Ulithi--Operational Fatigue

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 10 January 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     And so another hot day is nearing its end. Didn't do any dentistry today. My office deck was being painted for a change. So I had the day for catching up on my paper work.
     I made up three separate files. One was for filing wardroom mess statements, one for welfare records and one as my own personal file for records, orders and important papers.
     Then I consulted the captain about buying $100 worth of magazine subscriptions for the ship's crew and officers. When that was completed I retired for a little reading. I finished "Beat to Quarter" by C.S. Forester and enjoyed every page of it.
     Then I had my hair cut, showered, glanced through the "Blue Jackets Manual," dressed and had dinner.
     The movie tonight is "In the Meantime Darling." I don't know anything about it or the players but here's hoping. The movie last night, "Laura," was very good. Be sure to see it.
     No mail today, but here is some news. Hansen is leaving and returning to the states for medical treatment. The reason given is "operational fatigue." I haven't talked to the doctor about him yet, but for the past week or so his actions have reminded me of Rose Weinstein in many ways. Anyway, I'd rather stay out here for a while longer than go back for such a reason as his. I'm giving Ambie our phone and address. If he is anywhere near he will call on you or at least phone you collect.
     Well Honey, there is nothing new as yet and I do hope to hear good news as a result of our last Philippine campaign.
     In the meantime, with all my love, keep the home fires burning.

Your impatient lover,

Gil

Personal File

Ulithi--Officers' Club

 Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday, 9 January 1945, 7:20 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well the mail man broke down today and brought me a few letters. I got two which you wrote on the 29th of December, a letter from Ethyl, one from your mother and two from patients. One (a Mrs. Wirz) writes, "Tell the Navy to let you come home--I need you greatly--I never did like false teeth." I'd like to come home too but for another reason.
     Evidently the kids are over their indispositions and I'm glad. Guess the letter to Uncle Mike hit just at the right time. I was inquiring if Bob could be congratulated yet and there was the baby awaiting my letter. I'm glad your mother feels better too. That makes a full house (of well people).
     I don't know if I have all my Xmas gifts yet. There was nothing from you, Libby or your mother. I know something is on the way. However, if they get here for my birthday, I'll be even more pleased than if they got here for Xmas.
     As usual today began with work. By 11:00 AM I had placed twelve fillings and examined three officers for promotion. I had lunch and after that went ashore with a couple of officers. Had a few beers and a whiskey and water. But not enough to upset my sobriety. At the Officers' Club I met that Dr. Arnerich I mentioned meeting once before. We got back at 6:20 PM just in time to have dinner.
     The movie tonight is Gene Tierney in "Laura," supposedly a 4.0 picture. I do hope so; the Abbott and Costello movie last night was disappointing.
     So I haven't told you I love you lately, eh? Well silly girl, I do and if repeating will make you happier, here goes. I love you Eleanor, my Sweet. I always have and always will.
     Guess you haven't changed any after all. Do you remember how you always chided me for not telling you how much I loved you? And you still are. Well when I get back I'll convince you by various and devious methods.
     Until then darling, take it easy. I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Gil at Officers' Club

Ulithi--Perspiring

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 8 January 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well it was fair and "warmer" today. For my money, it can rain all the time. I've been perspiring profusely all day whether I was working or just sitting or writing as I am at this moment. My day began as usual with my dental appointments. At eleven I was through and I retired to my room to do a little reading. I finished Bromfield's "Until the Day Break" and will choose another book tonight.
     After lunch I discussed ways and means for future welfare activities with the skipper. Then I went to work on the other necklace. They are both finished now and wrapped, ready for mailing. I'm going to try to send them airmail if I can. When you send additional chains try and get the real fine ones. I do think they look better that way. That repair job I did on the faulty chain isn't too good so I'd suggest that you have a jeweler put a good link in the clasp otherwise the kids will lose it. I'd suggest the heavier chain for Norma.
     Last night's movie was lousy. Tonight we have Abbott and Costello in "Lost in a Harem." That should be good for a couple of laughs.
     Darling do you remember when I would insist on your going to movies you didn't care to see? Well after this I'll be satisfied to stay home with you and play house with no arguments.
     No mail again today so there is little more I can add.
     Good night sweetheart, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Ulithi--Religious Services Called Off

