Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 007, folder 13: Roy Otey Stevens

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Twin brother his time

D-Day Book Omaha STEVENS, Roy Otey Va 35 Release 29th DIV- Co-17 116th

Release to PG

Box 7, #13

Last edit almost 2 years ago by Alice Jennett
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Bedford, VA. RED (Apparently [illegible] Mr. [?Crouch?] of Bedford democrat) Omaha VA 35

For Cornelius Ryan Book about D-day

THOUSANDS OP 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? Roy Otey Stevens

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

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? Vier Ville Sumer, our boat was sunk about 250 yds of the coast. The time - 6:30

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? T/Sgt.

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 24 years old

Were you married at that time? No I was not married

What is your wife's name?

Did you have any children at that time?

What do you do now? Employee of Rubatex Division of Bedford, Va.

When did you know that you were going to he part of the invasion? About two Weeks 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?

The trip across the Channel, I will never forget, it was very rough. I had began to think that nature was against us. The thing that I remembered most was my twin brother. We wereloading our little boats from the British L.S.T. as I was going up on deck we met he smiled and extended his right hand. I said, no we will shake hands at the cross roads in France like we had already planned. I went to the cross roads later just to hold my part of the promise knowing he wouldn't be there. He got killed, on the beache.

We passed the time cleaning our weapons, sharping bannetts, playing poker and telling jokes. You could see the grim faces with great determination to fight for our rights. They knew this was it.

What were the rumors on bo^xd the boat, ship or plane in which you made the crossing ? (Some people remember scuttle-but to the effect that the Germans had poured gasoline on the water and planned to set it afire when the troops came in).

There was a rumor that the Germans had pulled two new Divisions in on Normandy which turned out to be so.

Last edit almost 2 years ago by Alice Jennett
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- for Cornelius Ryan 2 - Your name Roy O. Stevens Did you by any chance keep a diary of what happened to you that day? No Diary

Were any of your friends killed or wounded either during the landing or during the day?

Yes Iknew every man in our company there was 220 men. We were all one big family. The L.C.V.P. I was on one that was sunk. One boy drowned. We could here him yelling for help but on one could help him, the channel was too rough.

Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties?

Were you wounded? Yes but not on D-Day

Do you remember what it was like--that is, do you remember whether you felt any pain or were so surprised that you felt nothing? No pain just scared

Do you remember seeing or hearing anything that seems funny now, even though it may not have seemed funny at the time?

The thing that was right funny was this boy had his assault jacket on and it was loaded down. He saw he was about to drown if he didn’t get it off. He just took a dive and when he came up he didn’t have it. Boy was he a happy man and a smile from ear to ear. His name, Lewis A.Walls.

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? The saddest words I ever heard was this Sgt. of the machine gun section, He said, "I wouldn’t mind doing it if I could see my little baby".

Last edit almost 2 years ago by Alice Jennett
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- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name Roy O. Stevens

In times of great crisis, people generally show either great ingenuity or self-reliance; others do incredibly stupid things. Do you remember any examples of either from D-day?

"Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? I was on a LST British ship docked in Southampton, England.

Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? I was still in Southampton. We moved out around 2 o'clock PM June 6.

Do you know of anybody else who landed within the 24 hours of D-day, June 6, as infantry, glider or airborne troops, or who took part in the air and sea operations, whom we should write to?

Thomas J. Poindexter, Bedford, Va. RFD 1 He was with the 101 Airborne Div. ACO 507

Roy O. Stevens, Route 2, Bedford, Va.

PLEASE LET US HAVE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SO THAT WE CAN INCLUDE YOUR EXPERIENCES BI THE BOOK. WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE YOUR STORY ON SEPARATE SHEETS IF WE HAVE NOT LEFT SUFFICIENT ROOM. FULL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WILL BE GIVEN IN A CHAPTER CALLED ’’WHERE THEY ARE NOW” YOUR NAME AND VOCATION OR OCCUPATION WILL BE LISTED.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

Corne1ius Ryan

Frances Ward Research, The Reader's Digest

Last edit almost 2 years ago by Alice Jennett
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April 23, 1959

Mr. Roy O. Stevens Route 2 Bedford, Virginia

Dear Mr. Stevens:

We have your questionnaire in connection with a book on D-Day which is being prepared by Mr. Ryan for publication in the Reader's Digest in book form.

Due to the overwhelming response to this request, we have been deluged with material and have not had a chance to write to each and everyone as yet. However, we do want to thank you for being patient with us and to tell you how deeply grateful we are for your cooperation in sending us your questionnaire.

In order for us to edit your material for use in the book, it will be necessary for us to have your signature on the attached release, which we would thank you to return in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.

Again many thanks for your help.

Sincerely,

for Cornelius Ryan

aw encl.

Last edit over 1 year ago by MaryV
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