Ulithi--Perfect "V"

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Wednesday 23 May 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Sweet, here I am once again. Today has been a most uninteresting day. I worked all morning at a nice easy pace. Censored some mail after chow and then back to work. I knocked off at 2:30 and paid a visit to the barber. Then I took a book, went up on the fantail and took a sun bath. Before I knew what had happened the afternoon was gone and it was time for dinner. After eating we stood out on deck, talked, and watched a most unusual sunset. In addition to an array of vivid colors a perfect "V" was formed in the skies. If I were superstitious I'd say it foretold a new great victory for us. However unusual skies are usual here so I won't say a word.
     We had an amusing movie tonight. It was "The Town Went Wild" with Jimmy Lydon, Fred Bartholomew and Ed E.Horton. We also saw a couple of shorts. We usually have them along with the feature but I skip writing about them.
     There was no mail so there is little more to tell. I am reading "Pastoral" by Neville Shute. Though I've only read a few pages I know I'm going to like it.
     I'm enclosing a list of Navy terms, many of which I use in my letters, probably to your mystification. The Flag had a bunch of new officers report aboard. For a joke, one of the old timers passed this list out to them. The terms are really part of our everyday vocabulary. A wall is always a bulkhead and floor a deck. In fact bed, ceiling, stairs, floor and other common words are actually becoming foreign to me.
     No more for now Honey. If you don't hear from me for a few days don't worry. I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Ulithi--Over the Side

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Tuesday 22 May 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Honey, how is my one and only tonight? Last night after the movie I showed the doctor the salami and though he could see nothing wrong with it he thought it would be safer not to eat it, so over the side it went.  Then this morning I happened to mention it to the butcher. He said it was okay and that salami is a smoked meat and keeps indefinitely. Now dear, can I prevail on your good nature to send me another one? In order to protect the casing he suggested that you dip the whole thing in paraffin wax, wrap it in cheese cloth and dip it in wax again. How about it? Do you think you can fill the order?  However if it's too much trouble don't bother.  I'll get by very nicely without.
     After last night's movie I spent some more time on my course. It is now finished and ready for typing up.
     Today began as usual and I was busy all morning. After lunch I censored some mail and read for awhile. At 1:30 I saw another patient and then I let someone talk me into going ashore. We got there at 3:00, had a few beers and returned to the ship at 5:15. Then I showed, changed clothes, ate dinner, played cribbage and went to the movies. The picture was a musical western with Roy Rogers, "The Lights of Old Santa Fe." It wasn't too good but still it had more entertainment value than "None But The Lonely Heart.
     There was no mail today so I hope to get a few letters in the morning. I've told you so many times that I'm just repeating myself now, but if you don't get any mail for a few days don't worry. You can draw your own conclusions as to why.
     That's thirty for tonight. Goodnight Sweet and I do love you and I mean YOU.

Yours forever,

Gil

USS Ocelot in Ulithi Lagoon. The salami went over the side.


