Ulithi--Recreation

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 3 March 1945, 7:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Darling, here I am again. Awoke this morning at 7:45 feeling swell. Had my usual juice and coffee for breakfast and so to work.
     I had a busy morning and it was 11:40 AM before I was through with work. Lunch is at 11:45. After eating I took it easy for awhile on the poop deck and got some more sun. I'm sure getting tanned. Soon I'll look like some of those natives you've seen in the movies.
     At 1:00 PM I returned to my room and just read until 1:30 when I had another appointment. When I cleaned up my work I returned to my room and censored some mail.
     Today's mail brought a letter from your mother, a card from you written at Rene and Jean, a 5th District Dental Bulletin. The box of fruit you sent came in perfect shape. I know I'm going to enjoy it.
     It was 3:30 PM when one of the officers said he had a boat alongside which was going to the recreation island. How about joining the party? It took me two minutes to change shoes and cap and away we went. I had a few beers, picked up some more shells and got back to the ship at 6:00 PM, just in time to eat dinner.
     After chow I showered. After getting cleaned up, I dressed and went topside to enjoy a very pretty sunset. Then I went below for a cup of coffee and watch a crap game but they couldn't quite "seduce" me because it was time for our daily visit and here I am.
     Last night's movie, Carol Lombard and Robert Montgomery in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" was old but I couldn't remember having seen it and I enjoyed every moment of it. Tonight's movie is "Nevada" (with a bunch of unknowns) and several short subjects. Guess I'll go anyway.
     Time to go now Sweetheart, so good night and pleasant dreams. Love and kisses with a few hugs thrown in.

Devotedly,
Gil

Officers'Club Mog Mog Recreation Island

Gil front left

Ulithi--Letters

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 2 March 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Awoke this morning with my back feeling much better. All discomfort has practically disappeared so that's that.
     Worked all morning until 11:00 AM and then sat down to read four letters that had arrived.
     After lunch, I enjoyed the sun for 45 minutes, rechecked a copy of the mess statement and took care of an emergency extraction from another ship. When I returned to my room I found three more letters making a total bag of seven and all from you.
     I spent the afternoon reading as it was "field day." Then I censored some mail, showered and dressed for dinner.
     I intended watching what promised to be a pretty sunset but I got another emergency call and extracted another tooth. Since I was down in my office I couldn't think of anything I'd like better so--we are having our daily visit.
     So Leon is storing his car. Well I'll bet he loses more by keeping it than selling now. By the time he comes back, new cars will probably be on the market and his $4,000 will only be worth $500. I guess he can afford to lose it.
     Leon certainly expects a great deal when he says that he'll go to Pearl Harbor, Philippines and then China or Japan. That is probably all a good guess but if his unit is just forming I doubt whether anyone knows where they are going. Out in the forward area one can't tell from one month to the next leave alone a whole tour of duty.
     I'll drop a note to Dr. Ivie first chance I get. Mrs. Ivie is nice, why don't you try and get together with her some time.
     I figured the "Apostle" was a hand me down. Ruth knows I don't care for that type of fiction and I knew she did. Sorry about "Esquire," I'll say thank you properly next time I write.
     That note you sent to the banquet in my behalf is OK. However before we do any contributing I'm going to wait to see results not plans.
     There must be some letter missing because you refer to Mr. Hansen's phone call but say nothing as to where he is or how he is feeling. Guess it'll come in a day or so.
Your plan for our new home is 4.0 with me, even the location. As for my new office, it'll be a "killer-diller." When we get our heads together we'll give them something to talk about.
     The party I mentioned was for officers on the Ocelot and two or three other ships as well. Can't tell you any more about it.
     The movie last night was "House of Frankenstein." and when it was over they had revived and killed again, Dracula, the Frankenstein Monster and the Wolfman. Not so good. Tonight we have a real oldie, Carol Lombard in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and it's just about time to go. So-----
     Goodnight darling, love and kisses to all my girls.

