Ulithi--Higgins Landing Craft Aground

The correct name of the movie is "When Strangers Marry." 

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart 

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

Monday 1 January 1945, 7:35 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     And so begins a new year. First, I want to tell you a little more of the celebration aboard. After I finished my letter I intended to turn in, but no chance. The men had gotten hold of pots, pans, garbage can tops and the band's drums and were parading all over the ship making a most ungodly racket. Most of the officers were fairly well oiled. We all went up to the Captain's quarters to serenade him and wish him a happy new year. We probably awoke him so I doubt if he appreciated it. Then we returned to the wardroom for a snack and finally I turned in.
     Worked all morning on the mess statement. It cost me $25 last month to eat and that was really cheap.
     After lunch today a few of us went ashore. Two bottles of beer was all I drank. I just didn't feel like it. Instead I hunted for more shells. I have quite a collection now.
     The boat we were using was a Higgins Landing Craft. She ran aground over some coral and we had a hell of a time trying to get someone to pull us off. We finally got someone to do it and returned safely. Of course there was no danger because we were close to the shore and there were many boats around. Besides it wasn't deep or we wouldn't have run aground in the first place.
     The movie tonight is "Should Strangers Marry" and the cast are all unknown to me. I'll tell you more about it tomorrow.
     I also brought a coconut back. I'm going to polish it up and make a souvenir paper weight out of it.
     Nothing new today except more confirmation on the previous scuttlebutt. We may be moving out of here even sooner than the three months I figured on at first. Here's hoping.
     No mail again today. I'll probably get a whole sack full when I do get some.
     Darling, do you remember New Years Day of previous years? Just lounging around because we were too sleepy and tired to go anyplace. I'd listen to the football game and maybe doze off before it was all over. Well, Sweet next year we'll stay home together and rest and listen to the ball game in-between (?)
     Good night Sweetheart, the movie is about due to begin.

Love,

Gil

Ulithi--New Years Eve

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 31 December 1944, 11:55 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well dear, 1944 is almost gone but not quite forgotten. I'm afraid it has burned an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
     Today began as usual. However I took no dental appointments today because I had several end of the month and year reports to make. Besides that I took inventory of the wardroom's mess provisions and worked out a financial statement. We've been eating like kings but I'll bet there'll be lots of "bitching" when the bill is presented. However, if they don't like it they can elect someone else. Either the food is good and expensive or lousy and cheap, so they can have their choice.
     This afternoon we had the usual Catholic and Protestant divine services. After the services, I noticed schools of multi-colored fish swimming around the ship so I broke out some hooks and line and soon everyone who had time was fishing (even me). We tried all kinds of bait--pork, beef, and bacon rind--to no avail. I went back to the galley and got some canned salmon. Talked the butcher into giving me some shrimp. Tried shrimp but no luck and then I tried salmon. Still no luck so I left my baited hook in the water and scattered a handful of salmon over the water. In a few moments the fish just swarmed around my hook and zing, I got a strike and brought in a beautiful Spanish mackerel. That was the first fish caught aboard since we've been here. One other was caught today and that was all. "Happy New Year!" How about a big kiss and hug? Thanks dear that was swell I'm sure that when 1945 is ushered out we'll both be in a much happier state of mind because we'll be together. Back to the fish I cleaned it myself, split it lengthwise, salted it down and put it in the refrigerator. Instead of roast pork for dinner I ate fish as did three others. The fresh fish really tasted good. Everybody is going fishing tomorrow.
     After dinner I bought all the corpsmen a drink just as I did on Xmas. The movie tonight was "Song of the Open Road" which I had seen before but went anyway. After the movie we all pooled our resources and had a party--champagne, bourbon, rye, and even a little Southern Comfort. I took it easy because I wanted to be sure to see the old year out and the New Year in with you. I am plenty sleepy and a little high so I'm going to sign off.
     Without recalling past New Years Eves when we were together and very happy, I'm going to say good night my darling until tomorrow (or today).

Love

Gil

Ulithi--Battle Scarred

There is a hint in the letter that "something big is in the offing." The Battle of Luzon would begin on 9 January 1945.