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday January 7, 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well here I am again. Though today is Sunday I began with work as usual. It began to rain about 6:00 AM. By 11:00 AM storm warnings were up and we took all our boats out of the water because of a rough sea. Religious services were called off because of the hazard connected with small boats. When it was too late to do anything about it, the sea quieted down and the rain stopped. So I had a free afternoon.
     After lunch I censored some mail and began a book by Louis Bromfield. I'm not sure of the title but I think it's "There is Always Tomorrow." Anyway it is interesting and I'll probably finish it when I turn in tonight.
     When I got tired reading I went down to my office and finished one of the necklaces I'm making and it's a beauty! Be sure that the chain you send me for yourself is plenty long. Also if you can pick up a few chains suitable for bracelets send them on as well. Really these shell necklaces and bracelets are quite expensive to buy. I've been lucky to be able to find the shells that I have.
     I'm all caught up with my correspondence except a thank you to Ethyl which I will write immediately after this letter. No mail today but I hardly expect any for a few days now.
     The movie tonight sounds lousy but there is nothing else to do, so I guess I'll go. It is "Meet Miss Bobby Socks" with Bob Crosby and Bob Benchley. I do hope it isn't too bad.
     Sweetheart, do you remember how on rainy days on Washington Street we'd build a fire and read and visit in front of it? After the war in our new home I'm sure we all would enjoy an open fire on a cold night. OK?
     So long for now darling. I love you more all the time (if that is possible).

Devotedly,

Gil

U.S.S. Ocelot 

Ulithi--Menu

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 6 January 1945, 9:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Got another stack of mail today. Six from you, one from my mother thanking me for her Xmas gift and one from Libby thanking me for their gifts. Also I got that comic book and the box of plastic for molding and now I'll see what I can do. Your mail was marked the 23rd, 26th, 27th, and 28th. Guess I'm just about caught up on all your back letters.
     Guess you're curious about Helen Dingey and D.G. If you remember, about four years ago I had a patient who was pregnant when her husband died. Well every year she has remembered me at Xmas. I guess this is the first time I've missed. Will have to drop her a note.
     About film, don't send any if you haven't already. The way parcel post takes its time getting out, who knows when it'd reach me. Besides I have an idea we'll be on the move again soon.
     I'm glad you saw "Casanova Brown." Now you know why I wanted you to see it.
     I did enjoy the pictures of the kids and I'll add them to my pin ups. Got the chains also and got the bum one fixed up. Should have both necklaces ready in a few days and I'll send them on. How about another chain so I can make one for you also. I've got enough matched shells after my last trip ashore. And by the way, these necklaces sold from $12 to $20 in Pearl Harbor and here at the officers' club they sell for as high as $30 so don't let the kids wear them when they're out playing.
     Yes dear I do enjoy the clippings and so do several of my shipmates. Keep them coming. How about the date on the pages from U.S. News so we can tell better about the news forecasts.
     Our glee club is dead for the time being. Too many other things interfere with rehearsals. However as soon as our routine permits we'll resume for our own amusement.
     Don't worry about when you get a hold of me. Wait until I get a hold of you. I hope you can take it! And don't worry about you or me changing. We'll always be as before, a boy and a girl in love even with gray hair and what have you.
     About Sol, I thought you said he was a storekeeper. Storekeepers are rated first, second and third class petty officers. There is no such thing as a seamen third class. As a Navy wife you ought to brush up on the grades of enlisted men and ranks of officers.
     "Since You Went Away" upset a lot of us too. As I said before, even though it was a good movie it is not a moral builder and shouldn't be shown overseas.
     So you never saw a girl with a red tochas, well neither have I but what could I do without a full selection of colors. I'm sending you a menu of our New Year's Dinner. Add it to our collection.
     That last poem "This is My Beloved" by Benton was quite torrid and I liked it. Send more please.
     Well you finally found out what you wanted to know. My darling wife will always find out what she wants to know, won't she?
     The Officers' Wives' Club sounds alright but you know the Santa Monica "Elite" and remember the Women's Club. However use your judgment and it might not hurt to phone Mrs. Gail anyway.
     So much for your letters of today. Now aboard the Ocelot everything is serene. We were to have another personnel and ship's inspection but it poured all morning and it was called off. In the meantime I had called off all appointments in anticipation of the inspection so I had nothing to do all morning but read mail.
     This afternoon everybody, but me, went fishing--no fish. Guess I'll have to show them how it's done.
     Tonight's movie was "Hey Rookie" with Anne Miller and the original soldier cast. In addition there were a few skits stolen from "Meet the People." All in all it didn't come up to the stage show. Do you remember, dear when we saw it? It was at either the Belasco or Morgan and the war seemed so far away. Bet if you were sitting next to me tonight, I'd have enjoyed the show a lot more.
     I have some more letters to write so I'll sign off now Sweet. Goodnight.

