I'm 35

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 11 January 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Honey, today I am 35 years old. If you were here or I was there I imagine I could prove I'm still OK for an old man.
     Well today was just another routine day. Worked most of the morning and saw Ambie off at 11:00 AM. After lunch I read and finished another book by Forester entitled "The Ship."
     About that time I heard someone mention mail so I high tailed up to the wardroom and there were four letters for me. Three from you and one from a patient in response to my Xmas card. That letter is so long and so friendly that I'm going to keep writing to him.
     After dinner, this evening, I played checkers until movie time. The movie tonight was a western, but a very good one. Even you would like it. It was "Tall in the Saddle" with John Wayne and Ella Raines. The movie last night was also very good. You should see it, title: "In the Meantime, Darling."
     I'm glad you got to go out New Years Eve. It would have been such a long evening to stay in.
     About this summer business. Sweet, I hardly know what to advise. We might suddenly head back to the states. I might even get orders back for stateside duty and of course there is always the possibility of my staying out here for a while longer. So make plans to go to Arrowhead and if I do get back something will be worked out and if not to hell with a couple hundred bucks.
     You needn't worry about me overdoing with drink. A few beers seem to go a long way in this hot climate and I'm not anxious to contend with a big head the next day. It's just a change and a little relaxation and not half as bad as it probably sounded in my letter.
     I'm anxiously waiting to hear word of Dick being in the Navy. That kid really needs it and believe me they'll straighten him out.
     That poetry, darling, surely sizzles and the officers all get a kick out of it. The fruit Deb sent was delicious and kept very well, so please send on a box. Be sure it is very well packaged.
     I'm sorry I'm not convincing about coming home but how can I be when all my hopes are based on rumors and personal opinions. There is no such thing as leave from out here simply because a replacement must be here before one can leave and they're not shifting men around every 30 to 60 days.
     I'm not surprised at Babs. Besides she probably has too much Joe on her mind at the present to worry about a single thank you.
     Talking about nice things to buy, the next place we may hit might be the Philippines and if the Japs haven't completely ransacked and destroyed that place I might find something there to send or maybe bring home.
     I'm glad that Linda's arm turned out to be nothing. Gee how you must have worried. Well all is well that ends well.
     Now that the Xmas rush is over I hope I'll get better mail service. Your last letter was postmarked January 4 and that was only seven days ago.
     Darling do you remember my birthday last year? Didn't we take the kids out for the day and go to the Fleishers? (I'm not sure). Guess I had more on my mind than I cared to admit.
     Good night my Sweet. I'm sleepy and so I'm going to turn in and dream about my own sweet wife and two darling girls,

Love,

Gil

Be Careful

11 January 1945

Dear Linda and Norma,
     Hello my darlings, here is your Daddy again. I got your real nice Xmas card Linda. Thank you.
     Linda honey, I've been worrying about you. I hear you aren't very careful about crossing streets or taking care of yourself or your things. I just sent you a real pretty necklace that I made for you. I'd feel very badly if anything happened to it. How about promising your Daddy to be real careful now of yourself, your things and your toys? Don't forget, I'm waiting for an answer.
     And you Norma, are you being a big help to Mommy? I'm sending you a necklace too, so do take care of it.
     Well kiddies that is all for now. Good night and don't forget to be real good girls.

Love,

Daddy

Operational Fatigue

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 10 January 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     And so another hot day is nearing its end. Didn't do any dentistry today. My office deck was being painted for a change. So I had the day for catching up on my paper work.
     I made up three separate files. One was for filing wardroom mess statements, one for welfare records and one as my own personal file for records, orders and important papers.
     Then I consulted the captain about buying $100 worth of magazine subscriptions for the ship's crew and officers. When that was completed I retired for a little reading. I finished "Beat to Quarter" by C.S. Forester and enjoyed every page of it.
     Then I had my hair cut, showered, glanced through the "Blue Jackets Manual," dressed and had dinner.
     The movie tonight is "In the Meantime Darling." I don't know anything about it or the players but here's hoping. The movie last night, "Laura," was very good. Be sure to see it.
     No mail today, but here is some news. Hansen is leaving and returning to the states for medical treatment. The reason given is "operational fatigue." I haven't talked to the doctor about him yet, but for the past week or so his actions have reminded me of Rose Weinstein in many ways. Anyway, I'd rather stay out here for a while longer than go back for such a reason as his. I'm giving Ambie our phone and address. If he is anywhere near he will call on you or at least phone you collect.
     Well Honey, there is nothing new as yet and I do hope to hear good news as a result of our last Philippine campaign.
     In the meantime, with all my love, keep the home fires burning.

