Ulithi--Over the Side

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Tuesday 22 May 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Honey, how is my one and only tonight? Last night after the movie I showed the doctor the salami and though he could see nothing wrong with it he thought it would be safer not to eat it, so over the side it went.  Then this morning I happened to mention it to the butcher. He said it was okay and that salami is a smoked meat and keeps indefinitely. Now dear, can I prevail on your good nature to send me another one? In order to protect the casing he suggested that you dip the whole thing in paraffin wax, wrap it in cheese cloth and dip it in wax again. How about it? Do you think you can fill the order?  However if it's too much trouble don't bother.  I'll get by very nicely without.
     After last night's movie I spent some more time on my course. It is now finished and ready for typing up.
     Today began as usual and I was busy all morning. After lunch I censored some mail and read for awhile. At 1:30 I saw another patient and then I let someone talk me into going ashore. We got there at 3:00, had a few beers and returned to the ship at 5:15. Then I showed, changed clothes, ate dinner, played cribbage and went to the movies. The picture was a musical western with Roy Rogers, "The Lights of Old Santa Fe." It wasn't too good but still it had more entertainment value than "None But The Lonely Heart.
     There was no mail today so I hope to get a few letters in the morning. I've told you so many times that I'm just repeating myself now, but if you don't get any mail for a few days don't worry. You can draw your own conclusions as to why.
     That's thirty for tonight. Goodnight Sweet and I do love you and I mean YOU.

Yours forever,

Gil

USS Ocelot in Ulithi Lagoon. The salami went over the side.


On display at Katz's Deli in NYC

Thanks to Tom Wyatt and John Fitzsimmons

Ulithi--Salami Mashed

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Monday 21 May 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello Sweet, here is that guy again. I've been worrying about Norma ever since I heard yesterday that she had the chicken pox. However today's mail brought me the news that her case is a light one. Now I'm hoping that Linda doesn't get it and you forget about the whole deal in just a few days.  The mail came this morning and brought me four letters all from you.
     I was busy with patients all morning and after lunch I censored a batch of mail. Then I joined a group going ashore and played volley ball all afternoon. Wow, am I tired. Bet I sleep well tonight. 
     No cribbage game tonight so I came down to my office and found a package that came this afternoon. I guess you didn't take me seriously when I said pack everything well. The box was coming apart and the salami was all mashed up and the casing on it broken. It looks and smells OK but I'll not eat it until the doctor OKs it. Lord alone knows how long the casing was broken. However the cans that came with it are swell and are just what I wanted.
     The movie tonight is "None but the Lonely Heart" and should be 4.0. 
     Now to your mail. I see you've been teaching again. You must be OK or you wouldn't get all the calls that you're getting.
     I'm glad you enjoyed the evening at Ruth's and met some interesting people. So Ruth was expecting you to help her along on a gift for your mother. "Ain't" that too bad. I didn't realize that I was getting such a good buy on the perfume. I paid $9.00 for your bottle and $4.50 for both mothers' gifts. Don't tell anyone because I don't want to be bothered buying stuff for anyone else.
     Talking about wallets, see if you can pick me up a book of celluloid containers for cards and snaps to fit into my wallet. The one I got in San Diego is shot.
     I'm not surprised about the new incident at the Corsos. Bet Willie and Wallie are working (or should I say playing) together especially if Wallie has an apartment. I guess you were right and I wrong. Stay away from that outfit as much as you can.
     Well Honey, no more for now. It is time to go to the movies. Good night Darling, I'll see you in my dreams.

Yours alone

Gil

Some salami, not mashed

Ulithi--Nightly Cribbage

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Sunday 20 May 1945, 10:15 PM

My Darling,
     Here I am again. Today being Sunday I did take it easy. I slept until 7:45, dressed and had a cup of coffee. I went to work at nine and quit at eleven. Then I went up to my room and censored a stack of mail.
     After lunch several officers went ashore, but I was too lazy to go along. Instead I went to my room and read a magazine for awhile. Cox (my roommate) and I played cribbage for an hour and knocked off when they brought us some mail. I got two letters from you and one from Bob Jaffe.
     I took the letters and my magazine and went up on the poop deck where I stripped down, read and got a little sunshine. Boy was it hot! And not a breath of air. Thank God it always cools off in the evening so a guy can get some sleep.
     We had a turkey dinner tonight with all the trimmings. Then I went up to the Captain's cabin for our nightly cribbage game. We quit at 7:30 for movies. The picture was another repeat, "San Diego I Love You." Not good but still not bad. Now here I am.
     Your letters were both marked May 11. I do hope Norma's chicken pox doesn't bother her much and that Linda doesn't come down with it too. Most of all dear, don't let it throw you. That type of illness is annoying but not serious. By the time you get this note I hope it's all over and forgotten.
     I'm glad you have definite plans now for a vacation. August will be much nicer than July. Go ahead and have the house painted in June. I don't believe I'll be lucky enough to get home by then. However I'd never let a little paint or confusion bother me--no matter what.
     After I'm through writing I intend to spend an hour on my correspondence course. I should have #7 done in a day or two. I have a couple of letters to write but they'll have to keep for a couple more days.
     Gosh dear, as I lounged around today my thoughts were constantly of you and the kids. Wondering what you were doing and if the kids were both well. That's one thing about being busy all the time--a fellow doesn't have too much time to feel sorry for himself or get homesick. However it can't be helped. I do love you and can't help missing you and our girls.
     Well, guess I'll secure for tonight. Goodnight Darling, until tomorrow.