Your daddy,

Gil

Ulithi--Massages

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 1 March 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     How is my Sweet today? Did you dream about me? I did about you and it was just like it is going to be when I come home. Even Linda and Norma were there to climb into bed with up and keep us awake early in the morning. What a dream!
     Today was a nice easy day. Saw a few patients but spent most of the day messing with the wardroom statement. It is all straight now and will be typed up for approval in the morning.
     I met a doctor a couple of weeks ago. This afternoon he was aboard and visited with me. Then I enjoyed forty-five minutes of sun and retired to my room. Undressed, censored some mail and perused through a copy of the New Yorker. Then it was 5:15 PM so I showered and dressed for dinner.
     I pulled a muscle in my back, when or where I do not know. It's been sore but a massage three times a day gives me enough relief that I can go about my business without much discomfort. The doctor says a couple of days more and I'll be OK.
     Only one letter today. It was from Libby. Not much in it to talk about. Just hello, how are you and regards from all.
     There isn't much to talk about at this end either. Just lots of sunshine, rain in copious quantities but usually of short duration and then more sun. There is always a nice breeze blowing topside so if one gets too warm it is easy to cool off.
     I'm sending something to both mothers for Mothers' Day so don't splurge at your end. Some toilet sets of powder and salts available through the Army Exchange look like good values.
     So Darling another day is gone. Do you remember how in past years about this time we'd begin planning a drive into the hills to see the wildflowers? Those splashes of color on the hillsides and in the fields would sure look good now. Oh well, they'll even look better next year.
     Good night honey and I hope my dreams repeat tonight.

Love,

Gil

Ulithi--Medical Report

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 28 February 1945, 10:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello my darling, did you sleep well last night? It was past 2:00 AM when I finally turned in last night and I slept like a log until 8:45 this morning.
     I stayed up because the doctor was operating and there was a chance that he'd want me to give the patient ether. However the spinal worked perfectly and I didn't have a thing to do but catch up on my correspondence. I wrote notes to both mothers, Deb and Dave (swell news, eh!), Ethyl and Libby.
     Saw a couple of patients this morning and then worked up the wardroom statement for the month. Hope to have it balanced and completed by tomorrow night.
     My heat rash is much better, but I got about 45 minutes of sun just the same. I'm going to get rid of it and try to continue with the same treatment because it does come back.
     I didn't get to censor any mail yesterday because I was busy doing other things. So I had twice as much to censor today. I spent from 4:00 to 5:15 this afternoon on that. Then I showered and dressed for dinner.
     The movie tonight was very good. It was "The Woman of the Year" with Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn and Fay Bainter. You should see it if you haven't. I know you'd enjoy it.
     I've had a sore back all day and thought my kidneys were bothering me. Well a few minutes ago I got the doctor to take a look. It was just a tight muscle. He got one of our pharmacist mates to give me a good rub down and it feels much better already.
     There was no mail today, not even a magazine, but who am I to complain. After getting seventeen letters in two days I really shouldn't expect anything, but just the same I'll be disappointed if I don't get a letter from you tomorrow.
     Well, Sweetheart, that is thirty for today. I love you and miss you more each day. Wonder if we'll ever catch up with all that we've missed. Well we'll try and have fun doing it.

Yours always,

Gil

Ulithi--Mog Mog Recreation Island

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 27 February 1945, 11:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Honey, here I am again. Began today as usual with work and was hard at it all morning. After lunch a few of us went over to the recreation island for a few beers.
     There is a grove cleared and picnic tables are scattered throughout. Five of us sat down at one of the tables and played hearts all afternoon. Whenever we were due for another round the highest score player bought the beer. It was really a nice quiet restful afternoon.
     We got back to the ship just in time for dinner and after eating, low and behold there was another stack of mail for me on my bunk. There were seven letters, four from you, one from Deb, one from Ethyl and one from Joe Orenstein writing for the B'nai B'rith.
     We had a double feature movie tonight. One was "Vigilantes of Dodge City" and the other was "Sergeant Mike." The second feature had just begun when I was called down to sick bay. The doctor was doing an appendectomy under spinal but the patient was so scared that he wanted me to pour ether.
     We just finished a few minutes ago and will be doing another one in about twenty or thirty minutes.
     Now to your letters. They at dated he 5th through the 17th and the 19th. I don't know why you're afraid to buy more "G" bonds. They are negotiable, redeemable at any bank and bear interest. If you need money, it will always be available.
     You seem to be doing quite well with your teaching. Two or three days a week should help take up the financial slack and also keep you busy.
     Don't do anything about a lot. There will be plenty of time and lots later on and the prices won't be as high. You just wait and see.
     So Ruth has Gus Loeb to gush over now. My, my aren't you thrilled? Gus is a swell guy and I hope he doesn't get stuck with Goldie. He's pretty smart though so I won't worry about him.
     I've gotten many nice notes from patients. They seem to miss me a hell of a lot more than some of my friends (?).
     Yes dear we can play back 33-1/3 as well as 78 RPM records. Be sure they are cut deeper and play them back once on the regular turntable not the recording unit. That should help to fix the groove better.
     Wish we were someplace where I could buy some of the things you ask for. Outside of Navy, to all intents and purposes we could be in the middle of the Sahara. There isn't a damn thing I can say good about this place and there certainly isn't anything to be purchased as a souvenir. I'm still hoping those boxes will come through.
     Again I ask, send me the addresses of Sol and Art. If they are on a ship I may be able to see them if they come out here. I'm in a position where I can check on who is here.
     Send the salami but no "borsht" or "gefulte fish." Some nice sardines or anchovies would be good or even some caviar. See what I mean? OK Honey, go to work.
     Well my time is up. Do you remember when I'd go to the office at night and you'd wait for me first patiently and then not so patiently? Well I promise to spend all my evenings with you. No more night work for me once I'm back with my three girls--no mam.
     Good night sweetie, until tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

