Just before Christmas in 1948 Chuckie’s parents received a letter confirming the final interment of their son Staff Sergeant Charles. M. Wilson per their expressed wishes. Like many who lost loved ones in WWII, the Wilson family chose to honor him by leaving his remains in the region near where he died fighting for what he believed and interred side by side with comrades who also gave their lives for their country rather than having his remains returned to the United States.

At military cemeteries, the decedent’s full name, rank, date of death, unit, and state of entry into military service are inscribed on the grave marker. The individual’s service number is included on white marble headstones at the World War II cemeteries.

The interment of remains of World War I and World War II war dead at permanent overseas American military cemeteries was made by the American Graves Registration Service, Quartermaster General of the War Department. When the interment program was completed the cemeteries were turned over to American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) for maintenance and administration.

The interments of World War I and World War II remains at ABMC cemeteries are permanent. It is no longer possible to repatriate the remains of those interred at these American military cemeteries.  A provision of the law terminated authority to make further disposition of remains after December 31, 1951, when the decision of the next of kin became final. The program of final disposition of war dead established the moral and legal obligation of the U.S. government to honor the expressed wishes of the next of kin authorized to make the decision regarding the permanent interment of their loved one’s remains.

“Dear Mr. Wilson:

This letter is to inform you that the remains of your loved one have been permanently interred, as recorded above, side by side with comrades who also gave their lives for their country. Customary military funeral services were conducted over the grave at the time of burial.

After the Department of the Army has completed all final interments, the cemetery will be transferred, as authorized by the Congress, to the care and supervision of the American Battle Monuments Commission. The commission also will have the responsibility for permanent construction and beautification of the cemetery, including erection of the permanent headstone. The headstone will be inscribed with the name exactly as recorded above, the rank or rating where appropriate, organization, State, and date of death. Any inquiries relative to the type of headstone or the spelling of the name to be inscribed thereon should be addressed to the American Battle Monuments Commission. . . “

While interment activities are in progress, the cemetery will not be open to visitors. However, upon completion thereof, due notice will be carried by the press.

You may rest assured that this final internment was conducted with fitting dignity and solemnity and that the grave-side will be carefully and conscientiously maintained in perpetuity by the United States Government.”

Letter to Chuckie’s parents from Thomas B Larkin, Major General, The Quartermaster General, United States War Department

Chuckie is buried at RHONE AMERICAN CEMETERY in the city of Draguignan which is located in Southern France. More on his final resting place and the recent visit by this author coming up in a future post.