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Page 6
May 9, 1958
Dear Captain Williams:
A book about D-Day, June 6, 1944, is being prepared by Cornelius Ryan for publication in The Reader's Digest in book form on the 15th anniversary of the Normandy invasion in the spring of 1959. It is being written with the complete cooperation and assistance of the Department of the Army 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 them 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 from the Department of the Army, of the part which you played in the invasion, we hope very much that you'll be interested in the project and will be willing to help us.
Mr. Ryan is presently in Europe trying to get the project under way there. He will be back in this country very shortly, and during the late spring and early summer of this year, both in this country and in Europe, he will be Interviewing many of the people who agree to contribute to the book. Very probably, he will wish to talk with you during that period, if you are willing and able to see him. In the meantime, since we are literally dealing with hundreds of people, we are finding it necessary to keep an individual file on each person who agrees to help us. Therefore we hope that if you are willing to help with the book, you will complete the enclosed record and return it to me at your earliest convenience. We truly believe that these questions will serve you as well as us, if they can help to crystallise some hazy memories and do indicate the sort of information which ve are seeking.
In Mr. Ryan's absence, I should be most grateful to know as soon as possible when and If you will be available for interview during the next two or three months. We will look forward very eagerly to your reply. We want very much to tell your story and the story of your unit, and in order to do that we need you. Thank you so very much for any help which you can give us.
Sincerely yours,
Frances Ward Research Department
Captain William Sevan Williams, 0379493 757 Townsend Avenue Hew Haven 13, Connecticut
Page 7
April 23, 1959
Captain William Bevan Williams 757 Townsend Avenue New Haven 13 Connecticut
Dear Captain Williams:
We last wrote to you on May 9th 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.
