Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 007, folder 06: David E. Silva

CORNELIUS RYAN 230 EAST 48 STREET NEW YORK, NEW YORK

March 25, 1958

Mr, David Silva 389 Canton Road Akron 12, Ohio

Dear Mr. Silva:

I have learned through some cousins in Iowa, who through a friend know you, that you were one of the soldiers who landed on D-Day, 1944, in France.

I am in the process of writing a book on the twenty- four hours from June 5, 1944, midnight, to June 6, 1944, mid- night. It is a book which in some respects can be compared to the recent Walter Lord book on Pearl Harbor called "Day of Infamy."

I understand that since those days you have taken Holy Orders and are now a priest. I would be particularly in- terested in hearing from you, first of all, to confirm that you were in the group of soldiers that landed on that historic day in France so that I can write you immediately by return mail for details of your experiences. You will realize that time is the essence here because I am trying to finish this book so as to coincide with the fifteenth anniversary of D-Day, which falls on June 6, 1959.

Will you please write me as soon as possible. Yours sincerely, Cornelius Ryan CR:LL

April 22, 1958

Dear Mr. Ryan:

In response to your letter of March 25th I am pleased to inform you that I was one of those who survived the landings on D-Day June 6, 1944.

I shall be most happy to contribute anything of value toward the accomplishment of your work.

Hoping to hear from you soon I remain

Yours sincerely, Fr. Silva Rev. David E. Silva

May 1, 1958

Reverend David E. Silva 389 Canton Road Akron 12, Ohio

Dear Rev. Silva:

Thank you very much for your letter of April 22.

Mr. Ryan is in Europe at this time but will write you on his return.

In the meantime would you mind filling out the enclosed questionnaire, so that we will have some vital statistics for our files, and sending it to me at the READER’S DIGEST, New York, New York.

Very truly yours,

Frances Ward Research Department

Enclosure

April 28, 1959

Reverend David E. Silva 389 Canton Road Akron 12, Ohio

Dear Reverend Silva:

We last wrote you on May 1st asking you to fill out a questionnaire In con- nection with a book on D-Day which is being prepared by Mr. Ryan for publication in the Reader's Digest in book form, the first part of which will appear in the June Issue.

Due to the overwhelming response to this request, we have been deluged with material and have not had a chance to write to each and every- one as yet. However, we do want to thank you for being patient with us and to tell you how deeply grateful we are for your cooperation in sending us your questionnaire.

In order for us to edit your material for use in the book, it will be necessary for us to have your signature on the attached re- lease, which we would thank you to return in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.

Again many thanks for your help.

Sincerely, for Cornelius Ryan

aw encl.

I agree that Mr Cornelius Ryan, his licensees and/or assigns, has all rights whatsoever in the questionnaire from me re- garding D-Day*

_______________ signed

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