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May 2, 1958
Dear Mr. Appleby: A book about D-Day, June 6, 1944, is being prepared by Cornelius Ryan for publication in The Bender's Digest and in book form on the 15th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion in the spring of 1959. This will not be another strategic history, but the story of the twenty-four hours of invasion day as individuals lived them and remember them. For this we must find the men who were there and, if they are willing, invade their memories. The story of the 82nd airborne is obviously among the proudest, and therefore we were delighted to learn from General Gavin that someone is keeping a Company news sheet. We consider ourselves most fortunate in having received from Mr. Lassen a copy of his mailing list for the "E Company Poop Sheet." We understand from him that not all of his readers were necessarily members of 1 Company,505th Beglment,and that not all of them did necessarily go into Normandy on June 6, 1944. We write to you in the hope that you were in Normandy on D-Day, and more especially, in the hope that if you were there you will be willing to help us.
Mr. Ryan hopes ultimately to Interview most of the people who agree to contribute to the book. These interviews will probably be conducted in the late spring and early summer of this year in the course of a crosscountry trip which Mr. Ryan plans to meke. 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 expresses a willingness to help us. Therefore we hope that if you are willing to help us, 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 crystallize some hazy memories and to indicate the sort of information which we are seeking.
We will look forward to your reply with great anticipation. We want very much to tell the story of the 82nd, 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
Mr. Sam Appleby Prosecuting Attorney Christian County Ozark, Missouri.