Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 014, folder 32: John C. Welborn

WELBORN, John C. 4th Div Ky 3 Box 14 #32

Fort Knox KY-3

For Cornelius Ry 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? John C. WELBORN

What was your unit and division? 70th Tank Bn attached to 4th Infantry Divsion Boone

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time ? Utah Beach About H+

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Lt. Colonel

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 35 years

Were you married at that time? yes

What is your wife's name? Elizabeth B. Welborn

Did you have any children at that time? yes

What do you do now? PresiDent, US Army Armor Board

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? About February 1944

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 ? Rough. Talked to Col. J.A. Van Fleet (later Lt. Gen) Commander of 8th Inf of 4th Division to which my unit was Attached and a war correspondent (name unknown)

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).

Heavy mining and obstacles on Utah beach

- for Cornelius Ryan 2 -

Your name John C. Welborn

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

Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties? NO

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? Not applicable

Do you remember seeing- or bearing 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? Yes

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 -

Your name John C. Welborn

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? yes

“Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? Crossing the channel

“Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? Saint Hubert (N.E. of St. Marie de Mont)

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? Lt. Gen van Fleet (Retired)

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

RECORD OF AWARD OF DECORATION

WELBORN JOHN C. 018863 LT. COL.

Organization 70th Tank Bn.

Headquarters 1st U.S. ARMY Station or APO 230 Co No 35 Section II Date 19 July 1944

Type of Award Distinguished Service Cross Posthumous NO

By Command of ARMY COMMANDER

CITATION For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 6 and 7 June 1944, in ***. During the assault on the Heavily fortified Coast of ****, Lieutenant Colonel Welborn, in order to get his assault companies on the beach at the earliest possible moment, voluntarily landed on foot. Despite the heavy enemy fire, he immediately proceeded inland. When he contacted his tank companies, he organized them for attacks against enemy pillboxes and strong points. When a tank of his battalion was disabled by a mine and struck three times by antitank shells that killed the driver and wounded other soldiers, Lieutenant Colonel Welborn, With complete disregard for his own safety, aided in evacuating the wounded from this damaged tank. On the 7th of June when a heavy enemy counterattack threatened vital positions Lieutenant Colonel Welborn rallied his battalion and fearlessly lead a company of tanks through heavy enemy fire while mounted in a 1/4ton truck. The personal bravery and fearless leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Welborn reflects great credit on himself and on the Armed Forces.

Entered military service from Wash.