On display at Katz's Deli in NYC

Thanks to Tom Wyatt and John Fitzsimmons

Ulithi--Salami Mashed

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Sweet, here is that guy again. I've been worrying about Norma ever since I heard yesterday that she had the chicken pox. However today's mail brought me the news that her case is a light one. Now I'm hoping that Linda doesn't get it and you forget about the whole deal in just a few days.  The mail came this morning and brought me four letters all from you.
     I was busy with patients all morning and after lunch I censored a batch of mail. Then I joined a group going ashore and played volley ball all afternoon. Wow, am I tired. Bet I sleep well tonight. 
     No cribbage game tonight so I came down to my office and found a package that came this afternoon. I guess you didn't take me seriously when I said pack everything well. The box was coming apart and the salami was all mashed up and the casing on it broken. It looks and smells OK but I'll not eat it until the doctor OKs it. Lord alone knows how long the casing was broken. However the cans that came with it are swell and are just what I wanted.
     The movie tonight is "None but the Lonely Heart" and should be 4.0. 
     Now to your mail. I see you've been teaching again. You must be OK or you wouldn't get all the calls that you're getting.
     I'm glad you enjoyed the evening at Ruth's and met some interesting people. So Ruth was expecting you to help her along on a gift for your mother. "Ain't" that too bad. I didn't realize that I was getting such a good buy on the perfume. I paid $9.00 for your bottle and $4.50 for both mothers' gifts. Don't tell anyone because I don't want to be bothered buying stuff for anyone else.
     Talking about wallets, see if you can pick me up a book of celluloid containers for cards and snaps to fit into my wallet. The one I got in San Diego is shot.
     I'm not surprised about the new incident at the Corsos. Bet Willie and Wallie are working (or should I say playing) together especially if Wallie has an apartment. I guess you were right and I wrong. Stay away from that outfit as much as you can.
     Well Honey, no more for now. It is time to go to the movies. Good night Darling, I'll see you in my dreams.

Yours alone

Gil

Some salami, not mashed

Ulithi--Nightly Cribbage

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Sunday 20 May 1945, 10:15 PM

My Darling,
     Here I am again. Today being Sunday I did take it easy. I slept until 7:45, dressed and had a cup of coffee. I went to work at nine and quit at eleven. Then I went up to my room and censored a stack of mail.
     After lunch several officers went ashore, but I was too lazy to go along. Instead I went to my room and read a magazine for awhile. Cox (my roommate) and I played cribbage for an hour and knocked off when they brought us some mail. I got two letters from you and one from Bob Jaffe.
     I took the letters and my magazine and went up on the poop deck where I stripped down, read and got a little sunshine. Boy was it hot! And not a breath of air. Thank God it always cools off in the evening so a guy can get some sleep.
     We had a turkey dinner tonight with all the trimmings. Then I went up to the Captain's cabin for our nightly cribbage game. We quit at 7:30 for movies. The picture was another repeat, "San Diego I Love You." Not good but still not bad. Now here I am.
     Your letters were both marked May 11. I do hope Norma's chicken pox doesn't bother her much and that Linda doesn't come down with it too. Most of all dear, don't let it throw you. That type of illness is annoying but not serious. By the time you get this note I hope it's all over and forgotten.
     I'm glad you have definite plans now for a vacation. August will be much nicer than July. Go ahead and have the house painted in June. I don't believe I'll be lucky enough to get home by then. However I'd never let a little paint or confusion bother me--no matter what.
     After I'm through writing I intend to spend an hour on my correspondence course. I should have #7 done in a day or two. I have a couple of letters to write but they'll have to keep for a couple more days.
     Gosh dear, as I lounged around today my thoughts were constantly of you and the kids. Wondering what you were doing and if the kids were both well. That's one thing about being busy all the time--a fellow doesn't have too much time to feel sorry for himself or get homesick. However it can't be helped. I do love you and can't help missing you and our girls.
     Well, guess I'll secure for tonight. Goodnight Darling, until tomorrow.

Your lonely,

Gil

Ulithi--Life Magazine

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Saturday 19 May 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello my Sweet, how are you today? I'm just as fat and sassy as usual. Began today with the usual heavy schedule but I had a few broken appointments so I was able to take things easy.
     After lunch today I spent an hour or so on my correspondence course, lesson #7. I'll try and get it out of the way by the end of the month.
     Then I undressed, climbed into my bunk, censored some mail and read a magazine until it was time to shower and dress for dinner. After that the usual cribbage game and then movies.
     The picture tonight was a repeater, "Lake Placid Serenade" but I went just the same. In the middle of the show it began to rain but I had my raincoat with me and so I sat through it just the same. Now here I am.
     No mail today. I'm missing of few letters up through the 10th so I should get some in the morning.
     Do you get to see Life Magazine? One of the May issues has some interesting pictures in it. If you get hold of it save it for me.
     Tonight is Saturday and if I were home we'd probably have gone to an early movies, picked up a Sunday paper and be on our way home by now. However when we'd get in bed I'd change my mind about reading and turn the light out instead. Then guess what--right the first time.
     No more for now darling, so I'll sign off. Goodnight honey, and I'll see you in my dreams again (I hope).

