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May 27, 1948

Mr. James J. Ricci
312 Logan Street
Bethalto, Illinois

Dear Mr. Ricci:

A history of D-Day, June 6, 1944, to coincide with the 15th anniversary
of the Normany 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 pro-
ject, 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