Jungle Woman

Thursday, 31 August 1944, 10:30 AM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Good morning, Sweet, dreamed about you again last night. I was a civilian and working hard in my office. You came up but wouldn't kiss me because you had a cold. However I put stop to that nonsense. Guess if I had slept on I would have had a cold too.
     Kept pretty busy yesterday. Got your package off this morning and I hope you like what I sent. Will send along Linda's and Norma's as soon as possible.
     Received your letter of the 26th, one from Libby with Jim's address and the bulletin. Send the bulletin regular mail. Any news in there will keep a week or two longer. That was yesterday. This morning I received two more from you, one from Libby and one from my mother.
     It certainly would be wonderful if I could be back in time for your birthday (no I haven't forgotten) but I don't believe anyone knows now where we'll be then. All one can do is hope. Even if I can't be with you in person you are always with me in my heart.
     After dinner last night we got out on deck and played a game of dart throwing for awhile. Then we had a movie "Jungle Woman" which was a remake of one we'd seen. About a female ape that is changed by some doctor into a human and how she saves the life of an animal trainer when he is attacked by a lion in a cage. Interesting but some of the sequences were very illogical.
     Dear, I'm enclosing a poem I picked up which I think is apropos to us. Time to go to work my darling so good bye till tomorrow.

Your loving husband,

Gil

Censored

Wednesday 30 August 1944, 8:00 AM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Good morning dear. How about a nice big kiss? Thank you Sweet, that was nice. Went on liberty yesterday. Stopped downtown and did some shopping. I am sending you a house dress, sun suit, and blouse. For Norma and Linda I am sending grass skirts. Here is an interesting item about the grass skirts that are sold to be sent out of the island. The grass skirt that is straw colored is made of material purchased in the States. The skirts that are made up of different colors are made of the bark of a tree obtained in the Society Islands in the French East Indies. I'm sending the kids the East Indian variety. Your sun suit is called a "malo" and has a sarong and skirt all in one piece and a bra. The salesgirl put the ties through the loops and tied them so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting into it.
     After my shopping, Graves (one of the officers aboard) and I went to the beach. As I told you

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     What a difference! By then we were hungry so we hunted until we found a good Chinese restaurant. I still like shrimp, et. al. Did we eat!
     Well darling after dinner we walked around and at 8:15 caught a bus back to the base. Hope I get some mail this morning. Got a letter from Deb on Monday but none from you and none yesterday either. But then, that's just the way the mail is nowadays.
     My yesterday's letter was slightly cut up because I suggested the

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we would

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     Sorry!
     No more for the present Sweetheart. Time to go to work. Till tomorrow then

Love,
Gil

Was the sunsuit/malo actually a "maillot." Here is a sketch from a Simplicity sewing pattern. Linda remembers it had beige background and a red floral print.

Allergic to Love

Tuesday 29 August 1944, Morning 

Dearest Eleanor,
     Good morning my Sweet. I dreamt about you last night. Wow, what a dream! It was all mixed up but did we have fun!
     Yesterday was just another day. The usual routine of eating, working and loafing. Saw a very amusing movie last night I'm sure you'd enjoy it. "Allergic to Love" with Martha O'Driscoll and Noah Berry, Jr. It's all about this couple that gets married and every time they kiss the wife gets an attack of hay fever--some fun.

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     If it is I won't be going ashore until Friday.
     Don't worry about money. I cashed a $20 check with Dr. Gilman before we left and since then got paid. I still have over $70 and there will be another pay day Thursday. I'm sure I can more than get along on what I get here                    censored
     Got a letter from Deb yesterday, but nothing else. Bet I get several today.
     Glad to hear Linda is doing so well. I'd love to hear some of Norma's chatter, but then I'd love to be with all three of my girls. Sweetheart your last letters sounded like you were so unhappy. Please don't let this get you down. This mess will be over soon. We're young and we'll have lots of good times together.
     Remember, we always enjoyed life and made the most of everything and when we are together again we'll have first, a swell second honeymoon, and then resume where we left off.
     It's time for me to go to work darling. So bye until tomorrow.