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 30 December 1944, 9:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     I was sure I would get some more mail, but nothing materialized. So all I can tell you is the same thing over and over again.
     We had an inspection of the personnel and the ship. I went around with the captain and it was past 11:00 AM before were through inspecting.
     After lunch I had a couple of patients appointed so I did a little work. Then I censored some mail. We've had three new ensigns due on board for quite some time. They finally arrived. Orders for the men they are to relieve aren't in yet so our officers' quarters are slightly cramped. We have one in our room and one each in two of the other rooms. I knew I should have gotten rid of that upper bunk some dark night (just kidding). He's a nice chap, there is plenty of room and besides someone will leave and make more space again.
     Before dinner I showered and changed. After eating I joined a few officers for a little chat up on the bridge. The movie tonight wasn't entertaining but still an intensely interesting picture. Title "The Master Race." The featured players were all new to me except Ana Masson. It's a story of a liberated village in Belgium, occupied by American troops until the end of the European War (wish that was a reality already). See it if you haven't yet.
     No more scuttlebutt today. Just another day, quiet and peaceful. Hard to believe that men are fighting just a few hundred miles away. Something big is in the offing, but what actually happens will be told to you almost as soon as we'll know out here.
     Sweetheart, tomorrow night is New Year's Eve and we are so far apart. Do you remember how busy and festive past years were between Xmas and New Years? Believe me darling, we should count our blessings. Though I am so far away from all those I hold so dear, in my heart you are all with me. I know that in your hearts I am with you. It just must be that 1945 will see the end of all such senseless separations and that peace and love will once more be a reality throughout this battle scarred world.
     But enough of that dear. It is almost ten and lights out. You see I write at the desk in my office and all lights except in a few officers rooms (including mine) go out at ten. There is a regulation blackout here at that time.
     Goodnight my Sweet, I'm going to dream of you, our girls, and home tonight

Your impatient

Gil

Ulithi--Dolls

Mention is made of a Japanese gardener. Weren't all the Japanese in California rounded up and placed in prisoner camps?

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 29 December 1944, 7:25 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Finally got some mail today. A letter from your mother, a card from Miss Earnest and four letters from you. Your letters were postmarked--two on the 13th, one on the 19th and one the 20th. I've already received mail from you for the 14th, 15th and 16th, so I'm expecting more mail for the blank period tomorrow.
     You mention the B'nai B'rith election being a surprise but give no issues. How about a list of the new officers!
     I don't remember what the fur jacket cost, but it was around $55. Looks like you made a good deal-if you collect. That should be easy as long as she stays.
     Don't send any long socks. If you can't find any short ones, I'll get by on what I have plus a few cotton ones that I'll buy.
     About the gardener--if the Jap will work more reasonably, I'd rehire him. After all he was nice and efficient and probably after the war all gardeners will be Japanese again. We might as well get back on the ground floor so to speak.
     If you didn't get the corsage on Xmas let me know and I'll trace down the money. I'm glad the dolls were so nice. Linda's cost $6.30 and Norma's $5.10.
     You mention an "enclosed Xmas card" for me to acknowledge but no card. Maybe it'll come in one of the other letters. Anyway let me know who it was from--just to make sure. Thanks for Curry's address I didn't have it on my list.
     Today was just another day. I removed another difficult impaction in but thirty minutes. I'm really getting good at it. Put in a few fillings and was through as far as my professional duties go.
     I finally got the carpenter to make up a ping pong table. I bought the balls, paddles and nets in Honolulu and now we're going to have a contest with an award for the best players.
     The rumors I mentioned still come through unchanged so the hope for a return in a few months remains bright.
   It has just poured all day with short period of clearing off in between. You've never seen such torrential rain in your life. I like it though because it does make things cooler.
     The movie tonight is the "Cry of the Werewolf," with I forget who. I must dash now though or I'll miss the second show.
     Darling, do you remember how I'd dash home from the office, gulp some food down and off we'd go to some early movie or something? Just let me dash home. I'd forget the rest of that routine.
     Goodnight Sweet and dream about three or four months from now.