Mog Mog Recreation Island
Ulithi

Playing Hearts and drinking beer

Hearts all hearts plus the queen of spades too

Another game of Hearts

Ulithi--WAC

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 26 February 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Back to the old "grind" again. Worked all morning and afternoon until 3:00 PM. Then I censored some mail, read a little, showered and dressed for dinner.
     The mail brought two letters of the 19th in the morning and eight letters from 5th to 13th in the afternoon. All from you. I should be about all caught up now on your back letters though there are still a few on their way.
     Sorry you missed Abe Weinberg. However I doubt that there was much he could have told you that you'd like to know. As for Hansen, if he gets anywhere near Santa Monica I am sure that he will contact you.
     Looks like Ruth is still the same and there is nothing that you can do about it. Don't spend much on a gift for Libby. Those bags I sent were expensive and with the dough Nat is making, a couple of cheap hankies was very little from her.
     Mary and Willie probably had similar trouble before we knew them and will continue the same way forever more. I don't place much stock in her saying she's through or even his leaving her. You wait and see.
     "The Apostle" is on my book shelf. I've never read it nor can I find anyone else who wants to. Yes I know Ruth.
     If I ever get to the Philippines I'd like to pick up some nice things but from what I hear the Japs have probably ransacked it clean and the men who are already there will do a good job cleaning out what is left.
     The "heat rash" isn't serious nor does it bother me except just when I turn in. It stings a little but some sunshine usually clears it up.
     I'm not surprised about Nina's not liking the WACs. She has to compete with many much younger and in many cases prettier girls and has to take orders from many who are much less qualified than she is. All of this tends to make her wish she were civilian again. I thought she and Jack were all washed up, or is it strictly platonic now?
     After censoring many letters and from my own personal experiences I've come to the conclusion that much of the mail is to raise the morale of the civilians at home rather than the men away from home. I still think you are oversensitive and wait for others to make the first move, which they won't. Of course you and I expect more from Ruth and some of our friends because we always went out of our way for everyone but that won't work. If you want entertainment or recreation, or even companionship you've got to go and get is so--go get it!
     The Center doesn't sound like it's going over or am I wrong? If you ask me, Santa Monica has too many individual projects and as a result some are going to suffer. Some people don't realize that this making of money won't last forever and that the projects will need support as much later as now.
     I'm glad you're back on the Bulletin. You always like that kind of work and it will kill a couple of evening now and then.
     You're mentioning of taxes again. I'm enclosing some information that should come in handy. You should get a refund on 1944 when the final reckoning is made but leave it alone until I get back.
     Sorry you didn't enjoy the party for Leon. When I get back no one else will get a chance to dance with you or sit and talk either. I'll take care of that.
     Always excitement. Norma sure gave you a scare. Oh well, all's well that ends well. Hope from now on both kids stay well.
     No, I still won't write Leon until he answers my last letter--bet he'd wonder why I was writing if I did. Anyway I won't do it so forget it.
     Well that winds me up for tonight. I'll have to dash or I'll be late for the movie. We have "Lake Placid Serenade."
     Bye Honey, I'll be with you tomorrow.

Love
Gil

Ulithi--Heat Rash

   Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 25 February 1945, 7:00 PM

My Darling,
     Well Honey, here I am again. Got to bed real late last night and slept in the morning until almost nine o'clock. Naturally I missed breakfast but had no trouble getting my usual juice and coffee.
     Didn't do any work today. As a matter of fact there is nothing new that I can write about. There was no mail at all this morning but this afternoon's delivery brought me letters from your mother and mine.
     One of our officers got a letter today, four days out of the states, from Texas, announcing the long overdue arrival of a baby girl and is he excited. Who wouldn't be? He has been on edge since the first of the month when the baby was due. Now he knows it's a girl but not another thing. Probably other letters written prior to the one he received today have the information and will arrive soon.
     My heat rash is back again so I got some more sun this afternoon. Guess I'll just have to include a half hour or so on the poop deck as regular part of my daily routine.
     Last night's movie "Enter Arsene Lupin" was just average. Tonight we have an oldie but a good one, "Louisiana Purchase."
     I'm a little tired and sleepy and my mind is a total blank so there is no more for now. Have I told you lately how much I love you? No? Well, I'd better do it now. You do remember the song "How Much Do I Love You" don't you? It goes "How deep is the ocean, how high is the sky." Yes darling that is how much I love you, only more.
     So long for tonight Sweetheart maybe I'll have some more dope tomorrow.