Loving you always,

Gil

Old Maid

Monday 28 August 1944, 8:20 AM

Dearest Wife,
     Good morning. You're still asking questions and I'll try and answer them. Those people I met in town are an old maid of at least 45 and her mother. They've lived in

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for over 20 years. I didn't look at their bank account so I can't tell you if they're well off or not. They were very hospitable to us considering that three of the four of us were total strangers. We left at six even though we were asked to stay for supper. Ate in town and returned to the ship. There is no evening. We are usually on the way back to the base not later than 8:30. I've been asking about "The Anchor." No one knows what it is although I can make a pretty good guess.
     Tomorrow I go on liberty and intend to do some shopping. I know you write long letters dear, but there is nothing to write about and what there is to tell can't be told because of censorship. I haven't been off this ship since Thursday so--I get up, shower, shave, eat breakfast and then to work. At noon, dinner, then maybe a game or two of checkers and more work. Then supper and a social hour in the ward room. Movies at 7:45 PM. Last night we saw a stinker. First an Edgar Kennedy short and then some picture based on "Are These Our Children" which was lousy. Then back to the ward room for awhile and so to bed. Interesting isn't it?
     I've only missed writing one day since we left Diego so if you haven't received all my letters you will. I'll try to look up some of those people. When I talked to the chaplain yesterday he suggested my coming over to his office. He said he could help me find whomever I was looking for.
     I dropped Leon a note last week, also my sister. We'll see if Leon answers. If not then he is a rat.
     So long darling, I must go to work now. Till later

Your loving husband
Gil

Checkers

Jewish Chaplain

Sunday 27 August 1944, 10:45 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,
     Boy, wouldn't I love to be home this morning with you in bed alongside and Linda and Norma climbing all over us. Guess we'll have to put it off for awhile.
     Got my liberties all fouled up. Thought I was off today but instead I was off yesterday. So I don't go ashore again until Tuesday. Saw "Sensations of 1945" again last night and enjoyed it. There is so much good music in it. You remember I saw it at the Repair Base when I was there.
     It's always warm here but there is a cool breeze coming down from the hills that makes it quite comfortable. You can lean over the rail and watch the rain come in off of the hills and in the past few days it has rained frequently. However, no one pays any attention to it because it rains but a few minutes and you are completely dry in another few moments. In the past few days I've seen several rainbows and thought back to those happy days at Niagara Falls.
     This morning we had three chaplains come aboard. Two conducted services and the third, a Jewish chaplain just visited around. He comes from the same town as the executive officer who has known him for years. He also knows Rabbi Lifschitz.
     Dear, I am enclosing some papers which I want you to file away for future reference. Nothing else to say since my last note except I love you and miss all my three girls.

Love,

Gil

Diet

Saturday 26 August 1944

Dearest Eleanor,
     Just received a letter dated the 24th, so mail is not always slow. You ask several questions and here are the answers. I've already written about the last night out in Diego. When I go on liberty here I usually go with the chief engineer "Ambie" Hansen. He's a lot of fun. Forget buying anything for me. I'd rather travel light and if I need anything I'll get it wherever I am. As far as the temple is concerned, do whatever is the most economical and convenient. Of course I want Linda to go to Sunday school. As for visiting Jimmy, I still don't have his address and wrote Libby for it. I'm trying to locate Alvin K. but this place makes the last base I was at a pygmy in comparison. I'm well, and if I had you and the kids with me there isn't a thing more I'd want. So much for that.
     Since I've been aboard I've gained 12 pounds and now I'm going to lose it. Just got a call so will finish later.
     Here I am back again. Yes, I'm on a diet as is Ambie. No bread, butter, cream, sugar, potatoes or dessert. If either of us catches the other cheating for the next week he loses $10.00. Guess I'll get along.
     Liberty has been changed. Instead of being off every other day from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, it is now every 3rd day. Guess it could be worse. My next liberty is tomorrow, Sunday, which is a poor day to shop. However next Wednesday I should be able to do lots of spending and will my three girls be surprised.
     Well my Sweet I'm really tired now. I forgot to mention that I worked out with a medicine ball just before I began this letter. So--bye honey till tomorrow. I love you and look forward to the time we'll be together again.

