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D DAY Book 17 mer Int.
CAWTHON, Charles R., Lt Col
29th Hq Co.
A G. Po-XR The adjust d b > Army Wash 25 D.C.
Release to PG
Box 6, #12
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For Cornelius Ryan Book about D-Day
THOUSANDS OF MEN, ON LAND AND SEA AND IN THE AIR, PARTICIPATED IN THE INVASION OF NORMANDY BETWEEN MIDNIGHT JUNE 5, 1944 AND MIDNIGHT JUNE 6, 1944. IF YOU WERE ONE OF THEM, PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
What is your full name? Charles R. Cawthon
What was your unit and division? Hq Co. 2nd Bn., 116th Inf., 29th Division
Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? Approx 0700 6 June 1944
What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Captain, Inf.
What was your age on June 6, 1944? 32 years
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 now? Lt. Col. USAR on extended active duty Press and Information Officer, Hq. Allied Forces Central Europe
When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? My battalion began training for beach ault sometime in the summer of 1943. I assume it was realized at the that time.
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? It was routine like the previous dry runs. I met a naval officer on the transport from my home town. He loaned me a magazine/. I attened my duties, attended a religious service, There was no particular tension or conversation regarding the assault. We had all been soldiering together from one to three years. It was family talk, mostly.
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).
no
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- for Cornelius Ryan 2 -
Your name Charles R Cawthon
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?
Many, my battalion and regiment suffered heavily.
Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties?
No
Were you wounded?
Yes, in the face
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? No particular pain is recalled Any pain was overlooked in the general business of the beach. In any event, the [crossed out] pa [end crossed out] zz wounds were not of a particular painful nature.
Do you remember seeing or hearing anything that seems funny now, even though it did not, of course, seem amusing at the time?
No
Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic, or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else?
No
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- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name Charles R. Cawthon
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? No
Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? On the transport Thomas Jefferson
Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? In a stone barn about one mile inland between Vierville and St Laurent
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? I believe you have already contacted or know about all those from the 116th
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 NOT LEFT SUFFICIENT ROOM. FULL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WILL BE GIVEN IN 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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Interview
Lt. Col. Charles R. Cawthorn - Capt. at that time
Saw one TK firing in front of Les Moulins.
Saw one man drop in water in front of him. Saw men ahead surrounding and hiding behind obstacles waist deep water - nauseated. 4 hr ride in boat. Hit on left cheek by shrapnel, ruptured tooth. "Damn good thing it didn’t hit eye" Twisted head around. Scene was "Hells with fires banked" half running in, half being washed. Strong tide running unable to stand up.
Grass fire uncovered S - mines
At shingle got on left side of cheek when he reached shingle.
Had dinner with Capt. Sherman Burroughs of Roanoke, Va., [inserted] told him: [end inserted (I’m going to recite the shooting of "all the way into the beach") wife and children. Saw him in water. Capt. Lawrence Madill, Co E, Fla. Lt. "Crow" Williamson, Mantusville, Va. The war had become real (Had married British girl during 1943-44 - both had daughters born after D-Day)