Love,

Gil

New Year's Menu

Picture of the Kids

Ulithi--Crawling with Worms

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 5 January 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well it finally came, nineteen letters postmarked from the 17th to the 26th. All from you, dear, except one each from your mother and mine and a card and letter from Libby. Also, I received the B'nai B'rith Bulletin (straighten Pressler out on my address) and a box of dried fruit from Ethyl which was crawling with worms. I had to throw it out. Yesterday, I also received taffies from my mother. They also were also in bad shape. Any food that is sent must be able to withstand heat up to 140 degrees or it won't keep. I don't know whether to tell Ethyl or not. If I don't and just thank her, she might just go ahead and send me more. I'll leave it up to you to tell her or not.
     We had "Dancing in Manhattan" recently, and we saw "An American Romance" in Pearl Harbor. Props 1 and 2 only get my partial approval.
     Your pre Xmas days seem quite busy and the tone of your letters lead me to believe that you are feeling better, I do hope so! My goodness, Xmas shopping, working at the Marbros, fretting kiddies at night, mice running around. My! I wish I was there to help.
     Linda's dancing and scholastic progress doesn't surprise me. After all look who her parents are (snicker). Norma will pull a few surprises on you too, just wait and see.
     I'm going to the movie now and will finish writing after the show. Until then

Gil

9:30 PM

     Hello darling, here I am back again. The movie tonight was "The Man on Half Moon Street" with Nils Aster and Helen Walker. A fantastic story but interesting.
     And now back to your letters. I got the Shrader card and will acknowledge it tonight. Of course Dave has been in the states a long time but remember Dear, wherever I am I'm safe. When Marines shove off you can't say that for them. They are strictly combatant.
     From the way you rave about the dolls they must be something. I chose them from a catalogue. In fact I almost bought some furry animals. Now I'm surely glad I didn't.
     No dear I don't recopy your "do you remember." It's just a case of two minds with a single thought. By the way figure two months for packages to reach me so don't be too impatient if either yours or mine seem overdue. They'll all get there in due time.
     Yes dear, my corpsman is the same one that was aboard in Diego. Cox is an ensign but should make j.g. next month. Ambie is the engineer. Right again Watson. His appendix is gone and he is around and back on the job.
     I'm looking forward to my birthday gifts. Are my Xmas and birthday gifts together or separate? Anything to play with will be a swell change.
     I believe I've mentioned it before, but, if I haven't, I've shaved my beard but still have my mustache. I know there is a ban on recordings, but nevertheless they seem to get through. I'll be looking for them.
     Since when did you get an inferiority complex? What ails you is pride and the hurt of the thoughtlessness of supposed friends. Just wait until I get back. We'll see.
     I'm really concerned about your mother. Why doesn't she get competent medical advice and treatment or is she still worrying about who gets her money. How about calling on her darling nephew for advice? I do hope your next letters bring more encouraging news.
     Your description of the living room on Xmas eve with all the gifts and pictures are very vivid. I can see it just as if I were there. I do hope that you will never again be called on to describe Xmas eve to me.
     So Dave is still the expert photographer he always has been. Let's hope something comes out with hands and feet and head all in one picture.
     Xmas day seemed to keep you busy and I'm glad the day passed quickly. Wish all days would pass quickly for both you and me until we are once again together.
     That poem you sent about War Wives made a big hit and several officers want copies to send home just as you surmised.
     Well Honey, nothing more that's new. That rumor still is the same and so I'm hoping for the best.
     Darling do you remember how we always planned everything months in advance? Well we can continue doing that. We're not going to let the war just change everything are we?
     Good night Sweet and pleasant dreams. I know that after rereading your sweet letters I'll sleep and dream of you tonight

