Ulithi--Flying 3600 Miles to Cover 150

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, FPO San Francisco

Wednesday 24 January 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello darling, how are you tonight?. I'm swell but I miss you terribly and there is nothing either of us can do about it.
     Today began as usual with work. And after sweating all morning I decided it was time for a little recreation so I joined a few of the officers who were going ashore. We had a few beers and spent most of the afternoon hunting shells. My collection has many variety, sizes, shapes and colors of shells. We returned to the ship at 5:00 PM.
     Our new engineering officer reported aboard this afternoon and seems to be a nice chap. He got a tough break though. His last duty was about 150 miles from here. However he flew from there back to Pearl and then back here. Flying about 3600 miles just to cover 150 miles is going some isn't it?
     We just closed a deal to buy 350 cases of coca cola for the officers mess and will pick them up tomorrow. Including cases and bottles they'll cost us .053 cents per bottle and that is dirt cheap.
     The mail man only brought me a birthday card from my mother this morning but when I got back from the island I found a most welcome letter from you. It was dated the 14th but from what you say I guess there are ones from the 13th and 14th still due. You see the last letter of the 13th mentioned a package you received from me but didn't open because you wanted to get the kids to bed. No further mention is made in today's letter so there must be one or two in between. I'll receive them one of these days.
     The movie tonight consisted of 5 shorts and a Bing Crosby picture entitled "My Girl Like Music" but it was just fair.
     Now to your letter. You seem to be seeing movies the same time we are. Just the other night we had "Bowery to Broadway" just the other night. A funny thing I remarked at the end of the show that what was lacking was color. All great (?) minds run in the same channels.
     So Ruth broke down and called you. Well I guess she took to heart the letter I wrote her before she went East. Well, we'll see later if she really meant it.
     It didn't take Mary and Willie to get over their spat. After all these years, she should be used to her trouble.
     I know you miss me Sweet because I know how I feel. Just the same I tickled pink that you are all dated up. I do hope you get lots of pleasure out of your outings.
     Darling, do you remember the night you kissed me for the first time? We were parked in the alley and you gave me a peck and ran like h---. Bet you were afraid I'd rape you. Well you'll never be able to run fast enough when I get back.
     No more for now honey so good night and dream about me. I'm going to do the same about you.

Love,

Gil

U.S.S. Ocelot

Ulithi--Forever Amber

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 23 January 1945, 10:10 PM

Dearest Darling,
     Just got back from the movies. We had a double feature, "Mark of the Whistler" with Richard Dix and "Reckless Age" with Gloria Jean. Both were good and I'd seen neither of them before.
     Today was just another day. I examined ten men this morning and then worked on patients until 11:30 AM. Had luncheon and then read some more of "Forever Amber" by Winsor. If you haven't already done so, read it. Although she is quite mercenary, we could sure use that gal out here.
     Kept busy most of the afternoon but God knows what I did. I know I sent off a couple of messages to nearby ships relative to dental appointments, looked up some data in the Manual of the Bureau of Medicine, and censored some mail. But still where the whole afternoon went I don't know.
     Anyhoo! I showered and read some more from 4:30 to 5:30 PM when I dressed for dinner. After chow we stood around on deck and enjoyed a refreshing, cool breeze until sundown. Read some more professional literature in my office until movie time and two hours later here I am.
     No mail, nothing today. Maybe tomorrow. I hope! Is my mail coming more regularly now? I do hope so.
     Sweet do you remember the time we drove to San Francisco for Libby's wedding and came home all in one weekend? Gosh was I sleepy and tired. No good for anything. Oh well when I get back our trips will be short with plenty of time in between (take it anyway you like).
     That is all for now Honey. Good night and pleasant dreams.

