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WASH Richland

For Cornelius Ryan
Book about D-Day WASH-1

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 THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

What is your full name? Robert Franco

What was your unit and division? 505th parachute Infantry Reg,
Medical Detachment 2nd Battalion. Before June 6 ended I
switched over to 3rd Bn as their medical officers had been injured.

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time?
I dropped with Hq Co, 2nd Bn, not far from
Ste Mere Eglise. Time about 1 AM (double summer time)

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Captain

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 30

Were you married at that time? No

What is your wife's name? Ilene Franco
Did you have any children at that time? No

What do you do now?
Private practice of Surgery, Richland, Washington

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? About a month
before. As Asst. Reg. Surgeon I was awarded a
fairly high security rating & was briefed
with the battalion commanders (or shortly after)

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?
Slept most of the time.
Trip was quiet, night was beautiful

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).
Recall no rumors.
This outfit indulged in very little
of this sort of thing