Ulithi--Merchant Marine

 Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 17 January 1945, 6:35 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well I did it again today. This morning I got the National Jewish Monthly and the American Dental Association Bulletin. This afternoon I got six letters from you, marked 4th, 6th and 8th. Also a nice letter from Harry. And best of all I got the recordings of Norma's and Linda's voices and yours too. Sweetheart it really was good to hear all three of you again. In the future cut the records a little deeper. There is an adjustment for it on the cutting head. With the needles we use out here the home recordings are easily ruined when shallowly cut.
     Now to your mail. No I didn't send cards to Krause or Kramer. They're not on my list and I've just got to draw the line somewhere.
     I don't recall the exact bank balance in the Santa Monica Bank account, though you could check it by the day book from my office. In the back there is a perpetual balance carried forward. I do think however it was around $2,300. Check it and let me know. How about taking $1,000 out from the San Diego bank and buying a series "G" bond. That is the same type we bought with the $2,000 from my office equipment. It is negotiable so it can always be cashed in and 2-1/2% interest is better than nothing.
     The signatures on the menu were those of the officers and crew, though probably several missed signing it. All the drawings on menus and greetings originated from my office. My corpsman is quite clever and when we get together we always get something nice out.
     About the liquor dear, I would have felt like a 24 karat heel to bootleg some of it to one of the crew. Sorry I can't agree with you on that point but it isn't important, really.
     Scuttlebutt still is the same though a month has been added to the original three that I heard of at first. Still I'd bet money that I won't be out longer than a year at the most. Keep your panties on. You'll have plenty of time to get ready when I get orders to return and then will there be a hot time in the old time! Wow!
     You mention three letters written on the 5th but I only got two. Bet I get another stack tomorrow. This mail is hard to figure. One of you letters tells me about records you're sending me and the records got here the same time as the letter. Yet one came air mail and the other regular mail.
     I see my guess about the Seitz home was correct. We'll still have a "real" home after this war and you'll be real proud of it. Just wait and see.
     The box of fruit and nuts Deb sent were glazed and very delicious. My roommates and I enjoyed it to the last crumb. The "vitamin pills" arrived in excellent condition but I still have most of them. You see, we can get chocolates and candies, so it's not as novel as the fruit.
     The Mary, Willie and Wally story is nothing new as far as I'm concerned. Surely you knew what was going on too.
     If Dick thinks the Merchant Marine as a job is better than the Navy he is in for a rude awakening. They may not have the strict discipline but Merchant Marine ships usually take part in invasions and are easier marks than Navy ships because they don't carry as much armament as a Navy ship would.
     Today has been just a routine day. Worked all morning examining and filling teeth. I've made a survey of the crews' health records and found 83 who hadn't received treatment in the past six months so I'm calling them all in, 10 per day.
     After lunch I went over to a nearby ship and bought a pint of ice cream for a dime and did I enjoy it. Then I looked after some library, welfare and mess duties that had been awaiting my attention. By then it was 4:00 PM so I undressed, showered, censored mail and read until 5:30. Then I dressed for dinner, ate and here I am.
     I forgot to mention that we had pictures of the whole ship's company taken yesterday and every man will receive a copy. I hope that the chief censor will allow them to be sent home.
     "Wilson" last night was good though it was slow in places. Tonight we have "This is the Life" with Peggy Ryan and Donald O'Connor and its rated 4.0.
     Well darling I've been writing now for forty-five minutes and my fingers are getting tired. Do you remember in the good old days when you were my social secretary and did all my writing for me? After the war you will receive you reappointment for life.
     Good night Sweet I love you and miss you and look to the day when we'll all be one again.

Impatiently,

Gil

Record

Christmas Menu originated in Gil's office

Signatures on back of Christmas Menu

Ulithi--Mustered at Quarters

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 16 January 1945, 6:55 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well here is your drunky hubby again. I went ashore with a bunch of the boys and got back just in time for dinner. Just finished eating and here I am again.
     Today began as all routine days do. We mustered at quarters and then I went to work. Saw a couple of patients and was through for the day. Because of the scarcity of voluntary patients I'm beginning to call patients in who haven't had treatment since July 1, 1944. I have a list of some 80 odd men and that should give me a little something to do.
     After lunch six of us officers went ashore for a few beers and got back to the ship at 5:15. None of us were drunk, but neither were we sober--just feeling good.
     The movie tonight is "Wilson" a long picture--17 reels. Should run about 2-1/2 hours.
     Today, I received one letter from you, written on the 24th of December. There is no telling how mail will be received. Everything in it is so old that I shan't comment of anything.
     Darling do you remember years ago when I came home one Saturday night feeling rather high and you blamed it all on Perry? Well when I get home I'll be a good boy and really stick around. It's a promise.
     No more for now so I'll sign off. Good night Sweetheart, love and kisses from your one and only

