Pearl Harbor--Can't Write Freely

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Sunday 22 October 1944, 10:45 AM

Dearest Eleanor

     My, my, so hot and bothered about nothing. Anyway, I haven't ignored your questions, and I'm sure that by now you've read the answer you've been wanting to hear.
     Sorry, darling that Lillian knew more about my visit with Al than you did but being shore based he can write freely whereas I may not. I've told you that before but you still keep asking where did I go and what did I do. I've tried to tell you and several times the censor has had to cut items out. Please understand dear and when I get back I'll fill in the blank spaces.
     I wish you would go with Deb, Dave and Leon. What the h---, it won't hurt Leon to spend and evening with his family and it would do you a lot of good to get out.
     I'm glad you aren't spending a lot of money for Xmas gifts. I've spent plenty and you should find gifts for all. Besides I'd never expected you to spend so much on cards. However, it's done and I'll send them off if they reach me in time.
     Wish I could cut up that "darn bird." As far as that goes I wouldn't mind eating a little of your home cooked chicken.
     Last night I went to that party I mentioned earlier this week. The Captain, Ambie, Cox, Roberts, and I represented our ship. And how! The hosts were a Mr. and Mrs. MacKay. I expect to see them after the war. They have property in Los Angeles and are acquainted with Donald Douglas. They will visit the states as soon as the war is over. Anyway he asked me for our address and promised to look us up.
     The party itself was a dilly. There were 6 couples and about 10 servicemen. We consumed 8 quarts of liquor and several cases of beer. The MacKays roasted two turkeys and a leg of pork along with the trimmings. By ten o'clock, when we left, we all were feeling pretty good and have an invitation to return.

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     Sweet do you remember how I rebelled against those Sunday Family dinners? Wouldn't I love to just get the kids and their gear in the back seat and with you beside me, drive over to your mother's or sisters' for a Sunday family dinner. Isn't it funny how ones attitude can change?
     Well my love, I hope you're all cooled down and everything is serene. I'd like to take you in my arms and kiss away your hurts (imaginary and true) but I can't until later. In the meantime, Sweetheart, please be patient and understand that I'm in the Navy and can't do as I please. I do love you and miss you even though I don't fill each page with sweet nothings.
     It is 11:25 and I have to freshen up for lunch. Till later my Sweet with all the love that is in my heart I am

Devotedly

Gil

Pearl Harbor--Sunglasses

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 20 October 1944, 10:30 PM

My Dearest Darling,

     Just came down from the movie. The picture, "Dragon Seed," was long running, over 2 1/2 hours, but it held my interest every minute of the time.
     There is little to tell since I wrote last night. I addressed twenty Xmas cards that I had purchased and have thirty more to send in addition. Today has been another day. I worked all morning and this afternoon I took inventory of the supplies in our wardroom mess.
     The mail today consisted of a letter from Al Stein while he was in the hospital and a copy of the Outlook. Dear will you notify the Outlook of my new address? This one went to Diego and was then forwarded.
     Now that most of my work is clearing up I'll go back to work on our ship's library. Just today, I received, by mail, new books for our library. The cataloguing of the books we already had is still incomplete. However, I now have two dental corpsmen, so I should make better progress.
     I'll wait till I see the morning mail before I send this letter off. Now it's time to turn in. Good night my Sweet.

Love

Gil

Saturday 12:45 PM

Dearest,
     I've been running around all morning. Just finished lunch and found four letters from you. Now we'll have our little visit.
     You should have a letter from me every day. I write daily, drunk or sober. Such dreams gal, don't you know any better. Now back to Mary. If I've written once I've written three times that Mary is all wrong and I've never wanted to get away from you. I love you too much for that. So--it isn't true and you just forget it.
     I saw "Song of the Open Road." It's about teenagers and lots of music. Linda must have enjoyed it a lot. I'll file your suggestions for Xmas and see what happens. The reason I didn't tell you more about my visit with Al is because of censorship. Al is shore based and so was able to write more fully about it. No darling Leon's guess is still wrong so you can proceed to stop worrying. I'm quite safe and expect to remain so as long as I'm aboard this ship.
     Our chief pharmacist mate, who was transferred, had been aboard since January but he is regular Navy (I believe) and had twenty-eight months of sea duty consecutively running. However enlisted personnel and officers work differently. Besides he had been in the states for over a month in February or March. This can't be used as a criterion as to when I'll return. Forget Xmas cards if you haven't already attended to it. In all probabilities they wouldn't reach me on time.
     Donate as little as you can to the War Chest. I am making my contribution in a more personal fashion. This year let the others worry about it. Forget the Center completely. When I return will be time enough for our contribution.
     I bought a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses from the ship's store for $4.90. The regular price is $7.75 so that is quite a saving. Put in a claim for the pair that was lost.
     That is all for now, Sweet. Wish I could wrap up a big bundle of love for you and send it on. As it is I'm storing it up till I get back and then--Oh boy!! Bye darling till later.