Yours alone,

Gil

Ulithi--"Vitamin Pills" & "Horse Ovaries" aka "M&Ms" and "Hors D'oeuvres"

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 24 February 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Sweet, here I am again. Today was just another day as usual. Worked all morning and finished up at 11:25. Went up to my room and washed up for lunch. The mail brought five letters today, four from you and one from your mother. Yours were marked 11 and 15, so 12, 13, and 14 are still due.
     After lunch I censored some mail and extracted a tooth. Then four of us went ashore to celebrate a birthday. We had plenty to drink but returned all secure and put away a nice steak dinner.
     Last night's movie, "Experiment Perilous," was OK, see it. Tonight we have "Enter Arsene Lupin" but I don't have much hope for it.
     This afternoon when I got back to the ship I found some more mail. A package from you with "vitamin pills," American Weeklies, and Pictorial Reviews, a Journal of the Southern California Dental Society, Alumni Association Magazine and American Dental Association Bulletin made up my total bag. Please don't send any more reading material except for books. We have oodles of magazines, etc. Also no more candy. I now have two full boxes and the bulk of the "vitamin pills" you sent .How about some sardines, anchovies and other stuff suitable for "horse ovaries." Now your mail.
     As I've written before Marty sent me a program from the Center banquet. I do hope Dave makes warrant officer but I'll believe it only when I see it. I've heard enough about Mary and Willie and their troubles. How about a new episode?
     Ruth and Harry have no one to blame for Dick but themselves. Leon is no model to hold up to any growing boy but I doubt that he had very much influence on Dick. All I can say is yapity, yapity, yap, baloney!
     I see you got called to teach again. With all these calls you should be able to get by without digging into our account much (I hope).
     I'm glad that Linda is through with her thumb sucking. As a matter of fact, from your letters I gather that she has become quite a young lady. Wish I could be there to see her and Norma and you too!! Those pictures of the kids before the Xmas tree were swell though they could have been clearer. But then who am I to complain. I played back the recording you sent and had the same trouble as with the previous ones. Please cut the records deeper and play them back before sending them. Then the grooves will be more defined and the roll of the ship won't cause the playback arm to jump across the record and ruin it.
     You seem to have the impression that there is a naval base with all the refinements of civilization here. Well there isn't. Wish I could get you some hose, but all I could get would be men's cotton ones and I don't think you'd wear them. The same goes for valentines, there just ain't no such animule.
     So honey I'd better sign off. All this rattle and prattle probably doesn't make much sense but blame it on the drinks I had ashore.
     Bye, my darling, if you were here or I were there we'd sure have fun tonight. See you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Most likely the birthday celebration was at the Fleet Officers' Club

d

Ulithi--Field Day

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 23 February 1945, 7:25 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Just another day like all the rest. Worked all morning and it was 11:30 before I was through. Then I went to my quarters, washed and went up for chow.
     After lunch I showed several visitors around. "Field day" this afternoon so no work.
     Got three letters today. Two from you marked the 7th and 16th of February and one from Libby. Besides you Libby is my most faithful correspondent.
     Can't understand why Al should get the $25 check for the interest on those bonds. Hope you've changed it so that you'll get the money directly. Now that you see some return on our investment I guess you'll agree and buy the other bonds as I suggested.
     You want to know what "field day" is. It compares to housecleaning day especially when you are expecting company (captain's inspection). The walls and decks are scrubbed and swabbed. Metal work is polished and everything is made ship-shape. Understand now?
     See "Woman in the Window," It isn't spooky but is full of suspense and has a most unusual ending? The movie tonight is "Experiment Perilous" and is supposed to be very good. We could stand a good picture for a change.
     See if you can get the December 1944 or January 1945 Oral Hygiene for me. There is something in one of those issues I'd like to read. As a matter of fact if you can find the publisher's address, write and ask them to put me on their mailing list again. It is gratis and I haven't received any issues since I reported for duty.
     Looks like our 1943 tax situation is all "screwed up." I still think that the payment you made is a duplicate of one I made while we were in Dago.
     Time for the movie now and besides there is nothing more to tell, bye darling until "manana" (spelling?)

Yours alone,

Gil

U.S.S. Ocelot