Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 009, folder 15: Warner A. Broughman

(2)

Now possibly Cousider our Combat decerations as a fond, proud memory of a delicate duty that had to be performed at that time.

I started in the military service in 1940, after College, and in January 1941 I Volunteered and started with a new organization in its infancy, "parachutes". I remained with Airborne Troops for the entire war until my retirement in 1946 for total disability

In the French Invasion on June 5, 1944 I was Commanding officer of the leading unit of 101st Airborne Division that flew across the peninsula for the drop on Utah Beach at 1:05 A.M. We performed our mission enabling the 4th infantry and 90th Infantry Divisions to come ashore in day light of this same day. After day break it was emminint and became necessary that we paratroopers proceed south to the city of Carenton and delay the northern movement of the 17th German ps Division. In small

(3)

groups we fought our way to the Douve River and at this river fought one of the fierest battles of the war. We had only small arms, grenades and knives; they had tanks, artillery and thousands of men. We in small groups were hungry and very tired but kept the determination to preserve body and soul and to accomplish our second mission, that of delaying the enemy until help could reach us. We made many attempts to cross the swift, flooded river and individually we crossed over the long causeway until there were approximatily 100 trooprs on the south side of the river. We were greatly outnumbered in every department with the treacherous river to our backs and the terrific 17th shooting down our throats but we continued to fight like deamons with heavy casualties. Finally after 4 days and nights we knew that our Troops had made contact with us about one mile North of the river. The help came none

(4)

too quick because we over the river were being consumed rather rapidly. Friendly Artillery Came over and bridged the gap of 200 yards between us and the enemy. This welcome death was coming from the guns of the "fighting "86th" field Artillery".

On June 13, 1944 I was seriously injured by German Artillery, totally incapacitated. On June 16, 1944 I was picked up from the battle field and moved toward the rear area on a captured motercycle. One night under cover of darkness I and many other injured were taken into England by small boat. I was hospitalized at the Naval Hospital at South Hampton for 4 days until we were evacuated to Northern England due to V-Bombs. I remained at the 93rd General Hospital for Continued surgery and repair for 3 months and was then able to travel to the U.S.A. I was Hospitalized for further treatment until February 1946. With our wonderful Hospital people and a Keen will to live I recovered almost completely. Through the skilled hands of surgery the bones repaired and the

(5)

injured spinal Cord Mended well and I was Again able to walk. With the will of God and the skill of Science most any Miracle could happen.

After release from service in 1946 I Could no longer perform My work in which trained. I secured employment with the Veterans Administration and in July 1946 was promoted to Chief of Special Rehabilitation, a job which I thoroughly enjoyed working with and Assisting the seriously disabled Veterans in Kentucky With their Vocational Rehabilitation programs. First I had the problem of self Rehabilitation and secondly in a personal enjoyment of having a Major part in the Vocational and personal Rehabilitation of serveral hundred severly disabled Veterans.

Miss Ward, I have enjoyed writing this and sincerly hope it will be of assistence to you and if I can be of further help please let me hear from you.

With Kindest regards,

Warner A. Broughman Capt. Retired. 0-389459

July 11, 1958

Mr. Warner A. Broughman 146 Wabash Drive Lexington, Kentucky

Dear Mr. Broughman:

Thank you very much for your letter and for your willingness to help us with Cornelius Ryan's book about D-Day. I hope you will forgive the delay in replying to your kind offer of assistance; we are gratified, but somewhat overwhelmed, by the wonderful response which we are getting as a result of our requests for information.

During the next few months, both in this country and in Europe, Mr. Ryan will be interviewing many of the D-Day participants who agree to contribute to the book. Very probably, he will wish to talk with you during that period. In the meantime, since we are dealing with so many people, we have found it necessary to develop an individual file on each person who agrees to help us. Therefore, we hope you will complete the enclosed record and return it to me at your earliest convenience. We truly believe that these questions will serve you, as well as us, if they can help to crystallize some hazy memories and to indicate the sort of information which we are seeking.

I should be most gratefull to know as soon as possible when and if you will be available for interview. We want very much to tell the story of your unit, and in order to do that we need the personal accounts of the men who were there. We particularly look forward to your reply.

Sincerely yours,

Frances Ward Research Department

FW:LL Enclosure