Love,

Gil

Linda With Her Doll, December 1944

Ulithi--Routine Matters

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday, 28 December 1944, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well darling here I am again. Nothing much to talk about. Just routine matters to take care of.
     Worked all morning and then read a couple of stories in the "Post." After lunch I visited with a Jewish ensign who is waiting for his ship and living aboard temporarily. Then I finished a little something I've been making for Linda. I am going to make one for Norma and one for you to match. Won't tell, I want it to be a surprise.
     Just before dinner I visited with the skipper and discussed additional recreation for the ship's company. Then I showered and changed. After dinner I talked with a few of the officers attached to the flag. Don't set your heart on it but there is a good chance of us heading home in about three months. It's all scuttlebutt, but usually this source is reliable.
     The movie tonight is "Oh, What a Night," with Eddie Low and Jean Park. Also there is one reel of Community Singing, a cartoon, a newsreel, a travelogue, and a reel on fishing. Quite a complete show, eh?
     There was no mail again today and I'm really looking forward to my mail now. Just not hearing for five days seems like I haven't heard in five years.
     Darling, do you remember when you were in Philly and how I never would put down in black and white just how I felt? Am I a changed correspondent now? Or don't you still know? Well darling for any little doubts that you may have just wait until I return. My how they will vanish.
     Good night Sweetheart, I love you with all my heart and --- (?)

Love,

Gil

Ulithi--Abandon Ship

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 27 December 1944, 10:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     It is now 10:20.  Just as I finished writing "10 PM" the "abandon ship" signal went off, so I grabbed my life belt and went to my station.  Just a drill, however, and though I knew it was I had to act as though it were the real thing.  Otherwise the men realize it's a drill and take their time. So much for that.

     Well darling nothing new again today.  I did tackle the most difficult impaction I've ever done and got it out in 35 minutes.  Put in a few fillings besides and so another day's dentistry out of the way.

     I talked the captain out of 75-100 books that he had in his quarters and had already read.  I've got them in my room and have invited the ship's officers to come in and select a few to keep in their rooms until they've read them.  Then trade them around. After that I'll break them out into the ship's library.

     For the movie tonight we had a cartoon short, a musical short and a feature, "San Diego, I Love You: with Jon Hall and Louise Allbritton.  The picture itself was just another movie but I got some real pleasure out of it.  It's surprising what a picture of home or someplace near home does for a guy. There were shots of the Grant, San Diego Club, Coronado Hotel and the harbor.

     No mail again today.  That makes 4 days.  I guess I'll get a big stack all at once again.  I've heard lots of scuttlebutt today and some of it sounded real good.  I can't discuss it but I may get home sooner than we both expected.  Cross everything and pray!

     And so good night.  Pleasant dreams my darling.

Love,

Gil

U.S.S. Ocelot

  

Ulithi--Sing Fest

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 26 December 1944, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     And now that another day is ended I may again visit with my sweet. I awoke this morning at 7:00 AM and dressed, showered and finished breakfast by 7:45 AM. At 8:30 AM I took my first dental appointment and worked until 10:30 AM. Then I had a visit with the skipper regarding welfare activities for our crew. We are going to promote a boxing tournament and maybe develop a team to represent us in an inter-ship contest. I returned to my room and censored some mail before luncheon.
     After lunch I spent some time bringing my welfare books up to date and just chatted with the captain some more over a cup of java. Before I knew it the afternoon had fled, so I showered and changed for dinner. After eating I got the "mike" hooked up and ready for a sing fest. We sang from 6:45 to 7:45 at which time the movie went on. We had "Mrs. Parkington" and I enjoyed it very much indeed. As you've noticed lately we've been very fortunate in our selection of pictures. I do hope it keeps up.
     There was no mail for me today so there is little more for me to say. Darling, do you remember the night in Crescent City when we settled down to the serious business of Linda? After the war we'll continue the rehearsals but actually there will never again be a "first night" (or will there?)
     Sweet the movie has me in a loving mood and my only love so far away! Darling, how I love you! Would that I were a poet so that I could record for all time my love for you. But instead the only words that I can write to tell you how I feel are but three very small ones, "I love you." Good night dear, I'll dream of you tonight.

