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[*Bethalto, Ill. LL ILL6*]

For Cornelius Ryan
Book about D-Day

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? Joseph James Ricci

What was your unit and division? 505 Parachute Reg.
82nd Air borne Div.

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time?
Near St. Mare Eglise
Approx. 12:00 Midnight or 12:30

What was your rank on June 6, 1944?
SG.T.
What was your age on June 6, 1944?
25
Were you married at that time? YES
What is your wife's name? Elizabeth
Did you have any children at that time ? No

What do you do now?
Pharmacist Owner
Ricci Rexall Drugs
124 S. Prairie St.
Bethalto ILL.

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion?
This was our third. We knew we would be first
to go in. We moved to security airports a week before
invasion.

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?
Not much conversation in a D.C. 3 plane.
Many slept from the drowsiness caused by the
anti-nausea pills taken.
You don't talk much before going in to
an invasion, especially if you have been in one
before. Mostly you sit & think. Mostly of you
& those at home- & which buddy you'r going to
loose.

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 ).
We were veterans we didn't believe
in rumors. we knew what to expect