Love,

Gil

Ulithi--Vitamin Pills

The "vitamin pills" were M&Ms.  

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 4 January 1945, 9:55 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hooray! I finally got some mail, one letter from you postmarked the 24th of December. In addition I got a B'nai B'rith Bulletin and taffies from my mother. Please darling, no more candy if you can help it. The taffies are soft and gooey. On the other hand the "vitamin pills" that you sent and the glazed fruit and nuts that Deb and Dave sent were swell.
     If I don't make complete sense, please excuse. I went ashore today and drank umpty cans of beer and now I feel the least bit high.
     Today began as usual with my dental appointments. I hadn't planned on going ashore but during luncheon a party was formed and I joined in. We got back in time for dinner and after eating and chewing the fat I went to the movie. The picture was "Music In Manhattan" with Anne Shirley and was good entertainment.
     Now to your letter. I'm glad you got the corsage. Better late than never. What did you finally get for working at the Marbro? I'd have told them off right then and there. After all they would have paid anyone else so why not you?
     I'm not surprised about Dave. As you know I predicted more or less what happened. By the way, what happened with Dick? Maybe I'll get the dope when I get the 20th through 24th mail.
     I can just see the Xmas tree in the window with the lights, gifts and my three sweethearts in front of it. Gee, I wish I could have been there. Well, next year for sure.
     Nothing more for now. Hope I get more mail so I'll have more to write about tomorrow. Good night my Sweet, I love you

Your husband,

Gil

Going Ashore

Ulithi--Bitching

The "Big News" referenced is probably the Battle of Luzon.

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday, 3 January 1945, 7:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Still no mail. It's a good thing no one else is getting any or I'd be plenty worried. As it is, we all indulge in the accepted Navy pastime "bitching" about the mail.
     Worked this morning until 11:15 AM. Then I meandered around the ship attending to various items of no particular interest. Had lunch and worked for an hour outlining a simplified statement for the wardroom mess. Than I had it mimeographed, so that's out of the way now.
     In mid-afternoon I returned to my room and censored mail for about 45 minutes. Then I undressed, showered and relaxed in my rack and read from "Get Thee Behind Me." Before I knew it was 5:45 PM so I dressed for dinner.
     After eating we stood up on the bridge and enjoyed a brisk, cool breeze blowing in from the east. We talked about everything and really said nothing. There is nothing new that I can tell you but we are all hoping for some big news that should break in about three days. However you'll probably read about it just as soon as we hear out here.
     Well Sweetheart, are you doing any more teaching? Do you remember when we first got married, you taught and brought sandwiches up to the office for our lunch? After this war we'll enjoy many a luncheon together but I believe we'd both enjoy being waited on in some nice restaurant.
     That's all for now darling, give my girls a big kiss for me.

Devotedly,

Gil