Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 010, folder 29: Raymond Michael Herlihy

Rangers HERLIHY, Raymond Michael NY 70

Box 10, #29

Co. D 5th Rangers

On [insert] & Across [end insert] Beach

"In crossing a rectangular field with 6 men - upon reaching our intended spot I found I found myself alone - one man had been killed, the remainder all seriously wounded."

N. Y O- TE LL NY 70 Better get him - ? Yes

For Cornelius Ryan Book about D- Day

THOUSANDS OF MEN, ON LAND AND SEA AND IN THE AIR , PARTICIPATED IN THE INVASION OF N0RMANDY 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? RAYMOND MICHAEL HERLIHY

What was your unit and division? 5TH RANGER BATTALION

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? H-Hour - "D" Day - June 6, 1944

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? 1ST SGT. OF COMPANY "D"

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 25

Were you married at that time? YES

What is your wife's name? FLORENCE

Did you have any children at that time? None - Wife was 9 months pregnant, however.

What do you do now? Am a tax representative for Prentice - Hall Publishers

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? Virtually assured of same at initiation of Ranger Bn.

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 water was rather choppy; yes, I can recall very vividly conversations with specific individuals

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). There were some reports as to latter; however, the report never seemed too credible -- the obstacles we actually encountered were similar to what we suspected & had, actually, trained for. [insert] e.g hedge-hogs Tetrafelia Tellermines [end insert]

- for Cornelius Ryan 2 - Your name Raymond Herlihy

Did you by any chance keep a diary of what happened to you that day? Nothe events were indelibly imprinted on my mind & are capable of immediate recall.

Were any of your friends killed or wounded either during the landing or during the day? Scores of them

Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties? Yes - particularly in crossing a rectangular field w/ 6 men - upon reaching our intended spot I found myself alone - one was killed the remainder all seriously wounded. I recall very vividly conversations w/ 3 of latter

Were you wounded? Not To Speak of.

Do you remember what it was like--that is, do you remember whether you felt any pain or were you so surprised that you felt nothing? Injury was too minor - was surprised, however, at my luck

Do you remember seeing or bearing anything that seems funny now, even though it did not, of course, seem amusing at the time? [inserted] tele? [end inserted] Yes, an incident of a German attack on the night of June 6TH - and complete amazement at the incredible actions of an old French woman w/ her cows during a real sharp small arms fight.

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic, or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? Yes there are several of the above.

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name

In times of great crisis, people generally show either great ingenuity or self-reliance; others do incredibly stupid things. Do you remember any examples of either? I can recall several of the former

Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? Aboard the HMS Baudouin

Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? On the western part of Vierville sur Mer.

Do you know of anybody else who landed within those 24 hours (midnight June 5 to midnight June 6) as infantry, glider or airborne troops, or who took part in the air and sea operations, whom we should write to? Sorry; encountered some air-borne & 29TH Division troops but never knew their complete names

PLEASE LET US HAVE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SO THAT WE CAN INCLUDE YOUR EXPERIENCES IN THE BOOK. WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE YOUR STORY ON SEPARATE SHEETS IF WE HAVE NOT LEFT SUFFICIENT ROOM. FULL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WILL BE GIVEN IN A CHAPTER CALLED "WHERE THEY ARE NOW; YOUR NAME AND VOCATION OR OCCUPATION WILL BE LISTED.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

Cornelius Ryan

Frances Ward

June 9,1958

Mr. Ray Herlihy 1620 Burke Avenue Bronx, Hew York

Dear Mr.Herlihy:

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 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