Your impatient lover,

Gil

Ulithi--Like a Woman

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 22 January 1945, 9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Just got back from another 4.0 movie. We had "From the Bowery to Broadway" a musical with Maria Montez, Jack Oakie and several other stars. See it, it's entertaining.
     The mailman was good to me today and brought me nine letters. There were six from you, a letter from Deb and two birthday cards--one from Libby and Nat and one from Loretta.
     Now to your letters. They're postmarked the 7th, 9th and 12th which still leaves the 11th and 12th to come plus whatever comes after the 13th. Packages are still coming through so here's hoping I get mine soon.
     First darling, don't get your heart set on my being home in three months. You know the Navy changes its mind just like a woman. My chances still look good but still there is always the possibility that____. Also if we did return in three months it would take somewheres between twenty days and a month's sailing time to get back to civilization. So be patient and hope for the best, but please don't work yourself up into what could turn out as a big disappointment.
     Glad Dave made corporal but Deb writes he's in the "line" which means he is due for overseas duty and that aint good. I don't know what instructions Dave can give Sol. For the amount of time Sol has been in he has progressed further than Dave. I bet he comes out of this war with the higher rate.
     Don't feel badly about my not hearing from you daily. I still hold the record amongst the officers for the most mail and when I do get any it is always a stack.
     I don't know what more to say about Arrowhead except wait and see.
     The Willie, Wally,and Mary story is interesting but it isn't new except that now that Mary caught up with Willie the cat is out of the bag so the cat (Willie) may as well play. What surprises me is that his health stands up to it all.
     Yes dear by the time I get home it should be Lieutenant without the j.g. I hardly know what to ask for as a gift from Libby. "Coronet" would be nice but it really doesn't matter.
     I'm glad to hear about Abe Weinberg. He is a bright chap and should go far in the Navy and out. Right now they are crying for men in certain fields for additional training. Many men are really getting terrific training at no expense to themselves and it will stand them in good stead after the war. There is just one catch. I doubt very much whether these fellows who are getting all this training will be released. It is my guess that they will be kept on for many years.
     Enjoyed your report on the installation. Next year we have a date to attend it together.
     The Arnerichs, Paul and Vincent are brothers. One graduated in '31 and one in '32. They are both in the Navy one being stationed at the hospital in San Diego and the other out here.
     Don't stop sending packages or mail. Goodness gal. That was scuttlebutt and it depends entirely on the progress of certain military campaigns. Besides if we return, mail will always go to our next port and held there until we arrive. So, take it easy and keep those panties on. I'll take them of personal-like when I get there.
     No more for now so good night my Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Loving you always,

Gil

Dave--Gil's brother-in law

Ulithi--Ship's Company

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 21 January 1945, 10:20 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Darling just got back from another good movie. We had "To Have and to Have Not" with Humphrey Bogart and it was 4.0, see it.
     This being Sunday I began work as usual and wasn't through until 11:15. I'm reading an interesting book, "Forever Amber," with a background of the England of Charles II. This gal Amber evidently had what it takes but I'm wondering how she can continue to dish it out for more than 900 pages. I'll read and find out.
     After lunch I read some more and then finished assignment #5 of my course. Now I'll get one of the boys to type it up and send it in.
     Got my copy of the ship's company photo and though I took a lousy picture I'm going to send it on.
     It seems that officers must take a physical exam every year so after dinner the doctor gave me the once over and found I was still qualified for sea duty. No survey yet.
     The mailman came twice today but passed me up both times. I hope he does better by me tomorrow.
     Nothing new or different to tell you except it was a little cooler today, not a hair over 85 degrees. The sea has been quite choppy the past few days. There must be a pretty good storm blowing at sea.
     Darling, do you remember when Linda was just beginning to talk? What a bang she got when I honked the horn in the tunnel on the coast highway? How about Norma? Does she like that too?
     I'm getting sleepy dear so I'll sign off. Good night Sweetheart, till we meet tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

USS Ocelot Crew
First two rows are officers.
The other rows are enlisted men.
Gil is in front row on right end

