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June 16, 1958

Mr. Jesse L. Newcomb, Jr.
Keysville
Virginia

Dear Mr. Newcomb:

A history of D-Day, June 6, 1944, to coincide with the 15th anniversary of
the Normandy invasion next year is being prepared by Cornelius Ryan for
publication in the Reader's Digest and in book form. It is being written
with the complete cooperation and assistance of the Department of the Amy
and the Department of Defense. This will not be another strategic history
of invasion day, but a story of the twenty-four hours of D-Day as people
lived the and remembered them. For this, we can only go to the men who
were there and, if they are willing, invade their memories. Having learned
of the part which you played in the invasion, we hope very much that you
will be interested in the project and agree to help us.

During the next few months, both in this country and in Europe, Mr. Ryan
will be interviewing many of the D-Day participants who agree to contribute
to the book. Very probably, he will wish to talk with you during that period.
In the meantime, since we are dealing with literally hundreds of people, we
have found it necessary to develop an individual file on each person who
agrees to help us. Therefore, we hope that if you are interested in the pro-
ject, you will complete the enclosed record and return it to me at your ear-
liest convenience. We truly believe that these questions will serve you, as
well as us, if they can help to crystallize some hazy memories and to indicate
the sort of information which we are seeking.

I should be most grateful to know as soon as possible when and if you will be
available for interview during the next few months. We want very much to
tell the story of your unit, and in order to do that we need your personal
account. We look forward eagerly to your reply.

Sincerely yours,

Frances Ward
Research Department

FW:LL
Enclosure