Yours forever,
Gil

Medicine Ball

Medicine Ball

Mail Delivery

Friday 25 August 1944, 4:30 PM

Hello Sweetheart,
     Here I am again. What did I do the last night in Diego? Well we met at the Playroom of the Grant and drank until 11:30 and then some Chinese food and back to the ship. This, being my second letter to you today, makes an average of one a day since we shoved off. Be patient and you'll probably receive them all. I received some postmarked August 17 and 18 before others dated a week prior. You just can't tell about mail nowadays.
    Darling as soon as I know anything that I can tell you I will. In the meantime be patient. Had quite a busy day today doing dentistry but nothing more to write about. I'll send those gifts along as soon as possible. When you are on a ship, any item that tells where you are can't be mailed until after you've left--so they'll be mailed the day we leave.
     Missing my three girls more and more every day. I am

Your husband

Gil

Liberty in Pearl

Wednesday 23 August 1944, 11:00 PM

My Darling,
     Went on liberty yesterday. Joined the Officers Club for $1.00 and got a ration of whiskey. Had lunch there and ran into Barney Silver, Leon's friend. Bummed around downtown, had a few drinks, did some window shopping and returned to the ship. We really got pie-eyed, played the accordion, sang and raised hell until I literally poured myself into my bunk. Today I have what is known as a hang-over, but a good one. However I'm not sorry. I felt like it and I got it out of my system now--yep even the alcohol.
     Worked all morning on some men from another ship and saw three patients this afternoon as well.

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     Will tell you all about it tomorrow. Got three more letters yesterday and three today. You say I sound homesick--well why not with you and the kids so many miles away. I have some gifts in mind for you and the kids but may not be able to send them until we leave this place--censorship! Wish I could say we are returning soon--so far we are waiting. As I wrote you before, several weeks may elapse before anything happens and then where we go is still too remote to even hazard a guess although it looks like we'll be heading west.
     Gosh honey, as I sat out on deck and looked at the millions of stars in the sky and felt the cool breeze blowing in from the hills, I went back to past years when we enjoyed beautiful spots together. Dear, when this is over we'll enjoy many, many such things together. I wish I could just pour out of these pages the love I have for you in my heart but you know me--all I can say is I love you! Repeat many more times. Not enough room.
     No darling there is nothing I need that I can't buy here. There are many large department stores and a large Sears. Sell the Plymouth for whatever Bob gives you. Within reason, of course. Heard the war news this evening and things are really popping. Maybe this will be over even sooner than we dared to hope and I'll come home to stay. Anyway, there's going to be a hot time in the Steingart domicile when I return. Wish I could save all your letters but room is something there isn't much of. You save mine and I'll use it as a refresher when I return and tell you all about things and such.
     Good night my Sweet. I'll see you in my dreams.

Your loving husband,

Gil

P.S. Had to cut out where I was going on liberty. You might know where I am as if you didn't.

Gil

No Cat Fever, No Seasickness, No Loving

Monday, 21 August 1944

Hello Sweetheart,
     How is my Darling today? When mail came today I hit the jackpot. Twelve letters, one from Deb, one from Mother and ten from my Sweet. That with the three I got last night just about makes up for all the days I've missed.
     Listen honey, you don't have to worry about me. No cat fever, no seasickness, and yes, no loving. But we'll make up for the last later. Don't worry so much about money. Just don't spend it on nonsense. What you need however buy. We'll get along. As for the lot in Brentwood, I'd forget it unless it is dirt cheap, which it probably is not. Remember such things as taxes, assessments for improvements, etc. You say Harry has something big on and you want to invest some money. We probably could spare a couple of thousand dollars but I'd rather put the money into something that we could turn into cash fast if it became necessary. However, write me more about it and we'll see.
     I'm glad to hear that Linda and Norma want hula skirts for hula skirts they shall have. I've been looking, but the type of pin you want still is marked by its absence wherever I've looked. I'll surprise you with something you'll like though. Wait and see.
     Honey, I would have phoned but as I explained in yesterday's letter it was impossible. Sweetheart you know how effusive I am (not).I do love you and miss you. More than you can imagine even with the companion- ship of the men aboard. Companionship which you seem to miss must be gone after. I'm sure when you get into our house next month you'll find it will be easier to do the things you'd like. Please honey, don't get discouraged. People are not interested in the troubles of others. Until school starts and even afterwards, if you are not too occupied, get back into organization work. You liked it once, even with the ulterior motive behind it, and you'll enjoy it again. Get out and meet people and they'll remember you. Stay home with your pride and hurts and you'll stay home all the time. (This is a lecture--take it to heart).
     Enjoyed those pictures of the kids and yourself but I bet I get a better one of you soon. I'll send you one of myself as soon as possible.
     To Linda: Daddy enjoyed your note. You bet you'll take piano lessons when I get back. I'll sit and listen and enjoy your music. I miss you too honey, just as I miss Mommy and Norma. And when I come home we are all going to have lots of fun together. Be a good girl and help mommy with her work and help her take care of your baby sister too.
     Eleanor dear, I wish I could remember about the $10 you mention. I gave you some money but I had so much on my mind that I paid very little attention to how much you had. Use your judgment, though I am sure that Rabbi Lifschitz is not in error.
     It's getting late and I must turn in. Good night darling and pleasant dreams. I am with you always.