Your lonely,

Gil

Ulithi--Life Magazine

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Saturday 19 May 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Hello my Sweet, how are you today? I'm just as fat and sassy as usual. Began today with the usual heavy schedule but I had a few broken appointments so I was able to take things easy.
     After lunch today I spent an hour or so on my correspondence course, lesson #7. I'll try and get it out of the way by the end of the month.
     Then I undressed, climbed into my bunk, censored some mail and read a magazine until it was time to shower and dress for dinner. After that the usual cribbage game and then movies.
     The picture tonight was a repeater, "Lake Placid Serenade" but I went just the same. In the middle of the show it began to rain but I had my raincoat with me and so I sat through it just the same. Now here I am.
     No mail today. I'm missing of few letters up through the 10th so I should get some in the morning.
     Do you get to see Life Magazine? One of the May issues has some interesting pictures in it. If you get hold of it save it for me.
     Tonight is Saturday and if I were home we'd probably have gone to an early movies, picked up a Sunday paper and be on our way home by now. However when we'd get in bed I'd change my mind about reading and turn the light out instead. Then guess what--right the first time.
     No more for now darling, so I'll sign off. Goodnight honey, and I'll see you in my dreams again (I hope).

Yours forever,

Gil

Life Magazine, May 7, 1945 (the one Gil asked Eleanor to save) has articles about Ulithi atoll, German prison camps, ducks for food, Lauren Bacall.

Ulithi-VE Rumors

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Friday 18 May 1945, 10:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Today was like all the others, hot and sultry with a very welcome shower just before noon. I had my usual busy morning but today being "field day" I had a free afternoon. So Dr. Bushyager and I went ashore for the afternoon. We had a few beers and returned to the ship at 5:00 PM. Then I showered, censored some mail and dressed for dinner.
     After chow I went up to the captain's cabin for our nightly game of cribbage. At 7:30 we knocked off for movies. The picture tonight was A.J. Cronin's "Keys to the Kingdom." I did enjoy the picture though it was a little long. Now here I am.
     While I was ashore I got two more letters marked May 8, so here goes.
     We also heard many false VE rumors but paid no attention until we got the official word over the radio. Did you know that the cause of all the rumors was due to a correspondent who reported the unconditional surrender before the scheduled time? When the news finally did come through, there was no jubilation or celebration. We somberly sat and around and ventured opinions and guesses as to how long the war out here would last. Outside of the absence of European war news in our daily paper, everything out here remains unchanged.
     Cox has been aboard the Ocelot since a year ago January.  Yes, I'll be able to tell you when my orders come. However I won't be able to tell you where and when I'll be back until I get to the states. Cox hasn't left yet. His relief is on his way but hasn't arrived. However he should arrive most any time now. Cox hopes to go to Long Beach and intends to look you up. I'll give you the word when he leaves.
     I've been neglecting my sun baths and have broken out with heat rash again. So beginning tomorrow and everyday for awhile, I'll have to take the time and get out in the hot sun for awhile.
     Honey, there is no more to write about tonight so I'll sign off. I did see you in my dreams last night, and we did have "fun." So I'll turn in now and hope for the next best thing to being with you---that is dreaming of being with you.  Goodnight Darling and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Dr. Steingart and Dr. Bushyager