Yours forever,

Gil

Life Magazine, May 7, 1945 (the one Gil asked Eleanor to save) has articles about Ulithi atoll, German prison camps, ducks for food, Lauren Bacall.

Ulithi-VE Rumors

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Friday 18 May 1945, 10:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Today was like all the others, hot and sultry with a very welcome shower just before noon. I had my usual busy morning but today being "field day" I had a free afternoon. So Dr. Bushyager and I went ashore for the afternoon. We had a few beers and returned to the ship at 5:00 PM. Then I showered, censored some mail and dressed for dinner.
     After chow I went up to the captain's cabin for our nightly game of cribbage. At 7:30 we knocked off for movies. The picture tonight was A.J. Cronin's "Keys to the Kingdom." I did enjoy the picture though it was a little long. Now here I am.
     While I was ashore I got two more letters marked May 8, so here goes.
     We also heard many false VE rumors but paid no attention until we got the official word over the radio. Did you know that the cause of all the rumors was due to a correspondent who reported the unconditional surrender before the scheduled time? When the news finally did come through, there was no jubilation or celebration. We somberly sat and around and ventured opinions and guesses as to how long the war out here would last. Outside of the absence of European war news in our daily paper, everything out here remains unchanged.
     Cox has been aboard the Ocelot since a year ago January.  Yes, I'll be able to tell you when my orders come. However I won't be able to tell you where and when I'll be back until I get to the states. Cox hasn't left yet. His relief is on his way but hasn't arrived. However he should arrive most any time now. Cox hopes to go to Long Beach and intends to look you up. I'll give you the word when he leaves.
     I've been neglecting my sun baths and have broken out with heat rash again. So beginning tomorrow and everyday for awhile, I'll have to take the time and get out in the hot sun for awhile.
     Honey, there is no more to write about tonight so I'll sign off. I did see you in my dreams last night, and we did have "fun." So I'll turn in now and hope for the next best thing to being with you---that is dreaming of being with you.  Goodnight Darling and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Dr. Steingart and Dr. Bushyager

