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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? Charles R. Cawthon

What was your unit and division? Hq Co. 2nd Bn., 116th Inf., 29th Division

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? Approx 0700 6 June 1944

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Captain, Inf.

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 32 years

Were you married at that time? No

What is your wife's name? --

Did you have any children at that time? --

What do you do now? Lt. Col. USAR on extended active duty
Press and Information Officer, Hq. Allied Forces
Central Europe

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion?
My battalion began training for beach ault sometime in the summer
of 1943. I assume it was realized at the that time.

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?
It was routine like the previous dry runs.
I met a naval officer on the transport from my home town. He loaned
me a magazine/. I attened my duties, attended a religious service, There
was no particular tension or conversation regarding the assault. We had
all been soldiering together from one to three years. It was family
talk, mostly.

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).

no