Ulithi--Farewell Party

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Saturday 14 April 1945, 6:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Honey, how are you tonight? I worked all morning as usual and this afternoon until 2:30. I got off some letters to Ethyl, Dave and Leon. Then I sat around and visited with several other officers and before I knew it was 5:30. So, I showered and dressed for dinner.
     One of the officers aboard is going back to the states for medical reasons and so tonight dinner will be in the form of a farewell party and we won't sit down until 6:45. That's why I'm writing now.
     I only got one letter today. It was from Ruth and Ernie. As usual I got a few chuckles out of it.
     The movie tonight is "The Great Flamarion" with Eric Von Stroheim. A murder movie. Last night's "Pan Americana" was very entertaining. See it and get a few laughs out of it.
     Nothing new, nothing different out here.  It's been raining on and off all afternoon and am I glad. It's gotten much hotter in the past few weeks and the rain does cool things down a bit.
     Talking about diets, I am going on one myself beginning tomorrow. I don't eat spuds, bread or butter now but I'll have to add desserts to my list of taboos. I'm around 175 and I'll try to trim down to 165.
     That's all for now Sweet. Good night and take it easy.

Loving you always,
Gil

Ulithi--Field Day

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Friday 13 April 1945, 6:45 PM

My Darling,
     Hello Honey, here is your old drunken husband again. Began the day with work as I always do. This being Friday, I had the afternoon open so Alexander could hold "field day." He did a lot of scrubbing. Everything looks nice and clean.
     After lunch I begged a boat and six of us went ashore for a wee bit of recreation. We had a camera along and if we were sober enough there should be some good snaps. We got back at 5:45 just in time for dinner and after eating--why here I am.
     I got both of my watches back today. One was cleaned; the other had a new mainspring put in. Both repairs cost me $7.70. Not bad, eh?
     Much to my surprise I got five letters today. Look dear, you must snap out of it. Hearing that you are lonesome and unhappy makes me feel twice as bad. How's about it? Let's get busy and keep busy, huh? OK. It's a deal.
     Send me a list of arrears accounts, addresses and date of last payment. I'll drop each of them a note. Maybe I can bring in the balance due.
     I'll look for those maps. Those in the atlas I have are too small and not detailed enough.
     So you don't like teaching at Lincoln Junior High. The kids must be "bitches." My, my, such language!
     I'll try to get a pen for you if there are any left. I really am enjoying mine.
     Your ice cream diet is interesting, but I'll leave it alone. Guess I'll eat and grow fat until I find some means of exercising.
     You are going through lots of money but with your added income we should be breaking even (I hope). Anyway, what's money?
     Tonight's movie is "Pan Americana," with I don't know who. It's a new picture so I can't tell much about it until after I've seen it.
     I wrote Marty earlier in the day. So much for now. Good night, Sweet. I'll see you in my dreams.

Loving you always,
Gil

Was this photo of Gil taken that day?

Ulithi--Typewriter

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Thursday 12 April 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello darling, here is that guy again. Today was another one of those days. Plugged away all morning and spent most of the afternoon on my records and reports. I've got them practically all squared away so I'll be able to take it easy for awhile now.
     I left my office at 3:15 and went up to the wardroom for a "coke." Then I had my hair cut. By then it was (just ran out of ink) 4:00 PM so I went up on the "poop" for some sun. It has been much warmer the past few weeks and even at this late hour the sun was blistering hot. Anyway I stayed up there for forty-five minutes, and then went down and showered. After that I censored some mail and dressed for dinner.
     After the batch of yesterday, I got one more letter than I expected today. Yes, I got one from you. It is an old one so my comments would just be a rehash.
     I do like the way the typewriter writes now. It is much easier to read. Wish I could type. My letters must be pretty difficult to decipher at times.
     We have a double feature movie tonight. They are both lousy pictures. Guess I'll go anyway. They are "Thoroughbred" and "Under Western Skies." Last night's movie was one of the best we've had aboard. "Roughly Speaking" with Rosalind Russell. Be sure to see it.
     Well Sweets, nothing more for tonight. Goodnight and I do love you.