Ulithi--Colored Snaps

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Thursday 17 May 1945, 10:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     As usual, had a busy morning planned but three of my patients didn't show up. However I got seven letters from you, one from Libby and one from Ruth. So I had plenty of time to read my mail and enjoy the colored snaps. They really are good--if only Linda hadn't been cut out of two of them. Bet Dave shot the pictures.
     This afternoon I spent some time sorting and cleaning the shells. You'll be surprised when you see what I've got.
     Then I went up to the captain's cabin to discuss some business. By the time we were through it was 4:30. So I retired to my room, undressed, showered, and then censored some mail. At 5:30 I dressed and went up to dinner.
     After dinner until movie time, I played some cribbage with the captain and two other officers. The picture, "Thunderhead Son of Flicka," was fair. By the way last night's "Strange Illusion" was very good. Although it's a murder mystery I'd recommend you see it. It doesn't have the ordinary plot or thrills but the suspense is good and acting splendid. Besides it is a good story.
     One of the officers out here whom I have known since January is returning to the states via San Pedro will probably give you a ring. He is Lieutenant Tom Quinn and is a swell chap. If you can arrange to meet him do so.
     Now to your letters. They range from the 3rd to 9th of May but none for the 4th, 5th or 8th. So I'll expect more tomorrow.
     The Westwood Lodge sounds nice but frankly I think we waste too much time on contacts through the B'nai B'rith. There will be better and wider fields after the war.
     Forget about a baggage rack. You won't be able to handle it yourself and the rack will hurt the car's finish. Besides the racks cost as much as sending the stuff by freight.
     I saw "Bride By Mistake" some time ago and enjoyed it too. We also had "Three is a Family." I guess we do right well by our movies. There just aren't enough good ones to have every night of the week, week in and week out.
     I'm sorry the Sieger party upset you. We always took the kids together and I have many fond memories of their parties.  I can close my eyes right now and see the color movies of Linda and Norma eating and playing out in the patio. Next year we'll all go together and we'll have twice as much fun as we ever did--all four of us.
     Of course if Trubey calls and can come to dinner have him over. He's a nice chap and you'll like him.
     I'm glad you got your Mothers' Day gift and like it. I hope both mothers receive their gifts on time too. I'm sure they will.
     I think Ben Bessler does owe $40 or maybe it's $60. Have you looked through all the cards? His record is there somewhere. Get what you can and if there is more due we'll pick it up when I get back.
     Mitchell is a colored janitor for the city and works at the library. No use my writing, turn the account over to Posner.
     VE day will be celebrated for many years but VJ day is the day I'll celebrate or should I say we'll celebrate because then the war will really be over.
     So you really want to know what I eat. Well breakfast consists of juice (orange, pineapple or tomato), figs or prunes and coffee. Of course there are hotcakes and eggs with bacon or spam but I seldom indulge. For lunch we have a salad such as coleslaw, pineapple and prunes, or waldorf. Soup and an entree such as cheese rarebit, spaghetti and meatballs, pot roast, hot turkey sandwich,, hot roast beef or cold cuts and potato salad. We always have potatoes and one cooked vegetable. For dessert we have canned fruit, ice cream (four or five times a week), pie or cake. For dinner we have soup and salad, roast turkey, roast or fried chicken, steak, roast beef and once in a great while lamb or veal roast. Dessert is ice cream, pie, fruit or pudding. I hope you aren't drooling by now but you asked for it.
     Well darling, I sure got wound up here but darned if I've said anything worthwhile. So here goes. I do love you dear and miss you more than you'll ever know. However I find talking about it doesn't help much so I try to ignore it though I shouldn't.
     No more for now Sweet. It is after eleven so goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Color snaps mentioned 

Linda (cut off), Norma, Eleanor

Linda (cut off), Eleanor, Norma

Linda and Norma

Eleanor

Ulithi--Enclosed Prints

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Wednesday 16 May 1945, 7:00 PM

My Dearest,
     Here I am again. I had my usual busy morning and saw two patients after lunch. I let someone "twist my arm" a little and went ashore this afternoon. We just sat around, drank beer and talked all afternoon. At 4:30 the boat returned for us and we got back to the ship at 5:15. I showered and dressed for dinner and after chow I picked up the enclosed prints. They aren't very good. I hope to have some others in a few days.
     There is nothing new or different going on around here, just the same sixes and sevens. There was no mail again today.

     Speaking of mail I'll repeat myself by telling you not to worry if you don't receive mail for five or six days.  You can draw your own conclusion as to why.

     For a movie tonight we have "Strange Illusion" with James Dunne and others who I can't remember who offhand.
     Have I told you how much I love you, lately? Well how many drops of water are there in the ocean and how many grains of sand are there on the beach? That's how much I love you only more.
     Somebody has a copy of that book you read. It was run in the Post or Collier's. The one that's entitled "Earth and Sky Above" or something like that. Anyway it's about a Jewish attorney who marries a girl of well-to-do society and the complications that ensue. Remember? I'll get hold of it one of these days.
     In the meantime darling Goodnight and pleasant dreams.

I love you,

Gil

Enclosed Prints

 Mog Mog Recreation Island, Ulithi 

The Island

This is probably mislabeled. Ulithi lagoon has no mountains.

Guesstimate--It is in the Leyte Gulf

Gil

Beer and Cribbage

Gil is the short one.