Loving you as ever

Gil

Ray Ban sunglasses 

Linda remembers the lenses were green

Pearl Harbor--Butter

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

 U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Thursday 19 October 1944, 3:00 PM

My Sweet,

     This afternoon's mail brought two letters from you and one from my cousin Fay Springer. I dropped her a note after you sent on her New Year's greeting. Already having an answer is a surprise to say the least. She is a very unhappy woman as you can see from her enclosed letter.

     I got off a letter to Edith so I hope she'll take care of the watch for me. Outside of that all I've been doing all day is work, work, work.

     I am a little surprised at Deb's actions but I always told you that you were more concerned about her than she would be about you. On the other had she is probably pretty upset if Dave is really going overseas; the 15 day leave would indicate just that to me.

     Of course I want you to read the book! I guess the title is a surprise so I'll be patient till it comes. So the Corsos are at it again. My, my. Tomorrow they'll kiss and make up and get stiff again. Guess I'll have to drop my mother a note though why she should be upset about Libby is a mystery. By now they should be able to afford a home of their own. Sounds like there are a lot of changes at home. I didn't know butter was so low. Is it a lack of points, butter or both? What does Anne hear from Joe?

     I'm going to sign off now but will write more after the movie tonight. Bye my love till tonight.

Gil

10:10 PM

Hello Darling,

     Had a pretty good movie tonight, "Step Lively" with Frank Sinatra and George Murphy. A light, fast, and enjoyable musical

     This has been a nice day. This evening it was especially enjoyable, sitting out on deck with the breezes blowing, enjoying an amusing picture. Gee, it sure would have been fun to reach over and hold your hand or better yet to put my arm around you and have you rest your head on my shoulder. Ah well, nice dreaming anyway.

     Honey, do you remember many years ago the first time we went to Arrowhead? It was a beautiful starlit night and Eleanor and Gil took a walk along the lakeshore and held hands and then Gil stole a few kisses. After this war let's go back and take that walk again or shall we just turn in early. OK you talked me into it.

     Nothing more for now, Sweetheart. Goodnight and I'll see you in my dreams

Loving you always

Gil

Red ration stamps used to purchase butter.

Pearl Harbor--Philippines Invaded

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 18 October 1944, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     After a busy morning, I had lunch and went on liberty. Began with a couple of beers at the Officers' Club and then took a bus down to the beach. Didn't do much. Browsed around in a couple of book stores and window shopped but really couldn't find a thing I wanted to buy. So after a couple of hours of looking, I returned to the ship and just in time for dinner.
     After dinner, Ambie, my new roommate Cox and I went over to visit a civilian couple living

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They live in

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similar to what we saw all over Southern California near all war production plants. The only difference is that the interior is finished much more attractively. This particular place was a studio duplex, the living and dining room and kitchen downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. They have two boys and have lived here

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     We visited and hoisted a few and returned to the ship just a few moments ago with an invitation to come to a party Saturday night which I'm hoping

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     No mail yet, but I'll bet I get a stack in the morning. So darling, until then, adios my Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Love

Gil

Thursday 8:30 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,
     Got three letters from you and one from your mother so now I've got something to work on. Was glad to read that you had gotten out and had a pleasant evening for a change. Why do you worry so much about money? Even if we run a little over our present income we can still hold out for a while. After the war I'll make up the difference, just wait and see.
     I'm not too surprised about Norma and her dancing lessons. After all she is still an infant and though I didn't want to say so, the $10.00 a month would have been just wasted. A year from now she'll still be plenty young to resume dancing.
     What happened to Dave's commission? I thought it was all set and now you tell me about he's getting ready to go overseas. Was that just another of his pipe dreams or what?
     I'm sure electric shaver will be satisfactory just hope it reaches us in a reasonable period of time. I will write to Edith this morning and see what can be done about a watch for you.
     The Pacific War is moving right along. I notice that now the Philippines have been invaded. I just caught the headline of a newspaper so I don't know any more about it as yet. However as soon as I'm through I'll read all about it.
     Honey, every day and every military action brings me closer to home. Time does drag but still it is almost three months since I reported aboard. Before you know it, my time out here will be up and I'll be on my way back.
     I must sign off now darling. Remember that I still love you always have and always will. Give my two girls a big kiss from their daddy.