Love,

Gil

The Ulithi Lulus song sheet 

Page 10 has a contribution from Doc Steingart

Ulithi--$36.00 for a Quart of Whiskey

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 25 December 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     After the movie last night, "Kismet" with Ronald Colman and Marlene Dietrich I went to my room and finished "Strange Fruit." There were several parties on board but with you so far away I really had nothing to celebrate. So I went to bed early and awoke without a headache which is more than most of the officers did.
     Just had juice and coffee for breakfast. This being Xmas I didn't keep any office hours. By various and devious methods I got two quarts of grain alcohol and spiked the egg nog for dinner. The drink was so good that no one knew anything was in it until afterwards. The captain and the exec had one each and still don't know it was spiked. Further, just before dinner, I called all the corpsmen and a few officers. I gave each a shot. I bought the stuff in Pearl. Is it valuable! Right on our ship a quart of whiskey sold for $36.00. I was tempted to sell the three pints I had. However I preferred using a quart as I did today and save the rest for New Year's Eve. What is money anyway? I'm enclosing the menu and it was really good. All the food was set out buffet style, and we ate all we could hold.
     Spent the afternoon resting, reading and weaving. I'm going to make identical bracelets for you and our girls. At least I started something but I won't know until I'm further along. Anyway, we'll see.
     For supper tonight we just had cold cuts of turkey and ham left over with the necessary trimmings, but who could eat?
     After eating we had a good, old fashioned song fest. And when movie time came they just wouldn't stop singing until the captain came down to see the picture. The movie was a riot. It was the "Dough Girls" with Ann Sheridan, Alexis Smith and Jane Wynn. It is one of the most hilarious pictures we've seen and was just the thing to cap Xmas for men away from home.
     No mail today so I have little more to add. Dear, do you remember how in past Xmas nights, the whole family came over for a drink, to view of our tree and to see our two darlings. Next year business as usual for the Steingarts.
     Dr. Bushyager got a recording from home and I can hear him playing it now. His wife and little girl (five or six) both send him love. I don't know why you had trouble sending me recordings. A package with odds and ends can be sent and no one knows the difference. One thing, pack everything well, you should see how the packages look when they arrive. Most of them are marked and many have the contents falling out.
     Good night darling, how I would love to hold you in my arms and just kiss you once. Once? Well that would be a good place to start, wouldn't it?

Impatiently

Gil

Xmas Dinner Menu


Autographs on Back of Menu

Ulithi--Chicago Tribune

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 24 December 1944, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Got ten letters today and they were a most welcome Xmas present. There was one from Libby and one from your mother. The rest were from you.
     I was slightly inebriated last night and though I wrote you I probably didn't make much sense. Anyway I feel swell today and I've snapped out of that mood I was in. I didn't work today so I've spent a leisurely quiet Sunday reading eating and resting.
     No dear I don't play the piano. It is in the mess hall. I explained in a previous letter why I don't use it. There is plenty of music aboard now so please don't send any more. Yes I received the correspondence course.
     I don't know how long we'll stay here. By the way get a hold of a Chicago Tribune of October 19th. There is an interesting story in there which will answer many of your questions. We should be moving further west in thirty days or so but that depends entirely on how well we fair in the present Philippine engagements.
     Yes, Hartfield will stay on as skipper. Our exec was the navigator aboard. Right again. I meant jigsaw and not crossword puzzles. The Ocelot greeting when it is reduced in size is in V-mail form and photographed will look a lot different than it does in the original. However I didn't send any out personally. Instead I sent the cards I bought in Honolulu and those you sent me.
     Most of the men who went back to the states had been at sea since last January. So you see there is a lot of chance for me to get back within the year and maybe sooner than we dare hope. Let's keep our fingers crossed and see.
     Hartfield is a lieutenant. I learned today that Samuels got in on construction of a new APA.
     How far do you think two pair of socks will go? Send me half a dozen.
     Now Dearest, by the time you get this letter the holidays will be past and I do hope you've overcome your blueness. I know it's hard to take but you must face it. A few more months and who knows who'll walk in?
     Back to me. Had religious services aboard today as usual and have arranged with a nearby aircraft carrier to send our men over there for Xmas services tomorrow.
     The movie tonight is "Kismet" with Marlene Dietrich besides a "March of Time." Last night's movie was "Babes on Swing Street" with Peggy Ryan and a couple of shorts not worth mentioning.
     My mustache and beard are coming right along and I do hope I can have a picture taken before I take it off. I wonder if you'd know me?
     Darling, do you remember when we moved to San Diego how happy we were to be together? Well this is our last separation. When I return the war will be almost over and we'll always be together from then on.
     Good night my love, parting is such sweet sorrow, till me meet tomorrow.

Devotedly,

Gil

Articles from Chicago Daily Tribune

Oct. 19 1944

USS Ocelot Xmas Greeting