Ulithi--Dick

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Wednesday 21 March 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Had my usual busy morning. Worked until 11:30 and then found I was through for the day.
     After lunch I decided to join a few others and went ashore. While there we enjoyed a troupe of travelling Navy entertainers. The band was led by Claude Thornhill and there were several stage, screen and radio personalities in the show (all male). Jackie Cooper who played the drums, and the radio personality "Betty Lou" were the headliners. We expect to have the whole show on the ship in a few days.
     We got back in time for a late chow. After eating we enjoyed a pretty sunset. Now, here I am.
     I got four letters this morning and four this afternoon. Except for my mother and Libby they were all from you.
     I'm glad that the affair at the Deauville Club was such a big success. Of course I really expected it with you in charge.
     I'm glad you finally got to see "To Have and Have Not." Its funny your thinking it was slow. I thought it was OK, but then we didn't see it together.
     I'm sorry to hear that Dick is unhappy. Making the best of a situation is important. There is plenty I could "bitch"(gripe) about.  Yet I find it is just as well to take things as they come.
     I'm surprised about Linda and her enlarged tonsil. Don't do anything about it until I get back unless absolutely necessary.  I do hope she gets over her present indisposition soon. Dr. Kinney is OK. See him is necessary. His nurse, Mrs. Middledorf, is an ex patient of mine and should help out.
     I wondered about Leon's new job but a later letter cleared the matter up for me.
     I don't know why all the worry about a salami. Several have been received and all in good shape. Just wrap it well and let me do the worrying.
     You are still too sensitive and your sisters still don't understand. Just wait until Dave ships out and I get back. Bet you'll just drool over Deb and her problems. Still that is your way and I wouldn't have you any different.
     Yes dear. You are right. I don't give a damn about all the stuff that is happening in Santa Monica. It all seems so unimportant and far away. Hence, no remarks!
     I do reread you letters but who cares if Ruby presided well or Marty pulled a fast one on B.J.
     If you feel so strongly about a lot look around and let me know what you find. (For a home, not an office, of course).
     Libby's cheapness has reached a new high. Now she writes V-mail letters instead of airmail. I'll take my time answering too.
     It is late and time for the movie so I'll dash and finish later. Goodbye for now Sweet!

10:00 PM
     Hello darling, here I am back again. The picture tonight was "Murder My Sweet" with Dick Powell, Anne Shirley, and Claire Trevor.  It was so mixed up the whole story is hazy and I can't blame it all on the beer I had today either.
     I just reread my letter so far and hope you can make it out. My, what scribbling!
     From the sound of things Leon's outfit must be tied up with the Marines. Otherwise why the rugged training? Anyway he can have it. Give me any ship, but preferably the U.S.S. America, for duty.
     Out here there is nothing new to write about. The war news sounds good and I'm still optimistic for an early peace.
     No more for now Sweet. I sign off with love, hugs, and kisses for you and our girls.

Your devoted,
Gil

Dick Markowitz, nephew

Ulithi--Squall

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Tuesday 20 March 1945, 6:50 PM

Dearest Sweetheart,
     Here I be again. Today was just a nice easy day for a change. I saw patients all morning but there was no hurry. I secured (quit) at 11:15 and went up to my room and read until lunch. After chow I got ready to take the liberty party ashore. I mustered the men and got the beer. We all got into the motor launch and away we went. We got ashore at 1:45. I doled out the beer, amounting to six or seven cans per man. After they were all settled I walked over to the club. I had a beer and then walked along the shore looking for shells. I didn't find many today but I did find several "cats-eyes," stones suitable for mounting on rings.
     I got the men together and back into our boat at 4:15 and we headed back to our ship. On the way we got caught in a squall and by the time we got back we were all drenched to the skin.
     I showed and changed for dinner and after eating I went down to my office and here I am.
     Still no mail. If it wasn't that no one else was receiving mail I'd be worried but now I know it's just a tie up in service so I shan't worry. I do hope my letters to you are getting through OK without any slow-up.
     Tonight's movie is a Dr. Kildare picture, "Between Two Women." It's supposed to be good so I guess I'll go rain or not.
     I sure like my new pen. How is yours? Shall I get you one? Let me know.
     That is all for now darling. Good night Sweets and pleasant dreams.