Yours now and forever,

Gil

Eleanor had an Underwood typewriter similar to this one

Ulithi--Snaps

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Wednesday, 11 April 1945, 7:15 PM

My Dearest,
     How are you today Sweet? I'm just the same. Fat, sassy, and working all the time. Had my usual busy morning but was through by 11:15. Then I received nine letters, seven from you, one from Marty and one from your mother. It was lunch time before I was through reading them.
     Gee the snaps are swell. When you send me some more art corners I'll be able to place them in my album.
     This afternoon was spent on my paper work and it was 4:30 before I was through. I still have several afternoons of book work before my records and reports will be all up to date.
     Now back to my mail. So many questions. Alexander types my courses for me. He is my corpsman. No don't send the snaps back. I don't have the negatives so I wouldn't want to lose them. Besides I'll always be able to fill in the names for you at a later date.
     It's funny but you and I are both thinking the same about my office down to the shells, fish and furnishings. I have quite an assortment of shells and I'm adding to my collection all the time.
     Thanks for telling me all about Easter. I enjoyed every word of it though it did make me feel a little homesick to think of what I'm missing. Sounds like a lot of changes in Santa Monica. Suppose they're all making money too fast to spend it.
     Leon wrote and told me about the move to Treasure Isle. I must answer in a day or two.
     Sounds like you're going through a pile of dough. Take it easy gal. The fur coat can wait until fall now that winter is over. $700 worth of fixing on the house sounds like a hell of a lot of dough. However as usual I'll close by saying use your own judgment.
     Didn't we see the Dunham Dancers once? They sure sound familiar.
     No, the Dental Corps is not separate from the Medical Corps. It's just that we do our own administrative work rather than have the Medical Corps handle it. Just a lot of extra work with no more independence than before.
     I didn't get any clipping about the new dental clinic. Dr. Webster applied to the Navy when I did, but didn't pass physically. He is a pretty nice guy and used to be a school dentist.
     The car is certainly costing now, but then again you haven't had to spend much on it since I shipped out.
     Sorry the Arrowhead deal fell through. Maybe you'll have a much pleasanter holiday in the late summer or early fall. Keep your fingers crossed.
     There is no use my talking to the doctor here. See Lewis if you're not feeling well. However you did consult a doctor at the hospital in Diego didn't you? However if anything is bothering you you'd be better off getting some professional advice. Go ahead and see him. You don't need my permission.
     This morning I began to shave and my shaver broke. Well I got some screw drivers, took the damn thing apart, soldered a broken spring and it's as good as new. I could use a new head for my Schick. Get one from Marty and send it on.
     The movie tonight is Rosalind Russell in "Roughly Speaking" and is rated very good.
I must dash now as it's almost that time. Good night Honey, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love and kisses,
Gil

Snaps

Eleanor

Eleanor (head cut off)

Eleanor

Eleanor and Deb

Dave

Ulithi--7 Cans of Beer

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Tuesday 10 April 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Honey here I be again. I was just a little high last night when I wrote so I didn't say much or did I?
     Today was just another busy day for the dental officer on the Ocelot. I worked all morning and after lunch I had the job of taking the liberty party ashore. I mustered the men at 12:30. We loaded the beer and men into the boat. By the time we got to the island it was almost 2:00 PM. At 4:00 PM we boarded our boat to return to the ship. Not much recreation for the men but still two hours off the ship and six or seven cans of beer does alter a man's outlook even though it is only temporary.
     We got back safe and dry but no sooner had we gotten aboard when it really began to rain. Did I say rain? Even if I said it poured I would be grossly minimizing the cloudburst. Anyway it didn't last too long and now everything is cooler and more refreshing.
     The movie tonight is "Here Come the Waves" with Crosby and Hutton, rated excellent. I do hope the rain doesn't return tonight to spoil the show though we usually sit through such disturbances.
     I got one letter from you. You say you're throat has been hoarse for some time. I bet you, your mother and Babs have something you've been passing around to each other.
     You talk about "the tire" but I don't know what it's all about. Must be some letters still to come.
     So Linda is teaching her mother a little about Judaism. Well it'll do you good too.
     That is thirty for tonight. Goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,
Gil