Your impatient lover,

Gil

Personal File

Come Home

 Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday, 9 January 1945, 7:20 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well the mail man broke down today and brought me a few letters. I got two which you wrote on the 29th of December, a letter from Ethyl, one from your mother and two from patients. One (a Mrs. Wirz) writes, "Tell the Navy to let you come home--I need you greatly--I never did like false teeth." I'd like to come home too but for another reason.
     Evidently the kids are over their indispositions and I'm glad. Guess the letter to Uncle Mike hit just at the right time. I was inquiring if Bob could be congratulated yet and there was the baby awaiting my letter. I'm glad your mother feels better too. That makes a full house (of well people).
     I don't know if I have all my Xmas gifts yet. There was nothing from you, Libby or your mother. I know something is on the way. However, if they get here for my birthday, I'll be even more pleased than if they got here for Xmas.
     As usual today began with work. By 11:00 AM I had placed twelve fillings and examined three officers for promotion. I had lunch and after that went ashore with a couple of officers. Had a few beers and a whiskey and water. But not enough to upset my sobriety. At the Officers' Club I met that Dr. Arnerich I mentioned meeting once before. We got back at 6:20 PM just in time to have dinner.
     The movie tonight is Gene Tierney in "Laura," supposedly a 4.0 picture. I do hope so; the Abbott and Costello movie last night was disappointing.
     So I haven't told you I love you lately, eh? Well silly girl, I do and if repeating will make you happier, here goes. I love you Eleanor, my Sweet. I always have and always will.
     Guess you haven't changed any after all. Do you remember how you always chided me for not telling you how much I loved you? And you still are. Well when I get back I'll convince you by various and devious methods.
     Until then darling, take it easy. I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Gil at Officers' Club

Perspiring

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O San Francisco
Monday 8 January 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well it was fair and "warmer" today. For my money, it can rain all the time. I've been perspiring profusely all day whether I was working or just sitting or writing as I am at this moment. My day began as usual with my dental appointments. At eleven I was through and I retired to my room to do a little reading. I finished Bromfield's "Until the Day Break" and will choose another book tonight.
     After lunch I discussed ways and means for future welfare activities with the skipper. Then I went to work on the other necklace. They are both finished now and wrapped, ready for mailing. I'm going to try to send them airmail if I can. When you send additional chains try and get the real fine ones. I do think they look better that way. That repair job I did on the faulty chain isn't too good so I'd suggest that you have a jeweler put a good link in the clasp otherwise the kids will lose it. I'd suggest the heavier chain for Norma.
     Last night's movie was lousy. Tonight we have Abbott and Costello in "Lost in a Harem." That should be good for a couple of laughs.
     Darling do you remember when I would insist on your going to movies you didn't care to see? Well after this I'll be satisfied to stay home with you and play house with no arguments.
     No mail again today so there is little more I can add.
     Good night sweetheart, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Religious Services Off

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Dearest Eleanor,
     Well here I am again. Though today is Sunday I began with work as usual. It began to rain about 6:00 AM. By 11:00 AM storm warnings were up and we took all our boats out of the water because of a rough sea. Religious services were called off because of the hazard connected with small boats. When it was too late to do anything about it, the sea quieted down and the rain stopped. So I had a free afternoon.
     After lunch I censored some mail and began a book by Louis Bromfield. I'm not sure of the title but I think it's "There is Always Tomorrow." Anyway it is interesting and I'll probably finish it when I turn in tonight.
     When I got tired reading I went down to my office and finished one of the necklaces I'm making and it's a beauty! Be sure that the chain you send me for yourself is plenty long. Also if you can pick up a few chains suitable for bracelets send them on as well. Really these shell necklaces and bracelets are quite expensive to buy. I've been lucky to be able to find the shells that I have.
     I'm all caught up with my correspondence except a thank you to Ethyl which I will write immediately after this letter. No mail today but I hardly expect any for a few days now.
     The movie tonight sounds lousy but there is nothing else to do, so I guess I'll go. It is "Meet Miss Bobby Socks" with Bob Crosby and Bob Benchley. I do hope it isn't too bad.
     Sweetheart, do you remember how on rainy days on Washington Street we'd build a fire and read and visit in front of it? After the war in our new home I'm sure we all would enjoy an open fire on a cold night. OK?
     So long for now darling. I love you more all the time (if that is possible).