Ulithi--Colored Snaps

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Thursday 17 May 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     As usual, had a busy morning planned but three of my patients didn't show up. However I got seven letters from you, one from Libby and one from Ruth. So I had plenty of time to read my mail and enjoy the colored snaps. They really are good--if only Linda hadn't been cut out of two of them. Bet Dave shot the pictures.
     This afternoon I spent some time sorting and cleaning the shells. You'll be surprised when you see what I've got.
     Then I went up to the captain's cabin to discuss some business. By the time we were through it was 4:30. So I retired to my room, undressed, showered, and then censored some mail. At 5:30 I dressed and went up to dinner.
     After dinner until movie time, I played some cribbage with the captain and two other officers. The picture, "Thunderhead Son of Flicka," was fair. By the way last night's "Strange Illusion" was very good. Although it's a murder mystery I'd recommend you see it. It doesn't have the ordinary plot or thrills but the suspense is good and acting splendid. Besides it is a good story.
     One of the officers out here whom I have known since January is returning to the states via San Pedro will probably give you a ring. He is Lieutenant Tom Quinn and is a swell chap. If you can arrange to meet him do so.
     Now to your letters. They range from the 3rd to 9th of May but none for the 4th, 5th or 8th. So I'll expect more tomorrow.
     The Westwood Lodge sounds nice but frankly I think we waste too much time on contacts through the B'nai B'rith. There will be better and wider fields after the war.
     Forget about a baggage rack. You won't be able to handle it yourself and the rack will hurt the car's finish. Besides the racks cost as much as sending the stuff by freight.
     I saw "Bride By Mistake" some time ago and enjoyed it too. We also had "Three is a Family." I guess we do right well by our movies. There just aren't enough good ones to have every night of the week, week in and week out.
     I'm sorry the Sieger party upset you. We always took the kids together and I have many fond memories of their parties.  I can close my eyes right now and see the color movies of Linda and Norma eating and playing out in the patio. Next year we'll all go together and we'll have twice as much fun as we ever did--all four of us.
     Of course if Trubey calls and can come to dinner have him over. He's a nice chap and you'll like him.
     I'm glad you got your Mothers' Day gift and like it. I hope both mothers receive their gifts on time too. I'm sure they will.
     I think Ben Bessler does owe $40 or maybe it's $60. Have you looked through all the cards? His record is there somewhere. Get what you can and if there is more due we'll pick it up when I get back.
     Mitchell is a colored janitor for the city and works at the library. No use my writing, turn the account over to Posner.
     VE day will be celebrated for many years but VJ day is the day I'll celebrate or should I say we'll celebrate because then the war will really be over.
     So you really want to know what I eat. Well breakfast consists of juice (orange, pineapple or tomato), figs or prunes and coffee. Of course there are hotcakes and eggs with bacon or spam but I seldom indulge. For lunch we have a salad such as coleslaw, pineapple and prunes, or waldorf. Soup and an entree such as cheese rarebit, spaghetti and meatballs, pot roast, hot turkey sandwich,, hot roast beef or cold cuts and potato salad. We always have potatoes and one cooked vegetable. For dessert we have canned fruit, ice cream (four or five times a week), pie or cake. For dinner we have soup and salad, roast turkey, roast or fried chicken, steak, roast beef and once in a great while lamb or veal roast. Dessert is ice cream, pie, fruit or pudding. I hope you aren't drooling by now but you asked for it.
     Well darling, I sure got wound up here but darned if I've said anything worthwhile. So here goes. I do love you dear and miss you more than you'll ever know. However I find talking about it doesn't help much so I try to ignore it though I shouldn't.
     No more for now Sweet. It is after eleven so goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Color snaps mentioned 

Linda (cut off), Norma, Eleanor

Linda (cut off), Eleanor, Norma

Linda and Norma

Eleanor

Ulithi--Enclosed Prints

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Wednesday 16 May 1945, 7:00 PM

My Dearest,
     Here I am again. I had my usual busy morning and saw two patients after lunch. I let someone "twist my arm" a little and went ashore this afternoon. We just sat around, drank beer and talked all afternoon. At 4:30 the boat returned for us and we got back to the ship at 5:15. I showered and dressed for dinner and after chow I picked up the enclosed prints. They aren't very good. I hope to have some others in a few days.
     There is nothing new or different going on around here, just the same sixes and sevens. There was no mail again today.

     Speaking of mail I'll repeat myself by telling you not to worry if you don't receive mail for five or six days.  You can draw your own conclusion as to why.

     For a movie tonight we have "Strange Illusion" with James Dunne and others who I can't remember who offhand.
     Have I told you how much I love you, lately? Well how many drops of water are there in the ocean and how many grains of sand are there on the beach? That's how much I love you only more.
     Somebody has a copy of that book you read. It was run in the Post or Collier's. The one that's entitled "Earth and Sky Above" or something like that. Anyway it's about a Jewish attorney who marries a girl of well-to-do society and the complications that ensue. Remember? I'll get hold of it one of these days.
     In the meantime darling Goodnight and pleasant dreams.

I love you,

Gil

Enclosed Prints

 Mog Mog Recreation Island, Ulithi 

The Island

This is probably mislabeled. Ulithi lagoon has no mountains.

Guesstimate--It is in the Leyte Gulf

Gil

Beer and Cribbage

Gil is the short one.