 Liberty Party

Ulithi--The Navy Way

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Monday 9 April 1945, 7:25 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Had my usual busy morning but was all secured by 11:15 AM. The mail man brought me a letter from you and one from Dave.
     After lunch I got a boat and went over to a hospital ship to see about some prosthetic treatment for one of my patients. Then I went ashore for a few beers.
     I got back to the ship at 5:45 just in time for dinner. I ate chow, visited with the skipper and here I am.
     Some of my questions of yesterday are now answered. Sorry the Seder was dull. Naturally you'd expect somewhat of a fashion show at the dinner. Betty and Oscar can give each other loving glances but when I get back we'll omit the glances. Is it a deal? OK!
     I'll look for the snaps you mention. I hope there are some of you in the next batch.
     The movie tonight is "The Navy Way" and is supposed to be excellent (I hope).
     I am really slightly high so I'd better sign off. Goodnight my Sweet until tomorrow.

Loving you always,

Your loving husband,

Gil

Hartfield,  skipper of the U.S.S. Ocelot

Ulithi--VJ Day

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Sunday 8 April 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Today being Sunday I had planned to take it easy. However others had different ideas about it and I had the usual busy morning.
     This afternoon, after getting my mess statement and some recreation gear requisitions squared away, I took it easy. Messed around polishing some shells and then read for a while. At 5:15 I showered and dressed for dinner.
     We had a good dinner of turkey with all the trimmings and topped it off with ice cream. Then we went out on deck and enjoyed the cool breeze (for a change) and the usual unusual sunset.
     The mail today brought two letters from you and one from my mother. Sounds like the B'nai B'rith had a nice meeting and I'm glad you enjoyed it. So Edith and Bill are engaged? Well what do you know? Was it expected or not?
     Babs seems to have had quite a siege of illness. I do hope the kid has completely recovered by now.
     Did you enjoy your trip to Arrowhead?  What luck?
     The war news does sound good and I believe that the Japs will quit by June of next year. I expect to be home long before that and plan to celebrate the final peace with my sweet wife and kids.
     Did you and the kids enjoy the Temple Seders? I suppose I'll get all the answers to my question in due time.
     There will be no "if and when" about babies. We've got our family and now we'll have fun. OK? OK?
     Tonight we have a double feature movie. First we have "Double Exposure," a mystery and "Let's Go Steady," a musical. They are rated as good so I'm not expecting too much.
     Darling, will you send me a package of art corners for mounting the snaps in my album. I started with red ones so please get that color if possible.
     There is nothing more for now. So--- good night Honey. I love you. I do mean you. See you tomorrow.

Yours alone
Gil

"A FORTUNE IN THREE EASY LESSONS, WHEN IS V-J DAY?" Gil invested "$1.00 with Mr. Litcher." In this letter he predicted the date would be in June 1946. However he hedged his bet when he had to put money on the line and guessed July 25, 1946 (one day after his wedding anniversary). 

Ulithi--Didn't Make Lieutenant

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Saturday 7 April 1945, 6:50 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Honey, here I am though a wee bit tight. I had my usual busy morning. Because Dr. Law and the chief engineer were both celebrating birthdays, I decided to help a worthy cause along and help with the celebration.
     We left the ship at 2:00 PM and our boat came back for us at 5:15 PM. So you see we had about three hours and made the most of it. By the time we got back it was too late to shower and change before chow so I'll take care of the bath before retiring. I have a mess of mail to censor but I'll take care of that later as well.
     There was no mail today so I'm practically barren of stuff to write about. The movie tonight is a good one and is entitled "The Lady Vanishes." It is an Alfred Hitchcock production so the story should have plenty of suspense.
     The new ALNAV came out and by the look of things I may not make Lieutenant until June 1st, unless the next one covers a thirty day period which it probably won't. Oh well, if I can wait sixteen months I can wait seventeen and then again maybe it will catch me May 1st as I had expected. Keep your fingers crossed and we'll see later.
     No more for now Sweet, so I'll sign off.      Goodnight and love and kisses for my three girls.

Yours as always,
Gil

Gil's Lapel Pin
 U.S. Navy Officer

Ulithi--Camera Shy?