Loving hubby,

Gil

Coupon book for beer

Ulithi--War Bonds

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 15 January 1945, 7:20 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well I did it! I hit the jackpot again. There were thirteen letters and cards and all but three from my own sweet girls. I must be getting soft because I just couldn't hold back a few tears when I read the sweet sentiment and love in the cards from you and our little ones. Besides that I got a letter from Libby and birthday cards from the Leavys and my mother.
     Now to your letter. First, the continuity is all mixed up because the letters were written December 30, 31 and January 1, 2, and 3. Four days ago I got mail dated January 4. Anyway here goes. I thought Anne had decided to stay and Joe was to get leave and come home. What happened? Why is she leaving now?
     Glad you saw "Gypsy Wildcat" I liked it too.
     I'm not sorry about those guys who quit defense jobs as soon as the heat was off and now have to go back. What we should have is a National Service Act and draft all men into defense jobs who don't meet military requirements. It's about time that people learned that buying a few bonds at 2.9% interest isn't really contributing much to our war effort. If I could get home and tell a few of our patriotic civic leaders what I and thousands like me think of them, I'd probably lose the few friends (?) I still have.
     Probably Sol's "shakedown" cruise hadn't begun yet. Usually right after that the ship goes on its way.
     Dear my instruments and records are valuable. I'd prefer having them in storage to lying around in the garage. No dear I can't tell you how many items I have down there.
     No dear I wouldn't care for any newspapers. They are at least thirty days old by the time they arrive. We get all war and national news daily. Besides paper clutter up the mail and slow up delivery of other pieces men would much rather receive.
     So you are back teaching! Guess you were wise in refusing that half time job. Between your work and household duties, I do hope you aren't overdoing.
     Darling do you remember that night at Arrowhead when we hired a speedboat for an hour's ride? We rode in the back seat and got all wet. But we had fun as we will again when I get home.
     Must sign off now and go to the movies. We are having "Alaska" and it is rated 3.9 so it should be good. Also there will be a "March of Time" and a cartoon.
     Good night sweetheart. Love and kisses to you and my two darlings.

Your lonesome "daddy,"

Gil

Birthday card from the Leavys

Ulithi--Sunday

Raymond Gram Swing was a news commentator heard worldwide as a leading American voice from Britain during World War II. 

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 14 January 1945, 7:35 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     This has been a busy day but not with just dentistry. I began my morning by removing an impacted third molar and then filled five cavities for the brother of Raymond Gram Swing, the commentator. Then I did a gum treatment and was finished for the day.
     The remainder of the morning I chased around making arrangements for the religious service.
     After lunch I did some more chasing around with wardroom mess treasurer's business. We got a mess of additional flag officers aboard and I had to get them squared away. At this late hour I still have about 60% of them to see. Anyway at 4:00 PM I knocked off, undressed, showered and relaxed with a book until 5:30 when I dressed for dinner. After eating I worked some more on the above mentioned treasurer's job. Knocked off at 7:30 and here I am.
     "In Society" last night was amusing and tonight we have "Murder in the Blue Room." I didn't look to see who is in it but I'll see it anyway.
     The mail brought me two Xmas cards from patients and that was all. I'm ready for the jackpot tomorrow.
     Which reminds me, tomorrow is pay day but I think I'll let my money ride again. By the time I get back I should have enough for a glorious thirty day leave.
     Well darling there is little more to say. It was a little hotter today, but except for the fact that my clothes got soaked with perspiration I didn't notice it at all.
     Sweet, do you remember certain hot days in the later part of July 1934 at Arrowhead? I didn't notice the heat then either. If I get back in time for summer I won't care how hot it is. Get me?
     Good night honey, till tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

Ulithi--Blackout

The reason for the blackout was that Kaiten, torpedo mini submarines, had hit targets on Ulithi

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday, 13 January 1945, 7:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Today was a little different. This morning we moved alongside another ship to take on additional personnel and supplies. The ship, a large tender, has five dental officers aboard, three chairs and a prosthetic lab. A dentist who I met last week at the Officers' Club showed me around. There isn't much more I can tell you. Oh yes, one of our men broke a tooth on his bridge, so I bummed one from the tender and will fix our man up in the morning.
     Because of a blackout last night we didn't have any movies, but I'm sure we'll have one tonight. The movie is Abbott and Costello in "In Society." I do hope it is better than "Lost in a Harem."
     We have an appendectomy tonight that I'll probably attend after the movie.
     There was no mail again today so I am practically out of things to say. So I'll say "I love you, Sweetheart." I'm sure that that can bear repeating. After dinner tonight, a few of us got to shooting the bull about home and family. Gee I felt homesick. Just to see you and hold you in my arms for a few minutes would be such bliss. And to have Linda and Norma climb over me and get lint all over my "blues" would be such fun. Oh well, guess I'll just have to wait a while longer. Do you remember when I'd come home and shoo the kids away because of the afore mentioned lint? I'll never be like that again.
     Well darling, there isn't much more for me to say so--goodnight my love until tomorrow.