Love,

Gil

Wagon Wheels

Sunday 20 August 1944

Hello Sweetheart,
     How are you today? Gosh I wish we had been together today. I had liberty and went ashore with three of the officers aboard. We had lunch at a place called "Wagon Wheels" and enjoyed a very good meal. I went ashore without expecting to have much fun. But Mr. Cox, one of the officers, knew some people and we visited with them. They were very gracious to us and we had a very pleasant afternoon. We killed about a fifth and a half of scotch and a pint of rum and when we said good bye we were feeling pretty good.
     We then returned to the ship and I found four letters for me, three from you my Sweet and one from Libby. She didn't say much and didn't send Jimmy's address and after missing a letter from you two days straight I read and reread all you said about what you and the kids are doing.
     Gee darling don't set your heart on my returning real soon. Maybe we will, but the way it looks now it won't be right away. Fact of the matter is we'll probably be here for several weeks and it may be a couple o months--who can tell what will be doing then.
     My Sweet, I do love you and miss you and what wouldn't I give for big goodnight hugs and kisses from our little ones, but I'll have to wait.
     Goodnight darling. I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,
Gil

Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart

Wagon Wheels Restaurant
Waikiki circa 1945

No Phone Calls

Saturday 19 August 1944

Dearest,
     Just another day. Kept pretty busy this morning taking care of men from one of the ships here that doesn't have a dentist. Nothing much doing outside of that. We're just waiting to see what happens next.
     I suppose you've wondered why no phone call. Well if one is based on the station here phone calls are permitted, but ship's personnel may not make any phone calls so that is that.
     Tomorrow is Sunday and I'm going on liberty at 10:30 AM. That is the thing about sea duty. When one is at sea he is on duty 24 hours a day 7 days a week. But when we hit a port, conditions being favorable, liberty is in a sufficient amount to satisfy most of us. You see, I have every other day from 10:30 AM to do as I like and nothing to do and no one to do it with. Gosh I wish you were here. I'm going sightseeing tomorrow. I should be able to see plenty in a whole day and then when this war is over we'll come here together and I'll really be able to show you around.
     How are my girls? I've been wondering what I could send them. Maybe as I look around I'll get some inspiration. And what would you like (besides me)? I'm going to wait until I hear from you before I buy anything foolish. Really, I'd rather buy something you particularly want instead of some useless souvenir.
     Sweetheart, don't worry about me. I'm well and safe. This separation certainly isn't going to allow us to drift apart. No as long as we have those ten happy years behind us, two darling little girls to love and care for and a whole life to live after this war is over. Just start making plans now and write me all about them and then will we enjoy life!
     Well darling, time for me to turn in. A big hug and kiss for you and another one for each of our little ones. Good night and pleasant dreams.

