Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 015, folder 01: Joseph John Bruno

BRUNO, Joseph John USS TEXAS Pa 18 Box 15, #1 Mentions seeing soldiers [?seasoned?] [?lydi?] civilians Was about TEXAS Sweden un [?Cornelius?] [?Banothinl?] might be able to elaborate

?[Melkees Rocks,]? 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? Joseph John Bruno What was your unit and division? Battleship U.S.S. TEXAS (Flagship of the Atlantic Fleet) Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? On the north coast of France between the ports of Le Harve and Cherbourg, at 2:00 A.M. we were 12 miles from the beach. At 5:50 A.M. my ship the U.S.S. TEXAS opened fire and the ship rocked tremendously as salvo after salvo was fired into the enemy batteries. At 6:30 A.M. the first wave of troops hit the beach and at which time we were given the order far "cease firing". What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Seaman First Class What was your age on June 6, 1944? 21 yrs of age Were you married at that time? No What is your wife's name? Not married Did you have any children at that time?

What do you do now? I am a freight traffic clerk for the military traffic management agency (U.S. Army) whose office is located in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa.

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? Sometime in April we suspected that we were going to be a part of something because we commenced a combination of endless drills and preparations. We were anchored in Belfast (Lough), Northern Ireland. On June 4th the Chaplain of our ship made an announcement over the PA system that we were going to participate in the invasion. 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?

Minutes of great tenseness because we were proceeding through very hazardous mine fields. Once during the night, our guide misled us in the channel, but we soon regained our bearing and were able to proceed on. When nearing our target, a long line of landing craft cut in front of our bow and made it necessary to stop so that they could pass safely. One of our LST's cut across our bow too close and rammed into our ship. There was no damage, however, and both ships continued on their way. Troops and heavy equipment in endless streams were seen moving up in preparation for their scheduled landings. We passed the time by playing cards, checkers, reading. I must admit that thoughts entered my mind as to whether or not I would ever see home again, but through the graces of God I was one of the fortunate to come back.

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). The rumors were that the waters were heavily mined, and that numerous enemy submarines and planes could be expected in the area., we were all told to be on the alert at all times.

- for Cornelius Ryan 2 - Your name Joseph J. Bruno

Did you by any chance keep a diary of what happened to you that day? No - it was not permissable for fear of our ship being sunk and that information falling into enemy hands. Were any of your friends killed or wounded either during the landing or during the day? Not from my ship, but we observed other ships being hit from shore installations, also allied planes being shot down, and several pilots rescued by French civilians. Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties?

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? No

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic, or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else?

Witnessed the radio glider bombs as they approached the ship before being repelled. [Post D-day] About June 7, three Rangers were brough aboard for medical treatment. Two were taken to the beach later for burial because they died during the night , and one was dead when brought on board. Saw the Susan B. Anthony, one of our troop transport ships, sinking, along th several other craft. 27 German Prisoners were brought aboard our ship. [illegible/crossed out] As the first wave hit the beach many of the boats were missing, but others kept coming through the wreckage. There were underwater obstacles and mines. Fire from machine guns and snipers which greeted the assault troops. Splashes from enemy mortars and artillery studded the beach. But each man had his dedicated task, and on they came.

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name Joseph J. Bruno

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? somewhere in the English Channel

Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? About 15 miles from the Normandy Beach

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?

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 GALLED "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

I can be available for interview anytime except the 4th Thursday of each month at which time I must be present at our local Legion Post monthly meeting. It is requested that I be notified as to the time, place, and date at least one (1) week in advance. Thanking you. I remain.

Sincerely, Joseph J. Bruno Joseph J. Bruno 815 Broadway McKees Rocks, Penna.