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[handwritten] PA 27
[handwritten] Springfield, PA.
[handwritten] might catch him [illegible]
[handwritten] The man who spent day walk back to [illegible]

For Cornelius Ryan
Book about D-Day

THOUSANDS OF MEN, ON LAND AND SEA AND IN THE AIR, PARTICIPATED IN THE
INVASIO 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? [handwritten] Robert L. Strayer

What was your unit and division? [handwritten] 2nd. Battalion - 506th Para. Inf.
101st Airborne Div.

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time?
[handwritten] 1:26 AM 6 June 1944

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? [handwritten] Lt.Colonel

What was your age on June 6, 1944? [handwritten] 32

Were you married at the time? [handwritten] yes

What is your wife's name? [handwritten] Mildred S.

Did you have any children at that time? [handwritten] No

What do you do now? [handwritten] Insurance business -

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion?
[handwritten] Approximately one month prior to the actual 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?
[handwritten] Smooth until we crossed over the channel Islands when we were
fixed at - when we reached the coast of France the machine gun fire
etc. hitting the plane sounded like hail. Very littel conversation
during the trip over. Everyone occupied with own thoughts. When time
for hookup - a big sign of relief went up. We were glad to get
the hell out of the plane & get into some action - since the
idea of sitting on our duffs & getting shot at without fighting
back was not our style.

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).
[handwritten] When Red lite caem on the pilot of the plane sent the
crew chief back & wished us all "luck". Said he would
drink an xtra scotch & water for us when he returned
to his base within the hour! The lucky stiff!
Rumor had it that all jump areas were spiked -
ie: the Krauts had put big wooden stakes (ends pointed)