Pearl Harbor--Sunday Is Just Another Day

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 7 October 1944, 9:30 PM

My darling,
     Just saw the movie aboard and here I am again. The picture "Do It Big" was just fair entertainment. Jack Haley, Harriet Hilliard and Ozzie Nelson were the stars. Now for a little visit.
     Nothing much since my last writing. Saw three patients this afternoon and when I finished I played a few games of checkers. It was pretty warm today and I felt much better after my daily shower and change of apparel.
     Sweet I'm going to make something for you and the kids. Please send me the waist measurements of each of you. It will take time to make but it should be done for Xmas. Don't ask what "it" is going to be. Be patient now and be surprised later (I hope).
     How did your new maid pan out? I hope she showed up and works out OK. I meant to mention it in this morning's letter but forgot. The music you sent sure made good time. It was postmarked the 30th of September and arrived here on the 6th. That is almost as fast as airmail. Must have come over on a pretty fast ship.
     I should be receiving scads of mail soon. I've written Taylor, Gilman, Bergman, Vanetek, Deb and Dave, Ruth, Libby, Earnest, Nina, Aranoff, Harry S., Davis and my cousin in Bell Harbor. We'll write Marty, Sam, Bill and Dave Katz soon. I've written several more that I can't recall just now but I'm doing a fair job.
     Al and I have a tentative date for tomorrow. After our visit I'll finish this note. Until then take it easy, Sweet. Now I'm going to bed and dream about you and I after the war.

Lovingly

Gil

Sunday 8 October 1944, 9:30 AM

Good morning Sweetheart,
     This being Sunday, call for breakfast was 7:30 instead of 7:00. Otherwise, at sea or I should say, aboard a ship, Sunday is just another day.
     This morning our welfare account was audited and then a book was set up for me to keep. I'm finding plenty to keep me busy outside of my dental office. I am mess treasurer now and have to collect the mess bill from each officer at the beginning of the month. Then I have to pay for all food and supplies we draw from the general mess and that is purchased from other sources. Then I'm still trying to get more books for our library without paying for them and that requires a lot of running around. By the time I get home I'll be a real chiseler and you know how I hate to ask for anything for nothing.
     Well honey, this is Sunday, the day we spent together. Boy wouldn't I like to get into the car and drive you and the kids down the beach for a stroll. Then take Linda and Norma to the merry-go-round. Do you remember how scared Linda was the first time I took her on? Now she rides like it is an everyday occurrence. After the war I won't be so anxious to dash off and leave our girls at home.
     Bye Sweet, I've got some more things to do. Will write again tonight. I know you are giving my regards to all so I don't have to ask you to do it.

Lovingly
Gil

Pearl Harbor--Leper Colony

Saturday 7 October 1944, 11:00 AM

Good Morning Sweet,
     Another busy morning. Found a couple of patients waiting when I came down to my office. It was 9:00 o'clock by the time I was through, and I had to dash over to the Welfare and Recreation office to get tickets for a U.S.O. show. Also attended to some library matters and checked with the Red Cross about getting additional recreational material. Just got back and I hope I can get this off in today's mail.
     Wish I could hear Norma talk. Maybe Dave will make a record for you to send on to me. A few words from you and Linda would also be a real surprise. The civilians are male shipyard workers. I met them through our chief pharmacist mate. We went over early and made lunch for ourselves and dinner for all. It isn't too bad that I didn't go into the Army. Two reasons: First Ray Davis was made available the same time as I and he has been in nine months longer than I have. Second, I know I'll do dentistry in the navy, but in the Army I might be recruiting, sitting behind a desk, drilling men, in fact anything but dentistry and when a dental officer does work in his own line he likes to have good equipment to work with. Besides dear, all the Army isn't in Europe. There are plenty in the Pacific area and they'll stay there along with the Navy and the Marine Corps until they are good and ready to send them home. I have no regrets and please don't worry your little head about what might have been. The past is behind us and we must look to a happy future together. That clipping doesn't mean a thing so forget it.
     About my accounts. Turn everything over to the bureau that you don't get any action on by the end of the month. Regarding John O. York. Check with the bureau and Al Posner. If either has the accounts, have them follow through on the information you have or release the account to you. Then turn it over to the Santa Monica Credit Association.
     Put in a claim with Al Blumberg for lost and damaged personal property. He'll collect from Bekins faster than you can.
     The leper's colony or any other place is not as close as it would seem. Ten hours is not much time to do any sightseeing at any distance from the ship. I'll get in the learning mood as soon as we get underway; I won't have so many other things to do.
     Honey, do you remember the summer of 1932 when you rode the trams with me and brought me my dinner? After this war we'll always ride together wherever it may be and enjoy every minute of it.
     Bye my darling, till tomorrow. I love you and miss you more each day.

Your one and only

Gil