Devotedly,

Gil

Ulithi--Kaiten

Kaiten submarines (Japanese manned torpedos)struck targets at Ulithi.

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 12 January 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     We had a little something to break the monotony today but that is all I can tell you at present. However as a result of the activity I didn't do any dentistry at all today. As a matter of fact I didn't do a damn thing all day long.
     All is as usual now. In about 25 minutes I'm going to the movies. Tonight we have a stinkergoo, Laurel and Hardy in "Big Noise" but I'll go for lack of anything else to do.
     There was no mail today so there is nothing you and I can discuss together. In fact because of today's routine there is nothing more for me to say.
     I see by our ship's newspaper that we made a successful landing on Luzon. However no mention is made of our losses. I'm afraid when the final count is made our losses in ships and men may be high. However that action was bound to be costly and as long as the goal was attained we should be glad.
     Well darling, are you back to a normal routine now that the holidays are past? Have you gotten any more calls to teach? I hope you did right in turning down half days. After all half days would be easier for you even if the money wasn't all there.
     Honey do you remember the day at Arrowhead when I took you sailing and how scared you were? Well, maybe this summer we'll try that again (could be!), I should know a little more about sailing or should I?
     I'm going to sign off now Sweet. Good night and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Kaiten, Japanese one man kamikaze torpedo submarine, that struck in Ulithi. According to John Partin SM 2/C aboard the USS Carmita, the LCI-600 was sunk and USS Mazama was rammed causing a death and injuries.

Ulithi--Careful

11 January 1945

Dear Linda and Norma,
     Hello my darlings, here is your Daddy again. I got your real nice Xmas card Linda. Thank you.
     Linda honey, I've been worrying about you. I hear you aren't very careful about crossing streets or taking care of yourself or your things. I just sent you a real pretty necklace that I made for you. I'd feel very badly if anything happened to it. How about promising your Daddy to be real careful now of yourself, your things and your toys? Don't forget, I'm waiting for an answer.
     And you Norma, are you being a big help to Mommy? I'm sending you a necklace too, so do take care of it.
     Well kiddies that is all for now. Good night and don't forget to be real good girls.

Love,

Daddy

Ulithi--I'm 35

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 11 January 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Honey, today I am 35 years old. If you were here or I was there I imagine I could prove I'm still OK for an old man.
     Well today was just another routine day. Worked most of the morning and saw Ambie off at 11:00 AM. After lunch I read and finished another book by Forester entitled "The Ship."
     About that time I heard someone mention mail so I high tailed up to the wardroom and there were four letters for me. Three from you and one from a patient in response to my Xmas card. That letter is so long and so friendly that I'm going to keep writing to him.
     After dinner, this evening, I played checkers until movie time. The movie tonight was a western, but a very good one. Even you would like it. It was "Tall in the Saddle" with John Wayne and Ella Raines. The movie last night was also very good. You should see it, title: "In the Meantime, Darling."
     I'm glad you got to go out New Years Eve. It would have been such a long evening to stay in.
     About this summer business. Sweet, I hardly know what to advise. We might suddenly head back to the states. I might even get orders back for stateside duty and of course there is always the possibility of my staying out here for a while longer. So make plans to go to Arrowhead and if I do get back something will be worked out and if not to hell with a couple hundred bucks.
     You needn't worry about me overdoing with drink. A few beers seem to go a long way in this hot climate and I'm not anxious to contend with a big head the next day. It's just a change and a little relaxation and not half as bad as it probably sounded in my letter.
     I'm anxiously waiting to hear word of Dick being in the Navy. That kid really needs it and believe me they'll straighten him out.
     That poetry, darling, surely sizzles and the officers all get a kick out of it. The fruit Deb sent was delicious and kept very well, so please send on a box. Be sure it is very well packaged.
     I'm sorry I'm not convincing about coming home but how can I be when all my hopes are based on rumors and personal opinions. There is no such thing as leave from out here simply because a replacement must be here before one can leave and they're not shifting men around every 30 to 60 days.
     I'm not surprised at Babs. Besides she probably has too much Joe on her mind at the present to worry about a single thank you.
     Talking about nice things to buy, the next place we may hit might be the Philippines and if the Japs haven't completely ransacked and destroyed that place I might find something there to send or maybe bring home.
     I'm glad that Linda's arm turned out to be nothing. Gee how you must have worried. Well all is well that ends well.
     Now that the Xmas rush is over I hope I'll get better mail service. Your last letter was postmarked January 4 and that was only seven days ago.
     Darling do you remember my birthday last year? Didn't we take the kids out for the day and go to the Fleishers? (I'm not sure). Guess I had more on my mind than I cared to admit.
     Good night my Sweet. I'm sleepy and so I'm going to turn in and dream about my own sweet wife and two darling girls,

Love,

Gil