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Edward M. Gearing
3506 Dundee Driveway
Chevy Chase 15, Maryland

MD-1

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 MIDNIGH JUNE 5, 1944 AND MIDNIGHT JUNE
6, 1944. IF YOU WERE ONE OF THEM, PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

What is your full name?
Edward Marcellus Gearing

What was your unit and division?
Co. "A", 116th Inf., 29th Div.

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time?
I arrived in Normandy on Omaha Beach. I was in charge the boat team on
the extreme right flank of the first wave due to hit the beach at 6 A.M..
However our LCA hit a mine approx. 300 yards from shore and sank. I did not
get to the beach until a few hours later.

What was your rank on June 6, 1944?
2nd Lt.

What was your age on June 6, 1944?
Twenty

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?
Assistant Division Controller, NEMS Clarke Company
Division of Vitro Corporation of America

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion?
Approx. ten Months before D-Day.

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 is extremely difficult to recall all that occured during the
crossing. However, I do recall several thingswhich are difficult to
put in this report. I would be very happy to discuss it further at
Mr. Ryan's convenience.

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).
Sam e as above.