Devotedly,

Gil

U.S.S. Ocelot 

Menu Enclosed

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Saturday 6 January 1945, 9:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Got another stack of mail today. Six from you, one from my mother thanking me for her Xmas gift and one from Libby thanking me for their gifts. Also I got that comic book and the box of plastic for molding, Now I'll see what I can do. Your mail was marked the 23rd, 26th, 27th, and 28th. Guess I'm just about caught up on all your back letters.
     Guess you're curious about Helen Dingey and D.G. If you remember, about four years ago I had a patient who was pregnant when her husband died. Well every year she has remembered me at Xmas. I guess this is the first time I've missed. Will have to drop her a note.
     About film, don't send any if you haven't already. The way parcel post takes its time getting out, who knows when it'd reach me. Besides I have an idea we'll be on the move again soon.
     I'm glad you saw "Casanova Brown." Now you know why I wanted you to see it.
     I did enjoy the pictures of the kids and I'll add them to my pin ups. Got the chains also and got the bum one fixed up. Should have both necklaces ready in a few days and I'll send them on. How about another chain so I can make one for you also. I've got enough matched shells after my last trip ashore. And by the way, these necklaces sold from $12 to $20 in Pearl Harbor and here at the officers' club they sell for as high as $30 so don't let the kids wear them when they're out playing.
     Yes dear I do enjoy the clippings and so do several of my shipmates. Keep them coming. How about the date on the pages from U.S. News so we can tell better about the news forecasts.
     Our glee club is dead for the time being. Too many other things interfere with rehearsals. However as soon as our routine permits we'll resume for our own amusement.
     Don't worry about when you get a hold of me. Wait until I get a hold of you. I hope you can take it! And don't worry about you or me changing. We'll always be as before, a boy and a girl in love even with gray hair and what have you.
     About Sol, I thought you said he was a storekeeper. Storekeepers are rated first, second and third class petty officers. There is no such thing as a seamen third class. As a Navy wife you ought to brush up on the grades of enlisted men and ranks of officers.
     "Since You Went Away" upset a lot of us too. As I said before, even though it was a good movie it is not a moral builder and shouldn't be shown overseas.
     So you never saw a girl with a red tochas, well neither have I but what could I do without a full selection of colors. I'm sending you a menu of our New Year's Dinner. Add it to our collection.
     That last poem "This is My Beloved" by Benton was quite torrid and I liked it. Send more please.
     Well you finally found out what you wanted to know. My darling wife will always find out what she wants to know, won't she?
     The Officers' Wives' Club sounds alright but you know the Santa Monica "Elite" and remember the Women's Club. However use your judgment and it might not hurt to phone Mrs. Gail anyway.
     So much for your letters of today. Now aboard the Ocelot everything is serene. We were to have another personnel and ship's inspection but it poured all morning and it was called off. In the meantime I had called off all appointments in anticipation of the inspection so I had nothing to do all morning but read mail.
     This afternoon everybody, but me, went fishing--no fish. Guess I'll have to show them how it's done.
     Tonight's movie was "Hey Rookie" with Anne Miller and the original soldier cast. In addition there were a few skits stolen from "Meet the People." All in all it didn't come up to the stage show. Do you remember, dear when we saw it? It was at either the Belasco or Morgan and the war seemed so far away. Bet if you were sitting next to me tonight, I'd have enjoyed the show a lot more.
     I have some more letters to write so I'll sign off now Sweet. Goodnight.

Love,

Gil

New Year's Menu

Picture of the Kids