Ulithi--Shell Hunting Expedition

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Tuesday 15 May 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Began today as every other day with work and kept busy all morning. 
     After lunch I organized a shell hunting expedition to one of the other close by islands. The island is completely surrounded by a coral reef and it is impossible to bring a boat right up on the beach. So the boat came in as close as we dared and then we all swam ashore. When we got there the tide was fairly high but was going out rapidly. We went to work--it really was work. You see we waded into the water up to our waists and then turned over pieces of coral and rock on the bottom looking for the shells. The live ones have a beautiful luster and color. Whereas the dead ones, which one can find on the beach, change color and lose their shine. We spent about four hours. I brought back over fifty live shells and a number of dead ones. Some of the shells I have sell for $1.00 each while others sell for less than 25 cents. If I felt like it I could go into business, but I won't.
     We had to swim back to our boat which was waiting offshore. And then we returned to the ship. By the time I showered and cleaned up it was 6:45 PM. I was too tired to eat. So I had two scoops of ice cream and here I am. After the movie I'll have a sandwich and some fruit.
     Tonight's movie is "Keep Your Powder Dry" with Lana Turner, Lorraine Day and a whole bevy of other pretties. I hope it's good. Last night's "Grizzly's Millions" was a murder mystery and wasn't bad at all.
     No mail today so this is thirty for tonight. Goodnight Darling and sweet dreams.

Love,

Gil

Gil found many cowry shells like these

Ulithi--Lock of Hair

 

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Monday 14 May 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Monday and thus begins another week of work. I was a busy little bee all morning and though I received seven letters in the morning mail, it was noon before I got a chance to read any of it. Now here goes.
     Thanks for the lock of Norma's hair. I sure had a funny feeling when I held it between my fingers. Now I have it next to Norma in one of the framed photos of her.
     I don't care if our name was out of the United Jewish Appeal booklet but I'd check and find out if the money was ever credited to us or even received.
     I haven't gotten a B'nai B'rith Bulletin in a long while but everything except air mail is very undependable. I'll get my back copies one of these days. I suppose they are being sent.
     "Roughly Speaking" followed the book very closely because the author also wrote the scenario and helped in directing the picture. Let me know what you find out about the authoress.
     So you don't like teaching problem boys? Well I don't blame you. One of these days you'll have another problem boy on your hands and is he going to raise hell, wow. Hope you won't mind too much. Or will you keep me after school to catch up on my homework? Well I really won't mind.
     Linda's drawing and writing is very good. I'm glad that she is doing so well in school.
     That "masterpiece," "He grabbed me by..." is making the rounds and gets a chuckle from everyone.
     Don't you worry about prosperity after the war. Naturally there'll be an adjustment period of depression but that'll be all over by the time I'm released and I'll get some of the gravy.
     I do hope something works out for you and the kiddies of Lake Arrowhead with the Siegers. Yes, that place holds many wonderful memories for us and we'll have many more wonderful days together there. That is a promise.
     Well Sweet, that winds up our visit for tonight. Remember what we used to do when we got through visiting? All right then, let's turn out the light and go to bed and I didn't say sleep.
     Goodnight Darling, I'll have to quit dreaming now and sign off.

Loving you always,
Gil

P.S. The movie tonight is "Grizzly's Millions." Hope it's good.

