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[marginalia]Pennant LL
p. 2
NJ6

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 ? JAMES B. MCKEARNEY JR.
What was your unit and division? HQ. Co. 3rd BN. 501st PARACHUTE INF
101st AIRBORNE DIV.
Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time?
VEIRVILLE at 0110
What was your rank on June 6, 1944? S/SGT.
What was your age on June 6, 1944? 31
Were you married at that time? YES
What is your wife ’s name? HELEN J. MCKEARNEY
Did you have any children at that time ? NO
What do you do now? REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING BUSINESS
When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion?
ABOUT 30 May 1944
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?
The plane flew very low over the channel. Some
fellows wanted to know if they could turn back.
A lot of senceless chatter - chain smoking - the
door of the plane was open - all you could see was
planes and more planes. Suddenly the shore line,
the pilot took the ship up - the Green Light
out you go - Geronimo!

What were the rumors on board the boat, ship or plane IN which you made
the crossing? (Some people remember scuttlebutt to the effect that the
Germans had poured gasoline on the water and planned to set it afire when
the troops came in).
There were no rumors on our plane
but the Germans did have anti paratroop
and glider obstacles on the ground.