He missed the 1944–45 seasons while serving in the United States Army Air Forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

[1] Pollet returned to baseball in 1946, and promptly played a major role in the Redbirds' National League pennant and world title.

In addition to topping the NL in earned-run average, he led the league in wins (21) (losing ten) and innings pitched (266).

When the Cardinals finished in a tie for the pennant with the Brooklyn Dodgers at the close of the regular season, he was chosen by manager Eddie Dyer to start Game 1 of the best-of-three National League playoff on October 1.

Pollet started two games of the 1946 World Series against the Boston Red Sox, and lost his only decision, posting an ERA of 3.48 in 121⁄3 innings pitched.