27 Sep September 27, 1945

letter
from: PFC George W. Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler
Compiegne, France
27 September 1945, Thursday, 3 p.m.

Dearest Alice and Ronnie,

Good news today.  Plus two letters from you and one from Sergeant Lans.  He
also sent me some good news.  Seems I am entitled to a combat infantry
badge, after all, and he is having it checked up for me.  That will mean
ten dollars per month back pay since last November, if and when it comes
through.  The other good news is that my 60 points are now official

and believe without much doubt I’ll bring Ronnie that Christmas tree after
all.  It’s now rumored that all 60 point men and over will be sent to a
port of embarcation when this depot breaks up, last of Oct.  If that is
true and we are not delayed too much could even make it by Thanksgiving.
How is that for a good thing?

Saw Dan Sweeney over at the Red Cross this morning while there for coffee
and donuts.  He is due to leave this week or first of next week.  Said he
would call you when he got home.  This morning when I saw him, it still was
in doubt about the extra point so I told him to tell you, if I didn’t get
it to definitely give up any idea you might have of seeing me for Christmas.
Now it’s all changed and the world looks pretty bright[,] indeed right now
we have already lost two men out of our room, the sick sergeant and another
man with 80 points.

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They claim we are due to lose two more in two weeks.  I’ll be after that
as we only have six men in the room now.  It will soon be down to four and
then three, when I leave.  That might give you some idea how the boys are
leaving.  The faster they leave, the better, because then the sooner they
will be down to me.

With the exception of those few who are working deals, the army seems to be
sticking pretty close to the point system now and in my case, at least,
that’s to my advantage.  Of course there are always those who, fortunately
for them, either are working in the right spot or knows the right party and
as a result are making it home a little sooner than they deserve.  However
that’s always to be expected.

Received no letters yesterday but did get your package of delicious cookies
and hard candy also the next gift for Antonette.  I was there last night, a
few minutes but she wasn’t home,  so will take it over tonight. I’m sure she
will like it very much. pretty soon you’ll have me bringing an eleven year
old girl home with me.  She already wants to come.  I sent you another
package.  This is a long

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bazooka shell casing.  It has something inside that might interest you.  Be

 careful how you open it. There isn’t anything dangerous about it though.
Of course I haven’t received the two boxes with clothes but no doubt will
soon.  I wouldn’t advise you sending me too many more packages because once
I start moving around over here again I don’t expect to receive any mail at
all.  By no means send anything of any real value.  Cookies or something
like that would be alright.  Oh yes the soap was also nice.  Worth at least
four dollars.  No I can not get American money for my French, not until I
get in the boat and then they say only so much.

Glad to hear Chamberlin was willing to cooperate.  However, unless rumors
take a turn for the worse, may hold the application up as I think my points
will get me out sooner.  Finish getting the necessary information so I can

have it available should I suddenly need it.  It was nice of Chamberlin to
ask you out.

What’s this "Fly it" in your letters got to do with things?

I wouldn’t worry too much about what Murray thinks the house is worth.  We
 don’t have

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to sell it you know.  We can always take his should we decide definitely to
sell.

Sounds like Jim might have a good thing if he gets in at Wards.  At least
looks like he is making an effort to find something to do.  I guess there
will be jobs available yet when I get there.  Things don’t move that fast.
besides if I go to Glen Ellyn it will be up to me to make my own job.
I’ve been able to do that before guess I can do it again.

About quitting time now my dears.  Probably will add a few lines later.
Until then, keep your fingers crossed.
Wes

10 p.m.
Right after finishing this afternoon Sweeney came in again and we stopped
and had a last glass of wine together.  He leaves in the morning.

Tonight saw a fair show and then went over to give Antonette your present.
She wasn’t in but her mother was and she thought it very nice.  I’ll probably
hear from Antonette tomorrow.  Right now have just finished cleaning up for
the night and I’m ready for a little shut-eye.

All my love to you both look for me Christmas,
Daddy