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Laureldale, PA PA 62 U-TE
For Cornelius Ryan Book about D-Day
LL His brother went in with 82nd
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.
I haven't done anything on this. do we want them?
What is your full name? Ray A. Mann
What was your unit and division? Co. G. 8th Inf. 4th Division
Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? 1. Utah Beach 2. Believe between 6:30 AM & 7:00 AM (June 6) Supposed to be in 2nd assault wave.
What was your rank on June 6, 1944? PFC.
What was your age on June 6, 1944? 24
Were you married at that time? Yes
What is your wife's name? Betty M. Mann
Did you have any children at that time? No.
What do you do now? Own and operate feed mill retailing animal feeds, pet food and supplies and garden equipment.
When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? #1. On May 12, 1944 we were told to prepare to be more real than other times. #2. May 25 we were told.
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? Co G 8th Inf was an old, well trained outfit made up mostly of men w 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)« (1). One big rumor was that once the beach was secure other troops would by-pass us and we'd loaf the rest of the war. (2). I heard about the gasoline & fire deal. (3). I seem to remember a feeling of expecting a secret weapon -- from both sides.
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- for Cornelius Ryan 2 - Your name Ray A. Mann
Did you by any chance keep a diary of what happened to you that day? No -- But I can remember each hour of that day.
Were any of your friends killed or wounded either during the landing during the day? Yes. I became a replacement for our 1st Sgt. who was killed that day. Since we were an old outfit all were rather close.
Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties? In the marshalling area in England everybody got in the habit of saying "Oh, my aching back." Right after hitting the beach I think I expected to run right up to a sea wall (for protection) we were told existed. Almost immediately shells started to land (I always felt they came from our own Navy). I soon learned to drop when they landed. One hit in a group of men who started rolling and screeming (Oh my aching back.) One close one caused me to drop and hit a friend who seemed relieved to get a million dollar wound).
Were you wounded? No
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?
Do you remember seeing- or hearing anything that seems funny now, even though it did not, of course, seem amusing at the time? (1). Some of the first prisoners we got were white Russians who looked like Japs to us. We couldn't figure it out. (2). I still can't figure out how G.I.'s could have discovered Normandy cider, etc. so quick.
Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic, or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? (1). One G.I. in our outfit -- Francis Bower died because the pin in his hand grenade dropped out after he landed on the beach and was resting just up from the sea wall. (2). Gen. Roosevelt landed and seemed to get to the sea wall before anyone else. He certainly didn't seem to be bothered by all the activity. he was a tough old man. Jeeps name was "Rough Rider Jr."
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- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name Ray A. Mann
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? The entire landing didn't seem to be a big deal. We didn't have unusual difficulty -- we had casualties but they were expected. The men had been well trained and were doing what had been expected of them. The only thing I remember that differed was that immediately privates became "take charge" guys-- while some non-coms wilted.
Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? Troop ship heading for Normandy.
Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? Somewhere between St. Marie du Mons & St. Marie Eglise.
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?
My brother Ralph H. Mann Coopersburg, Pa Hdqts (Regt.) 508 Parachute Inf.
Laureldale is a suburb of Reading Pa. I'd be available for discussion at a moments notice.
PLEASE LET US HAVE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SO THAT IE CAN INCLUDE YOUR EXPERIENCES IN THE BOOK. WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE YOUR STORY ON SEPARATE SHEETS IF WE HAVE SOT LEFT SUFFICIENT ROOM, FULL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WILL BE GIVEN IS 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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June 4, 1958
Dear Miss Ward:
In a recent American Legion magazine I noticed a request for information from individuals who landed in the D-Day invasion in France.
I was a member of Co G, 8th Infantry 4th Division. Our company, as your know, landed in the second wave on Utah Beach. My part of the action was relatively unimportant, but I was a part at the initial assault team as a Pfc. in company headquarters boat with no apparent specific job to do; however I've always felt that I was there for a purpose -- take over as 1st Sgt - which I did.
Sincerely yours,
Ray a. Mann Lititz R.D. #2
(I'll be proud to cooperate.)
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