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May 29, 1958
Miss Frances Ward Readers Digest 230 Park Avenue New York, New York
Dear Miss Ward:
I saw in the Legion Magazine that you are in search for some first hand information concerning the invasion of Normandy.
If you are interested, I can say that I served as a Sgt. through this invasion with the 82nd Airborne Division, 508th Paracute Reg. Co. 'H'.
I was one of the orginal Paratroopers, when the groups were first being formed. I spent three years in a Rifle Co. as a Machine-gunner and Squad Leader.
Feel free to contact me if you think you may have any questions.
Sincerely,
Donald I Jakeway Johnstown, Ohio Box 422 [signature]
Page 7
June 30, 1958
Mr. Donald I. Jakeway Box 422 Johnstown, Ohio
Dear Mr. Jakeway:
Thank you very much for your letter and for your willingness to help us with Cornelius Ryan's book about D-Day. I hope you will forgive the delay in replying to your kind offer of assistance; ve are grati- fied, but somewhat overwhelmed, by the wonderful response which we are getting as a result of our requests for information.
During the next few months, both in this country and in Europe, Mr. Ryan will be interviewing many of the D-Day participants who agree to contribute to the book. Very probably, he will wish to talk with you during that period. In the meantime, since we are dealing with so many people, we have found it necessary to develop an individual file on each person who agrees to help us. Therefore, we hope you will complete the enclosed record and return it to me at your earliest con- venience. We truly believe that these questions will serve you, as well as us, if they can help to crystallise some hazy memories and to indicate the sort of information which we are seeking.
I should be most grateful to know as soon as possible when and if you will be available for interview. We want very much to tell the story of your unit, and in order to do that we need the personal accounts of the men who were there. We particularly look forward to your reply.
Sincerely yours,
Frances Ward Research Department
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