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Marion, Indiana V-E Fort Wayne For Cornelius Ryan IND 14 LL Sensitive Book about D-Day
THOUSANDS OF MEN, ON LAND PARTICIPATED IN THE INVASION OF NORMANDY BETWEEN MIDNIGHT JUNE 5, 1944 AND MIDNIGHT 6, 1944. IF YOU WERE ONE OF THEM, PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
What is your full name? Dalton Leon Eastus What was your unit and division? Co. K. 8th Infantry Regiment 4th Div. Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? UTAH beach at 6:30 AM on June 6, 1944 What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Private What was your age on June 6, 1944? 23 yrs Were you married at that time? no What is your wife's name? Did you have any children at that time? What do you do how? I am now employed at Indiana + Michigan Electric Co. as a meterman
When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? I began to realize this in Oct 1943 when we were on amphibious maneuvers at Camp Gordon Johnson Florida, but knew for sure when we were bribed and given orders about May 21 or 22 '44. What was the trip like during the crossing of the Channel? Do you remember, for example, any conversations you had or how you passed the time? The Ocean was very rough and I heard that actually the invasion was to have been on June 5th but was delayed because of the weather. I happened to be on the same ship as Ge. Eisenhower and his staff and was proud to be part of the unit. Several soldiers became sea sick and we were in close quarters. Our packs and supplies were very heavy and bundlesome. There wasn't too much conversation. We had steaks ice cream etc, but really it was tasteless due to fear and anxiety. Our Div Commander Gen Barton briefed us about the landing and what to expect the same with Gen Eisenhower. Both wished us luck. we needed it.
What were the rumors on board the boat, ship or plane in which you made the crossing? (Some people remember scuttlebut to the effect that the Germans had poured gasoline on the water and planned to- set it afire when the troops came in). We were told that we had (5) Div and that the Germans only had (3) Divbut heard later that Germans moved (2) more Divisions into positions which I believe to be true, We also heard that the Atlantic wall could not be sealed but later found sand drifted against the wall to a point where we could jump of over easily. We heard that we would also have to fight the long occupation of German soldiers.
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- for Cornelius Kyan 2 - Your name Dalton Leon Eastus
Did you by any chance keep a diary of what happened to you that day ? no Were any of your friends killed or wounded either during the landing or during the day ? yes, but there was so much excitement that I don't remember too much about it. I saw some L.C.I.'s sunk but did not know who was on them. Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties ? no Were you wounded ? yes Do you remember what it was like --that is , do you remember whether you felt any pain or were you so surprised that you felt nothing ? yes I was wounded in the right leg and left foot by shrapnel from a 88 mil shell. I felt as if some one had throwen me from a great height on my face. I felt a terrible pain in my left heel as if my foot was torn off. My legs were numb and I could hardy breathe.
Do you remember seeing- or hearing anything that seems funny now, even though it did not, of course , seem amusing at the time ? yes we stormed the beaches so fast and the German's retreated leaving quite a bit of equipment. On one attack the German's left their kitchen equipment and hot food on field ranges. Private Peterson said look they even prepared us a hot meal and we don't have time to eat it. Our mess searg doesn't treat us that well. We have to eat "K" rations.
Do you recall any incident , sad or heroic, or simply memorable , which struck you more than anything else? I saw a young, handsome, German soldier that had died clutching a picture of his wife and young child in his once strong hand. Fighting for them and for what he thought was right. I have several memories of the war, but mostly they are all sad. I hope that our sons and daughters never have to endure the agony and grief that was brings to all the world.
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- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name Dalton L. Eastus
In times of great crisis, people generally show either great ingenuity or self-reliance; others do incredibly stupid things . Do you remember any examples of either? I was amazed at some of our men who during training did not seem to grasp things very well. During battle they seem to recall this training and were really men to be proud of . Men who were thought to be poor soldiers during training proved to be good leaders during battle. Our soldiers were always looking for souvenirs which I thought was stupid.
Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? On board ship crossing the channel. Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? About five miles from the Omaha beach, near St Elise. Do you know of anybody else who landed within those 24 hours (midnight June 5 to midnight June 6) as infantry, glider or airborne troops, or who took part in the air and sea operations, whom we should write to?
Mr Adam E. Hartel Box 58 Daisytown, Pa.
PLEASE LET US HAVE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SO THAT WE CAN INCLUDE YOUR EXPERIENCES IN THE BOOK. WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE YOUR STORY ON SEPARATE SHEETS IF WE HAVE HOT LEFT SUFFICIENT ROOM, FULL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WILL BE GIVEN IB A CHAPTER CALLED "WHERE THEY ARE NOW} YOUR NAME AND VOCATION OR OCCUPATION WILL BE LISTED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. Cornelius Ryan Frances Ward Research, The Reader 's Digest
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Marion Ind. June 25, 1958 Dear Miss Ward, I read in the June issue if "V.F.W" magazine that you are preparing to publish a history of D-Day. I am proud to say that I was a member of the 4th Infantry Div. that landed on Omaha beach June 6, 1944 at 6.30 A.M. I was a private in Co.K. of the 8th Infantry Regiment. I am sorry to say that I did not see too much action since