Love

Gil

Pearl Harbor--Gifts

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 17 October 1944, 8:30 PM

My Darling,

     This has been just another day of work. Kept busy with patients all morning and afternoon. I knocked off work at 3:30 and went to my room. Spent the next hour packing up the box of gifts I'm sending on to you. Most items have price tags still on so you can tell what you wish to give to whom. After I finished wrapping the box I stowed all my gear in my locker and chest of drawers. My how time flies when one is busy. By the time I got straightened around it was 5:45 PM so I showered and changed for dinner.

     This evening I didn't go to the movies. We had the same picture that I saw at the Officers' Club last night. However I gave you the wrong title. In last night's letter I called it "Marriage by Mistake." It should have been "Bride by Mistake."
     Don't know why I'm so tired tonight. It hasn't been too hot; it has been raining most of the time. I got plenty of sleep last night. The yellow fever shot can't have taken effect so soon. My cold is almost gone. Still, I'm tired. Guess I'll turn in and read for a while before turning off the light.
     Didn't get any mail today so no quiz program unless something comes in the morning.
     Good night my "Sweet." I'll write some more in the AM.

Love and kisses

Gil

Wednesday 10:30 AM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Been rushing around all morning getting the package wrapped and took care of five patients. Didn't find any mail this morning so there'll probably be a stack this afternoon.
     Honey, do you remember the long hours I used to put in working and how provoked you would get at times? Well, Sweet, after the war you're going to find a changed husband. One who likes to come home early and spend more time with his family.
     No more news for now. I'll close with all my love to you and our girls.

Devotedly

Gil

Pearl Harbor--To Linda

Tuesday 17 October 1944

Dear Linda,
     Hello honey, how is my big girl today? It was real nice to hear from you again and I especially enjoyed the nice picture that you drew at school.
     How do you like being back on Euclid Street with all your old friends and toys? How are you doing at dancing school? Bet you are getting to be a real good dancer. When I get home you will have to put on a real show for me.
     Are you helping Mother take care of Norma? You are the big sister and you should be a lot of help.
     I'm sending a big box home and there are a couple of surprises for you and Norma and Mother but be patient until it comes.
     Be sure to write soon.

Love

Daddy

House on Euclid Street

Pearl Harbor--Censoring

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Monday 16 October 1944, 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Another busy day. Right after breakfast I borrowed a Navy sedan and drove over to pick up the rest of the recreational gear I had ordered. When I returned I saw a couple of patients and then attended to some changes in my quarters.

     I got two letters from you this morning and one from Uncle Mike. This afternoon I got one from Libby. Showered and changed after lunch and went on another shopping spree and spent a little better than $35. Now I'm through. I have plenty planned for the next couple of days. Lots of letters to write and I must get all these gifts packed and sent off.
     When I returned from my shopping, I went over to the Officers' Club for a few beers and took 1 1/2 hours to lose $1.00 in a slot machine. Some fun!
     Returned to the ship for dinner and then went back to the Officers' Club to see the movie. There wasn't one aboard tonight. The picture "Married by Mistake" with Ruth Hussy and Allan Marshal was very amusing. Do see it if you get a chance.
     It has been raining on and off all day and over last night. I got wet at the movie (it was in the open) and I'm going to my room and change into something dry. There was some painting done there today so I'm writing from my office. I'll finish in the AM.
Good night, Sweet, I love you.

Adoringly

Gil

Tuesday 9:00 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,
     How about a big kiss? Mmm!! Gee thanks, you didn't have to bite me, did you? I have your two letters of yesterday before me, so here we go on our daily quiz program.
     You ask about my first visit with Al Klein. That was when I saw him at his station. The reason you got confused is on that is because I could not give you any details as to where, when and I how I met him.
     Regarding the course, the Doctor and I are going to work the rest of it together. That will make it much easier.
     Censoring mail varies. I'm supposed to have the duty every six days, but with the Xmas rush we are doubling up now so it'll be more often. This duty was interesting at first but after awhile it gets quite boresome. However I will say this, some sailors do have a sweetheart in every port and they all (the girls) get the same line of bull.
     Yes, Sweet I have both of my shavers with me and I will be able to use them. If you get a hold of another one (Willie's or through Dave) send it on "post haste."
     Glad to hear that you are enjoying studying and that the children are working out OK with Betty. Thanks for those measurements. I'll get to work on the surprise in a couple of days.
     Even though you are writing often you still have more to tell me than I have to tell you. I did enjoy the U.S. News clipping.
     Nothing more that is new this AM. We just finished giving the ship's company their yellow fever shots. In a couple of days they'll get typhoid and tetanus. Then back to regular routine.
     That is thirty for now, honey. I've been at this letter for 1 1/2 hours and I want it to go off this noon. Bye my own sweet love, till tonight.

Lovingly

Gil