Gil

Another lock of Norma's hair

Ulithi--Circulatory File

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Sunday 13 May 1945, 10:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     It is Mothers' Day. Many times today I've wondered what you were doing. Since we married, we were always together on this day. I hope you got your gift on time and liked it. I would have liked to have sent you something more but there really wasn't much choice.
     Though today is Sunday I was quite busy all morning. After lunch I took a liberty party ashore. Passed out six cans of beer to each man and then hunted up a few more shells. My collection is getting larger and more interesting all the time. 
     At two o'clock a party of ships' officers came ashore bringing along seventy-five steaks, all the trimmings and four cases of beer. We pitched horseshoes, played cribbage, drank beer and had a swell afternoon. At 4:30 PM I sent the liberty party back to the ship and rejoined the officers' party. I put away two steaks. Boy were they good! Quit drooling.
     We returned to the ship at 6:30 PM. I showered and changed into fresh clothes. For the movie tonight we had "For Whom the Bell Tolls" which I saw for the second time. Why I'll never know. I still think it was very slow moving and Gary Cooper was lousy.
     I came down to my office to write you and found two letters. Yours was postmarked May 4th and your mother's May 6th. I guess tomorrow I'll get your letters of the 3rd to 6th inclusive. I hope!
     You say that your letter "is #4 for today" and you still have something to say. I have trouble writing one decent letter a day.
     It is really surprising that they are still going after men well along in their thirties. 
     If Dick had pneumonia, taking chest x-rays is just routine before release from the hospital. He is very silly to hope for a discharge. If that happened it would be because he was a seriously sick boy without much hope of returning to normal. Of course I don't blame him for trying to get a specialist rating. However the Army has plenty of them. Even If Ruth did write the chaplain, she'll probably be disappointed. Her letter will probably be placed in what we call the circulatory file--the waste basket.
     Are Ruth's anniversary party and musicale going to be on the same night or are they separate affairs? I'd love to be with you Sweet, but I guess I'll miss this big blow this time. I don't know why I should write Ruth and Harry. It's been a long time since I heard from Ruth. She probably thinks of me when she thinks of you and you know how often that is. She even asked me to write to Dick. Like hell I will. He never wrote to me before he went into the Army. If he'd like to have me write, he can drop me a line first.
     I'd like prints (black and white) of the negatives Libby sent. By the way we had some more snaps taken on the island today and I should have some new photos to send you in a few days.
     It's 11:15 PM and I still want to write a few lines to our mothers so I'll sign off now.
     Good night Darling and don't give up hope. One of these days I'm hoping to have some well news for you. Pleasant dreams.

Yours alone,

Gil

 Dick (Gil's Nephew)

Ruth (Dick's mother and Gil's sister-in-law) 

Ulithi--Nightly Game of Cribbage

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Saturday 12 May 1945, 10:00 PM

Dearest Sweetheart,
     This morning, I got four letters from you and one from my mother. However I was so busy that I didn't have time to read any of it until noon.
     After lunch I had a three day stack of mail to censor and it took me better than an hour to get the letters all read. Then I cleaned up some more of the shells and also did a little more work on the little surprise I'm making for you.
     At 5:15 I had my usual shower and changed for dinner, following which we went up to the captain's cabin for our nightly game of cribbage. However, in the middle of the game I was called away to extract a badly aching tooth and though I did get back we didn't play long because we had to quit for the movies.
     The movie consisted of two shorts and the feature, "She's A Sweetheart," which was lousy. One of the shorts was in color and all about California. It was entitled "California Here We Are." They had good shots of the Pacific Coast Highway, Sunset Boulevard, Catalina Island, Lake Arrowhead and many other places we know. So you see I did enjoy some of the show.
     I finally got the name of Sol's ship from Deb and was very provoked to find that he had been here just before the Okinawa Invasion. His ship is now headed back to Frisco--sure wish I was on it.
     Now to your mail. The name Rothwell sounds familiar, but I can't say that I remember them.
     I haven't read or heard anything about psychosomatic medicine. However magazines take more time getting out here and I'll keep a weather eye out for those items.
     I see my school marm got another day at Samohi. Do you get more pay for high school than junior high or has that changed?
     We haven't had "Tonight and Every Night" yet. I suppose it'll show up one of these days. I've heard and read about it and have been wanting to see it.
     I do hope you can work something out with the Siegers about a house at Lake Arrowhead. Estelle would be good company and you and the kids could stand a change of scenery.
     Talking about food. The mention of cucumbers and fresh corn does sound good. However we really get swell food. The only things I miss are fresh milk and tomatoes. We have plenty of oranges, apples, fresh frozen peaches, apricots and several vegetables. We get steak, turkey, chicken and roast beef at least once a week. Now who is drooling?
     No more for now my Darling so I'll sign off. Good night Honey with a great big hug and kiss for all three of my girls.

Love,

Gil

A Cribbage Board