Love,
Gil

Shore Launch

Ulithi--Eversharp

To learn more about the events leading to the purchase of the Eversharp pen mentioned in this letter see:

Ulithi--Pen
https://wwiinavydentist.blogspot.com/2019/11/ulithi-pen.html

Ulithi--Pen Writing Better https://wwiinavydentist.blogspot.com/2019/11/ulithi-pen-writing-better.html

You can watch Thousands Cheer on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qaceo-J7-M4&list=PL36g3BSlILy04AlPtvYGJnV6mGkVV7-K-

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Monday 19 March 1945, 10:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Sweetheart, here I am again. This has been one busy day for me and it was almost 4:00 PM before I finally walked out of my office. I didn't see more than twelve patients but believe me there was plenty of work that needed doing. The last time I did as much in one day was when I was a civilian.
     When I left my office it was raining in buckets, as a matter of fact it had been raining most of the afternoon. I was just too busy to notice. I went up to my room and censored a stack of mail and then read for awhile. First thing I knew it was 5:15 and time to shower and dress for dinner.
     After chow I was still a little tired so I relaxed with a book until movie time. Last night's picture was "Address Unknown" with Paul Lucas---one of those propaganda pictures and not very good. Tonight's picture was "Thousands Cheer" with a whole host of stars.  The outstanding feature was Jose Iturbi playing the piano. When he broke into boogie woogie even the sailors applauded; it was that good.
     There was no mail again today. They must be filling up a whole sack for me somewhere. Maybe it'll all come tomorrow. 

     I bought a new pen today. The fouled up point on my other pen was beginning to get me down. This pen is one of the new Eversharps with a point similar to the Parker "51". It retails for $12.50 and I bought it for $6.50 at our ship's store.
     Well darling, that is thirty for tonight. Love and kisses to all three of my dears. I'll see you in my dreams.

Devotedly,
Gil

Ad for the Eversharp 

Ulithi--"H"

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Sunday 18 March 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Here I am again, a little high but still here. Today was just an ordinary day. Began work at 8:30 AM (today being Sunday) and except for a few interruptions, secured at 11:45 AM.
     Ate lunch and after that decided to go ashore where--so I did. It was a nice day and we drank beer and drank beer until--I had to go but it rained like "H" so I had to wait or go out and get wet. I don't know what I was afraid of, I was all wet anyhow. But I did wait, not more than five minutes when the rain stopped and I started to (?).
     We got back at 5:00 PM and after showering and changing, I ate a hearty meal and now here I am.
     The movie tonight is an oldie and not very good. Paul Lucas in it. I don't know the title but I'll tell you more about it tomorrow.
     Well Sweet, I hope you won't be disgusted with me tonight but there isn't another thing I can say. I didn't receive any mail today again, so tomorrow I'll hit the jackpot, at least I hope so.
     Goodnight darling, I love you and wish we were together. Love and Kisses to you and my two itsy bitsies.

Your loving husband,
Gil

Drinking Beer

Mog Mog Recreation Island

Ulithi

Ulithi--Plumbing Job

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Saturday 17 March 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Although I worked all morning it wasn't until afternoon before the plumbing job in my office was complete. However except for the deck being all cluttered up and not having any water in my unit, I got along OK.
     After lunch I finished a mystery story I was reading and censored some mail. Just about the time I finished Dr. Travis (I've mentioned him before) stopped by. He was aboard for business. We made a date for a few beers at the island tomorrow. We were comparing notes and discovered that we both reported for active duty on the same date and shipped out a week apart. He is married, has three kiddies and is a swell guy.
     After he left I went down, saw a patient for a minute and then visited the barber. After that I showered and dressed for dinner.  I bet if you look over my letter, my daily routine doesn't vary much and I probably say much the same thing every day.
     Tonight's movie is "Nice Girl" with Deanna Durbin and I think it's rated as good.  It doesn't really matter; I never miss any of them anyway.
     No mail today Honey so there is very little more for me to talk about. Do you remember the days when all we needed to do was to dial the phone if we had something to talk about and weren't together? I can't wait much longer to see that a reality again. I can't, but I guess I'll have to for a while yet.
     So Darling, once more I'm left with nothing to say. So I'll repeat myself and say I love you Sweet and miss all my three girls tremendously.
     Goodnight Darling until tomorrow