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Friday 6 April 1945, 6:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Another busy day. I worked in my office all morning. After lunch I had my mess statement audited and then consulted with the captain relative to purchasing some recreational gear. By the time I was through it was 4:00 PM. I returned to my room, censored some mail, showered and dressed for dinner. I also got lesson 6 of my correspondence course off today.
     The mail brought me two letters from you postmarked the 21st. That was the day you were called as a gym teacher. Most of the things you mention I've gotten from other letters so there is little to comment on.
     Talking about pens, you never did tell me whether I should get you one. Maybe I'll hear in a day or so. I've really enjoyed the one I am using now--even more than the Sheaffer I got from the lodge.
     I'm thrilled too that Norma was able to pick out her daddy on a group photo. After all she was only two when I left.
     Talking about photos, the last snaps of the kids are swell. What is the matter? Are you camera shy? Why didn't you get into a couple of them? I know. You weren't dressed or something. Well next time, I don't care, have one taken just as you are. Dressed on not (but not undressed of course).
     The Hutchinson story sounds interesting but you can't go by newspaper publicity. Anyway you'll never have the complaint as she had.
     The movie tonight is another oldie "Lifeboat" but as I recall it was excellent. Last night's movie "Union Pacific" was new to me though it is a reprint. Somehow we missed it. Anyway it also was good.
     Well Dear, I'm all run down with nothing more to add. Good night, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Linda, Dave and Norma
in one of the snaps

Ulithi--Angels

6 April 1945

Dear Linda and Norma,
     Hello kids, I'm so proud of you. Mother sent me those snapshots taken at the "G's" and you're like two little angels.
     The Easter cards you sent me were very sweet and though I couldn't send you one I was thinking about you all the time.
     I do hope you are both all over your colds and feeling quite chipper now.
     Continue being sweet and good because I always want to be proud of you.
     Will be home as soon as I can.

Love, 

Daddy

Angels?

Norma and Linda at the "G's"

Norma and Linda at the "G's"stables

Ulithi--Watch Repair

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Thursday 5 April 1945, 7:15 PM

My Dearest,
     Hello Honey, I was busy all day but didn't do any dentistry to speak of. Only saw one patient.
     I've been without a watch for a week or so. This morning another officer and I got into our whale-boat and went over to a ship that was equipped to do watch repair. I knew one of the engineering officers aboard her and through him both watches will be repaired. My Bulova will be cleaned, and the service watch has broken spring to be replaced. They will both be done in a week to ten days.
     After that we stopped at a hospital ship and looked around it. Had some real ice cream and returned to our ship. That was when I worked on the patient who was waiting. It was then also that I found more mail. There were four letters from you, an Easter card from Linda, a letter from Ethyl and a V-mail from Libby.
     After lunch it was my turn to take the liberty party ashore and I didn't get back to the ship until 5:15. Then I showered and dressed for dinner. After which we enjoyed a very colorful sunset and here I am.
     I wrote Libby about some pictures Jim took of Ambie and me and some with Jim and me. She says she saw them and they are good. She'll get some black and white prints, the colored ones are "so expensive." Write her and offer to pay for them, the cheapskate.
     Now to you letters. Wish you'd get over your nerves and gas attacks. How about it? Promise me you'll settle down. I haven't heard from Diego in some time so I don't know how many have shipped out lately.
     About the Buick, the valves were ground (I think) in Diego but Sam could make some tests to determine whether they need it or not. Before you drive to Arrowhead be sure the car is in good running order.
     Anita Rose sure made her mind up in a hurry. I do hope she isn't plunging into something--war marriages you know.
     About Mrs. Ottis. Her daughter is working and is the one who agreed to pay to have the work done. I believe they have a car. Posner will know best how to handle the account.
     I remember reading time at the Steingarts and I'll take over my end the first chance I get. Until then you have to   carry on for both of us.
     No more for now Sweet. Goodnight and please snap out of your present state of nerves. For me? Please?

Loving you always,
Gil

P.S. The movie is a real oldie "Union Pacific."