Ulithi--Black Outs

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 20 January 1945, 9:50 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Just got back from the movie. It was the sweetest love story and just made me think of us. The title, "The Very Thought of You." You must see it. I don't believe I mentioned yesterday's movie in my last letter. It was "San Fernando Valley," just amusing but nothing exciting.
     Well Sweet today began as usual with work. However at 10:00 AM we had Captain's Inspection so we knocked off work at 9:30 AM. By the time inspection was over it was 11:00 AM and too late for more work
     After lunch a recreation party went ashore so I joined them for a few beers and a little relaxation. I found some more shells and have quite a variety now. It was quite rough coming back and I got soaked to the skin. However after a shower and change of clothes I was ready for dinner.
     After dinner I censored some mail and accepted a challenge by the baseball team of another ship for a game Monday. The ship that the chaplains came over from on Sunday has left, so I had some last minute messages to send to arrange for our men to attend divine services tomorrow. By the time all the details were arranged it was 8:00 PM and time for movies.
     After the show I came down to my office for our nightly visit and surprise, two letters from my Sweet postmarked January 13th. I'm' still looking for mail of the 5th, 7th, 9th, 10, 11th and 12th. Guess they'll all come in a day or two.
     Now to your letters. You sound much happier and that makes me that way too. I don't understand Leon's wish for a hospital ship that is safe and not blacked out. I don't trust the Japs and evidently neither do the authorities out here. I've seen hospital ships in and out of this anchorage. They black out along with other ships. However from the stand point of a medical or dental officer I guess a hospital ship is the most desirable type of sea duty.
     Find out Vic Spitzer's address and also what outfit he is in. I might be seeing him one of these days.
     No dear the Ocelot is in no need of repairs. The scuttlebutt persists although as I mentioned a couple of days ago it may be a month longer than I first thought. However, relax; if we ever head east I'll let you know in ample time.
     Will look for those chains. You should be receiving the necklaces I made for the kids soon. I do hope you like them and don't forget the link on the clasp of one chain is temporary. Have Marty put a good link in.
     You're getting to be quite a regular "school marm" with all the teaching you're getting. I'm glad because I know keeping busy makes the time go much faster.
     I'm glad you found your earring. I had a very difficult time locating it and with Xmas gone it would be difficult to replace.
     What about the native girls? All the inhabitants have been removed to another island which is out of bounds to service personnel.
     I don't think Ruth should feel terrible about Dick. Discipline and active living will do him more good than all the money he could make. He'll learn to appreciate all that he now takes for granted, believe me I know.
     Sorry to hear about all the trouble your relatives in the east are having. We never seem to appreciate good health until it's gone.
     Darling, do you remember Sunday afternoons on the beach in Venice after the rest of the family went in to shower? Somehow the movie tonight reminded me of those happy days.
     Good night Sweetheart. I'll close now but I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Beer Drinking

Mog Mog Recreation Island, Ulithi

Gil standing on the left

Ulithi--News Bulletins

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 19 January 1945, 6:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Darling, here I am about to whisper a bunch of sweet nothings in your ear. I didn't get any mail but I can still say I love you.
     Today was just another routine day though my dental duties will be fuller from now on (thank God). I'd just as soon do dentistry as mess around with other travails.
     Put in ten fillings, extracted two teeth and examined fifteen men. It was 11:30 by the time I was through so I had time to freshen up before lunch.
     This afternoon I worked for a couple of hours on my correspondence course. Then I censored some mail, showered and by the time I dressed it was time to eat dinner. My how the day goes by!
     The past few days, the news bulletins coming in have been most encouraging. So much depends on how things go now that I can hardly wait for our daily newspaper.
     Sweet do you remember the first time you and I went to Catalina? I was a dental student and you were my best gal. Doesn't it seem years and years ago? At that quite a few years have gone by since then but I don't feel any older and if I were home I'd prove it.
     No more for now dear so I'll sign off by saying good night Sweetheart.

Love,

Gil

Gilbert Steingart

Dental Officer USS Ocelot

Ulithi--Original Orders

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday 18 January 1945, 6:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Another day. Another dollar. Began today with my usual morning routine. Put in nine fillings, examined eight men and appointed them for work.
     Then mail call. Got a letter from Mike, a short note and the baby announcement from Bob. Then there were a couple of Xmas cards from patients and some Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery literature. Then I went up to my room and found the book "Fountainhead" you had sent and also the book Libby had sent. By the way if you send me any more books be sure they are properly wrapped for mailing. The binding was slightly warped, probably got wet.
     After lunch I read some until the afternoon mail came. I got a letter from your mother and one from you written on the back of the Yearbook circular letter. Yes dear, I'll enjoy the "Yearbook" a lot.
     There really isn't anything new to write about. Three of the officers are still awaiting orders back to the states but so far no soap. We are five officers over complemented so orders should come through most any day.
     Today has been unusually hot and now that the sun is down we'll all cool off a little.
     The movie tonight is a 4.0 picture, "Going My Way" with Bing Crosby. I think I've seen it but I enjoy a good musical the second time just as much as the first showing.
     Darling do you remember when the Navy sent you a check for transportation for you and the kids from Santa Monica to San Diego? Did they send you my original orders to report for active duty? If you have it please send it on. It should be in my personal file and I don't seem to have it.
     Well Sweet I'm just about run out. Do you remember when you went to Philly and I wrote to you? Am I putting more down in writing now than then or am I still keeping "under cover?" Well, when I get home to hell with the cover. I can hardly wait for those happy days.
     Good night Honey, I'm going to sign off now. Love and kisses to you and ours.

Love,

Gil

Orders