Yours alone,
Gil

Ulithi--Mess

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Friday 16 March 1945, 7:05 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Didn't do any dentistry all day long. My office is still in a mess--the sink is still not completely installed. In the morning, I hope they can finish up quickly as I have a busy day planned.
     I worked on lesson six of my course and got it all ready for typing this morning. This afternoon, for lack of anything else to do and because I felt like it, I went over to the island for a few beers.
     After drinking a couple, another fellow and I went out shell hunting. The tide was way out and I found a mess of shells of a new variety, all with little live crabs in them. There were also many small pools of water left behind by the tide and we had fun watching the small tropical fish, one to two inches long skimming through the water. Wish there were some way of sending them home. There were some beauties there.
     We got back at 5:15 and I had just enough time to shower and change before dinner. Now here I am.
     The movie tonight is "Big Street" another oldie with Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball. Last night's "Intermezzo" was just fair.
     The mail this morning brought a bulletin from the Medical Department and a short note from Libby. When I got back to my office tonight I found a letter from you. I'm glad you enjoyed "Fun Time." Sounds like the kind of show I'd enjoy.
     Do as you like about bonds. I won't urge you either way. I've had my say but I won't resist because it isn't important enough.
     I hope Dave is right about when I'll be coming home. However his guess is only as good as mine. The next few months will tell.
     Well Darling, so endeth another letter. No real good news, but no bad news either. Of course you know I love you but I'll say it again, "I love you." Goodnight Darling, I'll see you in my dreams.

Yours always,
Gil

Ulithi--Daddy Misses You

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

15 March 1945

Dearest Linda,
     I received your very sweet letter today and I was surprised at how well you draw. My goodness, your chicken and rabbit looked so real I thought they would jump off the paper and right onto my desk.
     Ethyl Leavy wrote me and told me how well you and Norma are dancing now and what good, sweet little girls you are. Keep up the good work. You are both making me very happy and proud of you.
     Honey, daddy misses you, Norma and Mama, too and I'll try to come home as soon as possible.
     In the meantime keep up the good work at school and at home.

Love,

Daddy

Linda

15 March 1945

Ulithi--Ban Lifted

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 15 March 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello darling here I am once more. Began today as usual with work but I knocked off about 10:30 because I'm having a new style surgical basin (sink) installed in my office. I'm there now. From the progress they've made, there won't be much dentistry done on the Ocelot tomorrow either.
     I got another shot in the arm today and it feels quite sore at present. By tomorrow night I hope to be rid of all its effects.
     So, I had time to read my five letters before lunch today. There was one from Linda, one from Ethyl and three from my favorite wife. This afternoon I just loafed and took it easy. Read a little, talked a little but accomplished nothing.
     Now to your letters. I don't want our ship to go back for repairs. Ships that need such extensive repairs as to go back to the states must have seen some heavy action and many of the crew probably were casualties. I'll get back in due time and safe and sound. Who wants to be a hero? Not me!
     You ask what else can you send me? Well nothing at present. At dinner tonight we were talking about pickles and kosher dills were brought up. It was suggested that "dills" packed in waxed paper containers with additional wax sealing the cover would come on safe and sound. They tell me even whiskey has been sent out that way. How about getting a couple of quart cylinder containers and sending some on (no, not whisky, pickles).
     When I get my promotion I'll arrange to have your allotment increased and have the checks sent to the Santa Monica Bank. Then you can close out the San Diego account and have it all in one bank. You should have plenty of reserve so that there won't be any charge for writing checks even minus an additional $1,000. You can buy those bonds in $500 ones if you like. I still say buy some more.
     I wrote Dr. Ivie the other day. As a matter of fact I'm all caught up now and owe no one any letters.
     About the Sadie A. incident. All I can say is that women are cats and very petty ones indeed. Further no one will stick her neck out if she can avoid it. I'd forget the incident and tell the whole kit and caboodle to do their own dirty work from now on.
     I know my daily letters mean much to you because I know how much they mean to me. We have been lucky too that there hasn't been much of a break in frequency of mail so far. However darling please realize that this can't go on forever and sooner or later there may be a break of days or maybe weeks without mail. Please don't worry though because I'll always be safe and then one day you'll get a great big stack all at once.
     By the first of April I'll have over $450 due me on the books. I'm going to send you $100 then and I want you to buy Linda a bond and use the $25 balance to get her something more tangible.
     Well darling I'm all worked up for tonight. The movie is an oldie "Intermezzo" with Leslie Howard. Goodnight my Sweet I'll see you in my dreams,

Love,

Gil

P.S. The ban is off on discussing Hawaii. Ask any questions you like now and if I can remember the facts I'll answer them fully.

