World War II Letters from "Chuck" Pressentin

The Battle of Guadalcanal was fought between August 7, 1942 and February 9, 1943 on and around the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theater of World War II. Fiercely contested on the ground, at sea, and in the air, the campaign was the first major offensive launched by Allied forces against the Empire of Japan.

It can be argued that the Allied victory at Guadalcanal was the first step in a long string of successes that eventually led to the surrender of Japan.

Perhaps as important as the military victory for the Allies was the psychological victory. On a level playing field, the Allies had beaten Japan's best land, air, and warship forces. After Guadalcanal, Allied personnel regarded the Japanese military with much less fear and awe than previously. In addition, the Allies viewed the eventual outcome of the Pacific War with greatly increased optimism.

Several Japanese political and military leaders stated shortly after the war that Guadalcanal was the decisive turning point in the conflict. Said one Japanese leader, "As for the turning point [of the war], when the positive action ceased or even became negative, it was, I feel, at Guadalcanal."

Chuck's battalion arrived on Guadalcanal on October 21, 1943, well after the Battle of Guadalcanal.

^{--from Wikipedia "The Guadacanal Campaign"}

Dec. 18, 1943

Postmark on the "air mail" pre-stamped envelope is dated Dec. 20, 1943
The envelope has a stamp "Passed by US Army Examiner 25790" and written initials "GWH" [Apparently Chuck's letter censor is still "George W. Hightower."]

Dear Pongee, Al, and Family,

Well, much to our Censor's dismay! I'm writing like mad to make the rounds once more of the whole family. It keeps me busy keeping up with everyone. As long as the letters keep rolling in I'm happy so I want to keep it that way if I can.

So far tonite, I've written 10 letters. It's now 2 o'clock but it's Saturday nite so I'm really on a letter jag. Seems funny to spend a Saturday nite in a tent like this. I've gotten used to the idea all ready so I'm just making the most of everything.

I had a nice letter from Lucille C. in Portland. Her husband was killed in action over Germany last March. She gave birth to a baby girl Oct. the 1st. She's had quite a time getting her allotments out of the government. Pongee, I wonder if you could drop in and say hello to her for me. I know she'd be glad to see you. Her folks have corresponded with me ever since I've been in the service. They are all nice friends and I think a lot of their friendship.

I sent her $5.00 for a little Xmas present. Wished now I'd let you pick out something for her. She's really in good spirits though even after the way her whole life was turned upside down. She's living with her folks at the old place. Go straight out Sandy to 47th you can see the Studio sign from there. I'm enclosing her address for you.

I've got some pictures that a gal friend is sending the folks from Waterbury, Conn. She's having some prints and enlargements made for the family. Don't say nothing to Mom and we'll let them be a surprise. They are the last pictures I had taken.

Well I hope you had a nice Xmas. Things are fine here. I feel good—never miss a meal and just wait for letters from home. So for now,

Love to all, Chuck.

[Postscript]: Please drop in and see Lucy. I'll bet her baby's cute.

Jan. 4, 1944

Postmark on envelope is dated Jan. 10, 1944
The V-Mail has NO censor's stamp.

Dear Pongee, and family,

What's happened to you folks. Shucks! I've been expecting some news from down your way for quite awhile. I suppose you've been busy over the holidays. I haven't heard yet whether you all got home for Xmas.

I sent Mom a hand carved wood comb today. Also a book from Australia. Believe they'll like it.The last week has been a poor one for mail. Nothing's been coming through.

I moved into my new permanent home today. It's a tent built way up off the ground, has a front & back porch. Screens all the way around for walls so we don't have to worry about mosquitoes at night. We have a fancy wash stand in the back yard so you see things are really looking good for a change. I also picked up a brand new mattress so I'm really fixed up. I'm going to make me a set of springs soon out of inner tubes then I'll have a real bed. All I need is a blonde now and I'd be happy.
Love to all. Chuck

Feb. 7, 1944

Postmark on the "air mail" 6-cent pre-stamped envelope is dated Feb. 8, 1944.
The envelope has a stamp "Passed by US Army Examiner 25790" and written initials "GWH"

Dear Pongee, and Family,

What's this I hear about you guys all being under the weather. I've been expecting to hear from you but since I haven't I'll just be patient until I do. I'm sure I'm a couple of letters up on you now.

Things are still the same here. I've now got my work all set up so it's just more or less of a daily routine. Of course little things pop up now and then to interrupt my schedule but that's to be expected.

Lucille C. sent me a picture of her baby. Looked just like a little doll. The Baby was only 18 days old when the picture was taken.

From the folk's last letter it seems Grandma [Wilhelmine v. Pressentin] has gotten over another stroke. She's sure got lots of grit hasn't she. It's been a hard, tedious job for Mom though, looking after her.

Pongee, I want to ask a favor of you. I'm enclosing a money order with which I'd like for either you or Al [Pauline's husband, Al Kemmerich] to order and have sent to Lucy a nice bouquet of flowers. It's for no special occasion, just that I'd get a big kick out of surprising her like this. Shucks! She's just a good friend and this I'm sure would really surprise her. It probably sounds silly to you but if you were sitting here in my tent tonight I'm sure you would see my side of it. You'd be surprised how helpless and insignificant an individual can feel after being stuck in a spot like this.

Gosh! I've always been one that's always enjoyed doing little things like flowers, hankies and etc. but it's really a problem from way over here. I carry on a big correspondence because receiving letters from home and other friends is really all I have to look forward to.

Just address a card and sign it: For Lucy and Jane from Chuck on _____ and you know where I'm at now.

Violets or carnations would be swell. I'll bet you don't get Al to do this for me. Still he ought to get a kick out of pitching a bit of woo for me.

Well guess I'll play a little poker. Got nothing else to do the rest of the evening.
Love to all, Chuck

Feb. 21, 1944

Postmark on envelope is dated Mar 2, 1944
The V-Mail has no censor's stamp.

Dear Pongee,

Can't understand why I haven't been hearing from you. It's been over a month now since I had a letter.

Did Noel get his chevrons O.K. Hope the censor let them go through. I figured he'd get a kick out of them.

As usual, I'm still busy as the devil. Been doing a little bit of everything: carpentering, plumbing, cement work and now every other evening I run a movie projector and put on a show for our outfit. I'm getting to be a jack of all trades.

Let me hear from you. I'm a bit worried because I haven't heard from you.
Love to all, Chuck

California