Loving you always,

Gil

USS Ocelot

Natives Ride the Breakers

Friday 18 August, 1944, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello my Darling. I went on liberty today and don't care if I don't go again for some time. Really the mess one has to wade through to get onto a bus or cab, into a bar for a drink, or into a cafe for a bite is simply awful. The redeeming feature is to sit in the open patio of the only hotel open now and enjoy the cool ocean breeze and watch natives ride the breakers. As I sat there I couldn't help but think back to our month at Catalina not so long ago when the whole gang sat out in from of the St. Katherine's without a care in the world.
     Well dear, before I headed into town, I went down to the dental clinic hoping to see Dr. Jackson. He had just reported in this morning and was away from the clinic getting himself squared away. I left him a note and will try to see him later. Just as I was leaving, Jerry Shapiro, a pharmacist mate who was stationed at Diego when I reported in there, greeted me. So we talked for awhile and off I went.
     I received a letter from Ruth and my sweetheart (guess who she could be) yesterday but nothing today. I better receive a big batch one of these days or else. Forget the temple membership. After this is over we're going to do more things as we like and to hell with trying to please everybody else. I enjoyed those snaps you sent me but where is the one of yourself? Buy a roll of film and have someone shoot some and send it to me pronto.
     You asked me several questions which should be answered by now. I'll bet the mail man staggered to the house just loaded down. As for things I need, there isn't anything I want (that money can buy), that I can't get here. Just send me your love and I'll send you mine and we'll both save it all up till we are together again and then??
     From the way things look now we may stay here for 2-3 weeks or more and then on to more new places. Right now it doesn't look like will be returning to the states for awhile but that is today. Tomorrow everything may be changed again (I hope).
     Good night Sweetheart till we meet tomorrow because I do feel I'm with you when I sit down and write.

Love,
Gil

Photos Taken at on Sunday August 6, 1944

at Ruth and Harry's House

Linda and Norma in Living Room

Linda and Norma In Front of the Backyard Playhouse

Wakiki Beach
Royal Hawaiian Hotel circa 1940s

Hawaiian Currency

Thursday, 17 August 1944

Hello Sweetheart,
     How is my darling today? I did not get any mail on Tuesday when the first batch was brought aboard. I had liberty yesterday from noon until 10:00 PM but did not go until after dinner because of some unexpected chores that came up. I'm glad I didn't leave because I finally got a letter. The underlining of the "a" means just one from you. In addition I got the Pendleton newspaper with Dick's picture in it and the dental bulletin. I guess you didn't think I'd get to my destination so fast and wrote a lot of letters via regular mail. If so I'll probably get a whole batch all at once.
     I wish I could tell you where we are going next. In fact I wish I knew or as a matter of fact I wish the navy knew. Now everything is up in the air and we all have our fingers crossed. We had several officers with "scrambled eggs" looking us over contemplating some changes but who can tell.
     Went on liberty last night and because we started so late we didn't get much chance to see the city. Maybe we'll have better luck on Friday. We saw the hotel I've named our "beer drinking club" and the beach. It was beautiful. Mr. Hansen was with me and we enjoyed just looking around. We stopped in for a drink, a thick chocolate shake, and a couple of civilians insisted on paying the check. After six o'clock hard liquor and beer are rarities here. They tell me that before six you stand in line for it. Not me.
     Well dear I'm glad all is smooth at home and that the kiddies are well.
     If you haven't done so yet get Al Klein's address and send it to me "post haste." We may be here for some time and I'd like to look him up.
     I hate writing letters and except for our daily visit I'm going to do very little except in response to any I receive. Tell Linda I enjoyed her note to me and that she and Norma and I are going to really have a whopper of a time when I get back. As for you, dear, keep everything on ice and we'll really have unfinished business galore to take care of when I do get back.

Bye my Sweet

Yours as ever

Gil

P.S. Just as I was addressing the envelope I got two letters, one from Ruth and one from you, my Sweet.

Gil

Special WWII Hawaii Currency

Pearl Harbor

Tuesday August 15, 5:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     I was hoping to go on liberty tonight and see the sights. It's five o'clock but no word about any liberty tonight. They tell me the bars here close at 6:00 PM and there is a 10:00 PM curfew. It may be scuttlebutt, but I'll know by tomorrow.     This place really reminds me of Catalina. After my first liberty I'll be able to tell you more about it. The color of the sea certainly is interesting here. It goes from a deep blue to green to light green to a white which in the distance looks like beach sand.
     The day is warm but there is a cool breeze that has been blowing constantly.
     Yesterday I had to rewrite several letters because of some insignificant items and I hardly know what to say that would be of interest and would pass the censor. However they can't stop me from loving you and missing you or even writing about it.
     Some mail was brought aboard but so far none has been distributed. Guess they are sorting it.
     Well Sweets guess I'll sign off with love to you, Linda, Norma, and the rest of the gang.

Gil

USS Ocelot