Gil

Ulithi--Man Missing

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 14 March 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Today began like any other day. I had my morning appointments and it was past 11:00 AM before I was finished. Then I went up to my room hoping to find some mail but no such luck. So instead I read from a magazine until time for lunch.
     After lunch I was informed that I was to take charge of today's liberty party, consisting of some seventy odd men. I got them and the beer in the boat and away we went. When we got ashore we found a shady spot and I divided up the beer so that each man got six cans. Knowing that they wouldn't go away (as long as the beer lasted) I went over to the club and had a couple myself. Meandered back to make sure that everything was under control and then returned to the club and joined three of the ship's officers for a few more beers.
     The afternoon went by rapidly and before I knew it was time to round up the men and return to the ship. The muster showed one man missing and though we looked for him we couldn't find him. It is perfectly safe there so we left him. He's probably sleeping it off and the shore patrol will bring him in when they police the area at 6:00 PM.
     I showered and dressed for dinner. After eating, enjoyed the cool breeze but no sunset tonight--too many clouds. Now here I am.
The movie tonight is "Claudia" Do you remember when we went to see it on the stage and how much we laughed and enjoyed it? I'll be thinking of you every moment that the movie is on and wishing you were beside me.
     There was no mail for me this afternoon either so no more gossip. Goodnight darling, I'll see you in my dreams. Love and kisses to you and our two sweet girls.

Yours alone,

Gil

Liberty Party

Ulithi--Patriotic

On March 13 a Japanese raid damaged the aircraft carrier Randolph and a kamikaze buzzed the U.S.S.Ocelot.

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 13 March 1945, 7:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     How are you tonight darling? Swell. So am I. I miss you and the girls just as you miss me.
     Today was just another day. Worked all morning and part of the afternoon and secured (quit) at 2:45. There were some doctors from other ships aboard who coaxed me to go ashore with them, but it would have been past 3:30 before we got there and that is too late to get started. I like to be back aboard by 5:30 so I said, "no."
     Instead I went up on the poop deck for thirty-five minutes of sunshine. Then I retired to my room. I censored a stack of mail and then read until 5:15 when I showered and changed for dinner.
     After chow we were standing on deck enjoying the breeze and sunset when a rain squall came along and drove us to cover. However it only lasted a few minutes and we all came back to finish our regular evening routine. Now here I am.
     I got three letters today, four from you and one from your mother. Talking about letters I wrote eight besides yours in the past two days. Soon I'll be all caught up.
     You never did send Sol's address to me. There is a good chance of my seeing him if I know what ship he is on. If you haven't done so be sure to include it in your next letter.
     I'm surprised at the Lindenbaums. I'd never expected them to call on you after so long. On rereading you letter I see you met him at dancing school. Well he always was friendly or should I say "smooth." That probably is more the word for him.
     Dick may never be sent to Europe but may come out this way. By the time his training is over, Germany should be licked and all army will be coming out to the Pacific theater. Don't you worry none about him, army life and discipline will do him good.
     When I get back I'm spending my time with my special girl. The Corsos don't have a chance and even the family will wait until we come up for air so to speak.
     So Ruby is still complaining? Well if Marty didn't expend so much energy in other places he might be able to do her some good.
     Traveling long distances for vacations certainly doesn't sound very patriotic. I'm afraid if some of our 100% Americans and patriots could hear some of the opinions and ideas of both officers and men about their actions at home, their ears would burn plenty. Maybe they'd spend a few wakeful nights thinking. Oh well nuff said on that subject.
     There is another appendectomy coming up which I'm going to be on so I'll have to hurry because they're about ready to begin.

Good night my Sweet, until tomorrow.

Yours always,

Gil     

       

Ulithi--Ship's Officers

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 12 March 1945, 7:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Darling here I am again. Today was a nice, easy day. I kept working all morning and part of the afternoon. It was able to do it leisurely so it was easy.
     At 3:00 PM I got undressed and climbed into my bunk and read until it was time to shower and dress for dinner. After that there was the usual evening routine of enjoying the evening breeze and sunset. Now here I am.
     The enclosed snaps were those that I have been promising to send. The informal group was taken last month in front of the Officers' Club ashore. The others were taken aboard. The large group is the ship's officers and the twosome constitutes the medical department. I don't have the negatives so be careful of them.
     There was no mail today for me so I'll expect twice as much tomorrow and I know I'll get it too.
     How has my spelling been lately? When I was writing about the court martial I was sitting in, I knew the spelling looked incorrect but it didn't come to me until the other day what was wrong.
     We had another doctor report aboard for duty so now we have two, and they're both busy. They are doing another appendectomy now and there is a possible perforated stomach ulcer case awaiting a final decision.
     Do you remember the good old days when I'd get the movie camera and the kids out in the back yard and shoot pictures and you'd object because they weren't dolled up? Wish I could do the same tomorrow and other things too, to which you'd better not object. Guess it'll keep for a few months longer.
     Well honey, I'm going to sign off now. Good night my love, I'll see you in my dreams.

Devotedly,

Gil

Medical Department
Gil (Dental Officer) and Bushyager (Medical Officer)

Ship's officers

Gil is the short one in the middle row

Casual photo Officers' Club

Gil bottom left