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CONN 11
Rocky Hill, (Hartford) CONN.
GREEN

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 FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

What is your full name? Francis L. Simeone

What was your unit and division? Co. G. 2nd Battalion, 116th
Infantry Reg., 29th Division

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time?
Landed on Omaha Beach, at H-Hour 6:30AM

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Private

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 20 years old

Were you married at that time? No

What is your wife's name? Ellen A. Simeone

Did you have any children at that time? No - not married

What do you do now? Automobile Casualty [illegible] for
Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co. - Hartford
Insurance Group. - Asylum, Ave., Hartford, Conn.

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion?
The numerours amphibious maneuvers we were
subjected to every few week from about Feb to May 1944
Enforced Training program assault [?due?] insulation on the
English southern sea coast. Many others to numerous to mention.

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?
Do not recall the crossing. We were aboard the APA Thomas
Jefferson (a fast ship) and made our rendezvous with the rest of
the task force sometime on the night of June 5.
My recollection as far as conversation is concerned is vague
the boys were not in a talkative mood. Especially our officer
asked anyone wishing to see the Chaplin to make any final will
or anything else they wanted done.
Tried to rest or sleep but could not to many thoughts were
going through my mind, started to get nervous etc.
Some gambling and talking about going to Paris with the
winnings we had made at various [?marshalling?] area.

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).
Do not recall to many specific rumors. We
did hear that the defenders were old timers
who would not give us a tough time since
they were sick of the whole thing about being
in the area such a long time etc.
To watch out for the French civilians
because they were not sure if we would be
successful in liberating the area and were used
to the occupation troops after over three years etc.