Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 008, folder 22: William J. Meddaugh

THE READER'S DIGEST P L E A S A N T V I L L E • N E W Y O R K May 27, 1958 Mr.W. J. Meddaugh 37 Garden Street Hyde Park, New York Dear Mr. Meddaugh: A history of D-Day, June 6, 1944, to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the Normandy invasion next year is being prepared by Cornelius Ryan for publication in the Reader's Digest and in book form. 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 of the part which you played in the invasion, we hope very much that you will be interested in the project and agree to help us. 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 literally hundreds of people, we have found it necessary to develop an individual file on each person who agrees to help us. Therefore, we hope that if you are interested in the project, 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. I should be most grateful to know as soon as possible when and if you will be available for interview during the next few months. We want very much to tell the story of your unit, and in order to do that we need your personal account. We look forward eagerly to your reply. Sincerely yours, Frances Ward Research Department FW:LL Enclosure RESEARCH DEPARTMENT, 230 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y. . TELEPHONE MURRAY HILL 4-7000

If Mr Ryan feels that I might contribute anything to his book, I would be glad to make myself available for an interview at any time. W J Meddaugh

MEDDAUGH, William J. TIE WITH COYLE NY 14 82nd Airborne Division Questionnaire sent to Miss Frances Ward for interview at convention, July 3—5, by Mr. David Kerr.