Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 102, folder 10: Edward Bailey

Bailey, Edward N. Cpl.

American 82/504

Box 102, #10

[*OK Day List*]

Cornelius Ryan Collection of World War II Papers Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections Ohio University Libraries

Bailey, Edward N. Cpl.

II. I will always remember seeing the civilians scampering around the villages. Everyone was tense until we stood up and someonw yelled "Stand on your tip-toes boys this is as near to heaven as you will ever get."

THE READER'S DIGEST

In checking official army records, we understand that you may have participated in the airborne assault of Holland in September, 1944. Would you kindly answer the following questions:

What is your full name? EDWARD N. "TOBY" BAILEY

Your present address and telephone number? 3990 Oakhill Drive, College Park, Georgia 30022 761-5393

What do you do today? Claims Counselor State Department of Veterans Service Atlanta, Georgia

What was your unit, division, corps, as of September 1944? 3rd Bn. 508th Regt. 82nd Division

What was your rank as of September, 1944? Corporal

What was your age as of September, 1944? Eighteen

Were you single/engaged/married then? To whom? If married, did you have any children at that time? Single

Where were you born? College Park, Georgia

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When did you get to the ETO and what previous combat had you seen? January, 1944 None

When did you know you were going to be part of the Holland operation? First part of September, 1944

What was your reaction? Were you anxious, resigned or relieved, for example, to return to action? Scared

What was the trip like into Holland? Do you remember seeing anything unusual or any conversations you had, or how you passed the time? It was a very beautiful day and I will always remember seeing the civilians scampering around the villages. Everyone was tense until we stood up, and someone yelled "Stand on your tip-toes boys this is as near to heaven as you will ever get."

How did you feel about a daylight operation? Do you recall any conversations with your friends about it? What was said? We were all excited, because it was such a clear day and we could see everything happening on the ground.

What were the rumours on board the plane or glider inwhich you flew to Holland? Had you heard, for example, that if the Holland invasion was successful, the war would be over by winter? We were led to believe that this would be our last invasion before going home.

Did you by any chance keep a diary or notebook of what happened to you during the period just prior to September,17, 1944, through September 26, 1944? Do you still have it? I kept a complete diary during this time but lost it when I was wounded in January, 1945.

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Were any of your friends killed or wounded on the day of the drop or on subsequent days? Yes.

Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties? None, that would be unusual.

Were you wounded or captured during this period? Can you give details? No.

Do you recall seeing or hearing anything that seems humourous now even though it may not have seemed so at the time? No.

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? The bravery of our officers, particularly our Commanding Officer, Lt. Colonel Louis Mendez was sensational.

Do you remember any significant experiences you may have had with Dutch civilians or members of the Dutch underground? Would you explain? I recall that they were very helpful and dependable.

What do you remember most about the country of Holland? The cleanliness, particularly inside the homes.

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In times of great crisis, people generally show amazing ingenuity or selfreliance; others sometimes do incredibly stupid things. Do you recall any examples of either? The things that impressed me most during combat was when someone got killed or wounded there was always someone capable of taking over. Although, I shouldn't have been, I was amased at the bravery of my buddies.

Do you recall any incidents with the Germans? Fights, surrenders, truces or any conversations you may have had with them afterwards? We, in my opinion had our toughest battle capturing and recapturing the village of Beek, Holland. It was several days and many casualties before we were finally able to keep control of this village.

Do you know of anybody else who landed within the period as infantry, glider, or airborne troops, or who took part in any of the operations, whom we should write to? Please include addresses if available. No.

PLEASE LET US HAVE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT WE MAY INCLUDE YOUR EXPERIENCES IN THE BOOK. WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE YOUR STORY ON SEPARATE SHEETS OF PAPER IF WE HAVE NOT LEFT SUFFICIENT ROOM. FULL ACKNOWLEDG- MENT WILL BE GIVEN IN A CHAPTER CALLED "WHERE THEY ARE TODAY." YOUR NAME AND VOCATION OR OCCUPATION WILL BE LISTED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

Sincerely yours,

Heather Chapman for Cornelius Ryan