Lack 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.

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

Box

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

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

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

New Quarters

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 15 October 1944, 7:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

     Hello darling. I hit the jackpot again today, four letters from you, one from Deb and one from the Bergmans. This has been a hot, sultry, very busy day. After lunch I had my gear moved into my new quarters but it will take a couple of days, probably, before I get everything squared away.
     About 3:00 PM today it began to rain and has continued on and off for the past four hours. It was a nice gentle rain and I stood out in it just trying to cool off.
     Because of

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on there won't be any movie tonight which is the reason for my writing a couple of hours earlier than usual. I have all your letters in chronological order and will try to answer all your questions as fully as possible. Some I've already answered a couple of times but will repeat where necessary.
     Dick's illness does sound serious. Maybe the Markowitzes have learned a lesson and will keep a close tab on Dick. I'm just as sick of male company as you are of female and I don't even know where I could find anyone to respond to overtures even if I wished it.
     Guess again darling. Mary was not right. She never could have been more wrong. I never wanted to leave and am just living for the day when I come back to you and our girls.
     I've received all the music you sent. (I believe). There were three separate envelopes. I really don't believe Leon will be able to enlighten you any. Tell him for me that he is a flag waver from way back.
     Honey I've bought many items with no one in particular in mind. Some I'll be able to send on and others

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     When you get the box pick out what you want first and then pass the rest on as you see fit. There'll be several duplications.
     You are right in what you read between the lines. Wish I could explain more fully but that is impossible. Of course, dear, I don't expect you to be content with our present set up but still we can't change the situation, so we must make the best of it. It may not be any consolation but your load is lots easier than many, many service wives. However, let's not rehash that anymore.
     Yes dear, I have that list and will use it for Xmas greetings. Please send me Bruce's address though I don't think it will reach me in time.
     Gee, is Dutchy still ailing? It certainly has been a long time. I do try to vary my letters and then I forget to tell you something that I might write someone else. Then again some of our censors are rabid and will cut out anything that even reads suspicious even though no information is passed along. For example I wrote I was the only man on the ship with two navels and it was cut. (it better not be cut this time.)I followed: that if you couldn't figure it out I'd explain in my next letter. The explanation is simple. It's been so long since I've been with a woman that my "whozit" looks like a second navel, all shrunk up. That fling consisted of dinner and plenty of drinks. I didn't go to the U.S.O. show myself, hence no details. I don't believe there is a ban on records to service people. None of you mail is ever censored.
     Sweet t

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     We still have the same number of officers, no change. The Doctor and I are all the officers in the Medical Department.

     Honey, do you remember the letters I used to write to you when you went to Philapdelphia many years ago.  Your "Impatiently Eleanor" reminded me of that.
     After this war I hope it'll never be necessary for me to write any letters to my only Sweetheart. I love you so that you'll never get away long enough for that.
     I've been writing for 45 minutes and it's time to sign off. Good night, Sweet, until tomorrow.

Lovingly 

Gil

Wrong Form

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Saturday 14 October 1944, 9:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,
     Went on a wild goose chase this morning. Got some requisitions made out, borrowed the Captain's jeep. After chasing around for an hour getting it okayed, I was informed that the form used was wrong and so I've got to do the whole thing again.
     Well I returned to the ship and worked the rest of the morning. After lunch, I rated liberty so I went on a shopping tour. By the time I was through it was 4:00 PM so I returned and stowed my package aboard and then went over to the Officers' Club for a few beers.
     After dinner one of the officers and I played checkers until movie time. My game is really improving. We had a swell movie tonight, "Janie." If you haven't seen it you must.
     No mail today except the enclosed card from Rabbi Lifschitz. So no quiz program. I have so much to do in the morning that I won't be able to write until tomorrow night. You see, if I don't get the letter off early in the morning it won't leave the ship the same day.
     I've had a slight cold the last couple of days. First I thought I was getting one of my sore throats but a few doses of "sulfa" and my throat cleared up. The Doctor says as soon as we leave here my cough will clear up. A harbor cough is what he calls it. However, there are several colds aboard and I believe it's being passed around.
     Darling do you remember how much we've always enjoyed boating and how I wanted to buy a small craft for our pleasure? Well Sweet, I haven't had too much of the sea yet and after the war I wouldn't be surprised if the Steingarts turned up with their own boat at Arrowhead or Catalina.
     How are my two little darlings doing these days? Hope Norma soon gets over the crying spells she has when left outside to play. And Linda must be getting to be quite the young lady now. Did Dutchy get over her illness? Every time I send a letter off I think of dozens of things to say but when I'm writing I forget.
     Well honey, it is time to turn in because I'm going to have a busy day tomorrow. I love you Sweetheart and am counting the days till we are together again.

Love

Gil