was so rough that all the small boats were secured.
     However, the show must go on so I went to my office and worked steadily all morning until eleven o'clock at which time I wrote a few more letters. Now I'm almost all caught up.
     The mail didn't bring me a thing today except a letter from the Naval Supply Depot in Oakland informing me of a shipment of 32 more books for our library.
     After lunch I read for a while and then called a rehearsal of our Glee Club for 2:00 PM. We worked for an hour and some of the numbers really sound good.
     After the rehearsal I censored some mail, showered and read some more. Before I knew it was time for dinner. After that I played some checkers with Mr. Roberts, my worthy opponent.
     The movie tonight was good. It was Maria Montez and Jon Hall in "Gypsy Wildcat" and in Technicolor. We only had one showing because we are taking on stores tonight. So there is lots of work to be done.
     Now that our library is catalogued I am having our records indexed. We have quite a number but no one really knows what we have, but we will.
     Well Honey, time is moving right along and soon it will be Xmas. I can hardly picture it without you and our girls being with me. Darling, do you remember how excited the kids were with the tree last year? I do hope you got another nice one for them this year and decorate it "pretty-like." I believe last year at this time it was already purchased and in the house. Next year we all have a date to buy and decorate our tree.
     There is really nothing more to write about. I've gotten used to the heat, no heat rash to complain of. My cold has completely cleared up and my room is still the coolest on the ship (and I'm keeping it a secret). Ambie was up for a while today. We had a lot of kidding when he came topside.
     Good night darling, my love. You are still the only girl I dream about when I'm awake and when I'm asleep.

Love

Gil

Taking on Stores

Ulithi--No Casualties

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday, 15 December 1944, 7:30 PM

My Dearest,
     Hello darling how are you tonight? Your Gil is just a wee bit tight so excuse any inconsistencies.
     I worked all morning and had an early lunch at 11:15 AM. We had fried shrimp for lunch and I did my duty. You know how I go for shrimp.
     The reason for the early lunch. I was to take charge of 69 men going on liberty. We shoved off at noon and by that time the liberty list had dwindled to 51 men and seven cases of beer. We hit the beach in about 25 minutes. I never saw beer go so fast. I just divided the cans up and let our men go their way. Then I went to the Officers' Club and met some men I knew. We began buying rounds and before I knew it, I was high, zowie. At 4:00 PM the boat came back to the dock so I rounded up our men. We returned to the ship drunk but happy and no casualties.
     Today there was no mail again. Believe me I was disappointed. I looked in on Ambie a few minutes ago and blew my whiskey breath in his face. We had a little good natured cussing back and forth. He should be out of sick bay in a couple of days.
     Darling, do you remember how at parties I'd get tight and you'd get peeved? Well after the war you'll have to join me and share some of my fun. I'm in no condition to continue so good night my Sweet; I'll see you in my dreams.

Love

Gil

Officers' Club Ulithi

Gil left front