Gil

WWII Service Watch

Ulithi--Food Problem Acute

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco
Wednesday 4 April 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Here is your hard working husband again.  Spent the morning and early part of the afternoon with patients. Until 4:30 I worked up the monthly mess statement. Everything is all balanced and out of the way for another month.
     Then I took the book " Burma Surgeon" went up on the poop deck and got the sun until 5:15. After a refreshing shower, I censored some mail and dressed for dinner. Following dinner I collected the mess bills from the officers and now here I am.
     Thirteen is my lucky number. That is how many pieces of mail I got today. I got seven letters from you, an Easter card from Norma and you, a letter from your mother, a card from mine and a letter from Leon and one from Ambie.
     Ambie is at the St. Albans Hospital in Long Island. He will be there for four to six weeks but actually will be home all of that time. All he has to do is put in an appearance Saturday morning for Captain's Inspection and his home is only 1 1/2 hours from there so he goes home. He says the reason he didn't say much to you was because you were talking over a phone. Suggest you write him at the hospital.
     Now your mail. They must not be too hard up for teachers if they let Mrs. Olsen go. Was she extra "lousy?" Anyway no need to worry, you could always make the grade but will never need to.
     I'm glad that Linda's throat is better and hope soon to hear that there is nothing wrong with her eyes either. Gee I wish I were home so you would have me to share your worries and other things too.
     That Arrowhead deal doesn't sound so hot. Be sure if you do take a place it is comfortable and close to the village.
     I would like "Earth and High Heaven" but I hate to see you spend the dough. As you please dear. Guess I'll get it by return mail!
     I'm well rid of my rash. The sun is the best remedy for it.
     The food problem must be acute. They've even ask us out here to cut down.
     Did you finally get to see "Our Hearts Were Young and Gay?" It is very amusing and I hope you did see it finally.
     I'm not worried about competition. I'll let Earl B join all the organizations but I'm planning to make new contacts that he can't have access to.
     It's time for the movie so I'll shove off now and finish afterwards. Don't go away!

9:45 PM

     Hello Dear, still with me? Just got back from the movie we had Deanna Durbin in "Must Keep Singing" and though she sings though the whole movie, I thought it was rather poor.
     Now back to your letters. The Navy must be pretty short on medical officers. Dr. Travis only had two months of stateside duty before he was shipped out. He is from Minnesota. We have an extra doctor aboard on temporary duty. He had one month in San Diego before he was sent out. He's married to a Venice girl by the name of Ferguson. However he practiced in Arizona and his family (wife and three kiddies) are now in Frisco. His name is Dr. Law. So you see it is possible that Jim will ship out soon. I'm glad that the dental officer problem is not so acute.
     By the way, the last time I was ashore I ran into a Dr. Love (dentist) who was in Diego the same time I was and reported aboard a carrier in September. He is an Los Angeles man.
     The photos of the kids are swell, but I'm still looking for a few snaps of you.
     Yes I remember Greenfield quite well. What is he doing now, do you know? Sorry you didn't feel so good when you went out with Marty and Ruby. We haven't had "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" but should soon.
     I'm glad my mail is coming through fast and regular. Wish the same was true at this end but it isn't. It's very sporadic as you can tell from my letters.
     Of course I mean Kosher dills. We have plenty of the others aboard.
     I'll give you the word when to close out the Diego account. As I explained in a previous letter, I've already arranged for the check to go to Santa Monica. We must be sure that the change has gone through before we do close the account in question.
     The bonds I've recommended come in $100, $500, and $1,000 denominations, so you can buy less if you think a larger purchase will run you a little short.
     That's a date for our 15th. Anyplace you say, just as long as we're together. Darling. I've already sent you a $100 money order for Linda so do it up nice for me.
     Your guess about us and the shots was correct but the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray. We "ain't" going anyplace for a while yet.
     Your day at Ruth's sounds like a real nut house. However it always was so why expect any different. Your mother sure puts up with a lot, too. God only knows why.
     Course I mind if you cry awhile. Save those pretty eyes and keep them sparkling just for me. Besides crying never corrected anything, but then I'm not a woman. Maybe I'd do the same if I were. Well OK then have your little cry and then wipe your eyes and smile, please. That's better. Just the way I like it. Now don't change.
     I've rattled along enough dear so I'll sign off. Good night, Sweet I'll see you tomorrow.

Love,
Gil 

P.S. Forward the enclosed questionnaire, dear. It's taken a long time to reach me and may not do Ross any good but anyway send it on. Bye again Honey.

Gil

Sugar ration stamps were not used aboard ship