World War II Letters from "Chuck" Pressentin

November 21, 1945
Postmark on the "air mail" 6-cent pre-stamped envelope is dated Nov. 22, 1945. The envelope has a stamp "Passed by US Army Examiner 25790" and written initials

[Word illegible], Luzon

Dear Pongee, and Family,

I've been an awfully busy guy the past couple of weeks—have been up to my ears in bookwork. Lordy! We've been transferring men in and out by the dozens trying to get all men with over 70 points and under 55 points out of our outfit. It looks like the 475th is going back to the States as an outfit composed of nothing but 55 – 69 point men.

If so, this means I'll have to work right up to the last day that the outfit exists. I was hoping I'd be relieved and just sent home as a casual. That way I wouldn't have a damn thing to worry about.

So far no definite date has been set yet for our trip home. I was eligible by my points for discharge the 1st of November but since our unit is going home intact my points don't mean a thing. Christ I had high hopes of being home by Xmas. By now I'll be lucky as hell if I make it by Jan. 15.

About my postwar plans. Well Pop's health will probably keep me at home and maybe after all that's the way it should be. I've had several othr offers but now I'll just probably marry one of my gals, build me a house and see if I can't continue on with Pop's work.

It might surprise you bit I think my future wife and baby girl is living just a stone's throw from you. Yeh! Of all the gals I've been stringing along, this little Portland gal (She was in Los Angeles while I was stationed there) would make the best wife for a small town plumber. You'll be the first one in the family to meet her no doubt. I'll let you pass an opinion before I make any serious moves. O.K.

So for tonight
Love to all, Chuck

November 28, 1945

This is my transcription of the "form letter" (below) apparently provided to troops being sent home after Japan surrendered. Charles sent it to his sister, Pauline Kemmerich. [BH]

I'M COMIN HOME

ISSUED IN SOLEMN WARNING THIS 28 DAY OF NOV 1945 TO THE NEIGHBOURS, FAMILY, RELATIONS, AND FRIENDS OF ONE CHUCK PRESSENTIN

LOCK YOUR DAUGHTERS IN THEIR ROOM!!!!

FILL THE FRIDGIDAIRE WITH ICE COLD BEER!!

AND GET THOSE CIVIES OUT OF THE MOTHBALLS!

DEAR CIVILIANS:

Very soon now, the undersigned will be once more in your midst—undrafted, dehydrated and demobilized, to take his place again as a human being with freedom and justice for all, engaged in life, liberty and the somewhat delayed pursuit of happiness. In making your joyous preparations to welcome him back into organized society, YOU MUST MAKE DUE ALLOWANCE for his crude environment which has been his miserable lot for years. In a word, he may be slightly jungle-jolly, suffer from the Ville Verde vapors or be a little Philippino punchy. Therefore:

Show no alarm if he prefers to squat upon his haunches instead of sitting in a chair. Keep cool when he pours gravy on his dessert at the supper table; and take it with a smile when he insists on sleeping in his underwear. ABOVE ALL, never refer to the unspeakable hardships suffered by those at home during the Great War. Never ask him why the Smith's boy Willie held a higher rank than he did, and make no flattering remarks about the Air Corps or Marines. This man will run amok if you mention rotation, the point system or demobilization.

For the first few months until he becomes homebroken, be especially watchful during the times when he is in the company of women, particularly young and attractive specimens. After years of seeing beautiful women in the movies, he feels himself a master lover and his intentions will probably be dishonorable but sincere.

Keep in mind that beneath his atabrine tan beats a heart of gold. With kindness, tolerance and an occasional quart of good liquor, you will again be able to rehabilitate that which is now a hollow shell of the happy civilian you knew before the war.

Send no more letters or packages to APO 70 for duration of the world.

Mail no more parcels since Soldier will call for them in person.

BANZAI !!!!!!!

[Chuck added a note at the bottom of the document]
Leaving tomorrow—I may see you by Xmas.
Chuck

[Dec. 11, 1945 In letters to their daughter, Pauline, Charles and Jessie Pressentin say that "Charles should be able to make it here by Xmas. He was to have boarded a ship about the 7th of Dec. We think he is on the water and should be close to Pearl Harbor by this time. He was transferred to a Tank Battalion headed for home."

California