Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 010, folder 54: Richard P. Sullivan

SULLIVAN, Lt Col Richard P. Mass 4 Box 10,#54

5th Rangers Omaha "Dog Green"

On Run into Beaches Saw "an LCI approach the beach with troops all lined up to run down the gangway when an artillery shell containing liquid fire (napom) exploded on the deck, covering all with flame & causing most of the men to jump into the sea."

On Beach "The activities of Brig Gen Dan Cota seemed stupid at the time. Actually, it was sheer heroism & the dedication of a professional soldier & fine officer that prompted him to walk up & down the beach urging men forward. I remember his aide de camp being a nervous wreck trying to get the General to stop his activities."

Note "Our chaplain had never trained with us. He was loaned us by Gen. Bradley on our request. He was awarded the DSC." Father Lacy.

R-TE [*illegible*] For Cornelius Ryan Book about D-Day [*MASS4*]

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. [*LL*]

What is your full name? LT. COLONEL RICHARD P. SULLIVAN

What was your unit and division? FIFTH (5) RANGER INFANTRY BATTALION [*XO"]

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? OMAHA "DOG GREEN" BEACH, VIERVILLE SUR MER EXIT, INITIAL LANDING(Approx. 6;45 a.)

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Major, Infantry---Executive Officer Provisional Ranger Group What was your age on June 6, 1944? Twenty-six years Were you married at that time? Yes What is your wife's name? Florence K. Sullivan Did you have any children at that time? Two

What do you do now? Partner, Engineer, Heating, Ventilating & Enginering Business

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? First unofficial word came at the time of formation of the Fifth Ranger Battalion, in September 1943. Official information came to very few in January or February of 1944 or thereabouts, 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? [*Chaplain?*] Very enjoyable under the circumstances, I remember very much being (Knighted) into the order of St. Patrick by the officers of our British Naval vessel, with an impressive and comical "gin pouring ceremony" and being presented by an Aussie officer with an Irish shillea. I can remember introducing our newly arrived Chaplain around the ship, he having arrived only hours before sailing, he never having been trained with our troops. In fact he was loaned our force by Gen. Omar Bradley on our request.

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). Nothing particular, our troops had been trained and retrained to understand that the German enemy, would possibly do anything to keep us from landing and I am certain when I say that all did reasonably expect fire to be amongst the weapons to be utilized.

Most of the men were in quiet reflection, and discussing the general operation.

- for Cornelius Ryan 2 - Your name R.P. SULLIVAN

Did you by any chance keep a diary of what happened to you that day? None Were any of your friends killed or wounded either during the landing or during the day? Our organization was a closely knit group and I considered all of our personnel my close friends, unfortuantely many were killed during the landing and that first day. Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties ? Not particularly

Were you wounded ? Yes 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 ? Felt like a bee sting at first, on finding blood I was throughly frightened until I was sure it was superficial.

Do you remember seeing or hearing anything that seems funny now, even though it did not, of course, seem amusing at the time?

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic, or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? Yes the approach of a LCI to the beach, with troops all lined up to run down the gangway to the beach, when an artillery shell containing liquid fire (napom) exploded on the deck covering all with flame, causing most of the men to jump into the sea. This happened only a few yard from shore.

[*No other mention of napalm?*]

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name R.P. SULLIVAN 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? The activities of Brig. Gen Dan Cota, seemed to be stupid at the time, but it was actually nothing but sheer heroism, and dedication of a professional soldier and fine officer, that prompted him to walk up and dwon the landing beach urging the men forward. I remember his aide-de camp being a nervous wreck trying to get the General to stop his activities. Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? On the Bridge of H.MS. Prince Badouin On the High sea's Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? In a farm house in Vierville sur Mer. Did 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? Monsignor Joseph R. Lacy, St Micahel's Rectory, Hartford, Connecticut. Chaplain to the Assault Ranger Battalions, Landed with and in my craft, awarded D.SCC. Colonel Earl Rudder, C.O. Second Ranger Bn. Land Office Austin Texas 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 ARE THEY NOW; YOUR NAME AND VOCATION OR OCCUPATION WILL BE LISTED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. Cornelius Ryan Frances Ward Research The Reader's Digest

DECORATIONS AND AWARDS BRANCH, Initials [illegible] MILITARY PERSONNEL DIVISION, AGO. Date 22/8/[illegible] RECORD OF AWARD OF DECORATION BY AGENCY OTHER THAN WAR DEPARTMENT Last Name First Name Middle Initial Serial No. Grade SULLIVAN RICHARD P. 0399856 Maj. Organization Foreign Others Infantry Headquarters Station or APO G.O. No. Section Date 1st United States Army 230 28 I 20 June 1944 Type of Award Posthumous DO NOT WRITE IN COLUMN BELOW D.S.C. No Oak-Leaf Clusters Number Posthumous By Command of Amended Revoked ARMY COMMANDER CITATION For extraordinary heroism in action from 6 June 1944 to 10 June 1944 near **********France. Completely disregarding his own safety, he personally directed a successful landing operation and lead his men across the beach covered with machine gun, artillery and rocket fire. After reorganizing his men he immediately resumed his duties as Battalion Executive officer and was placed in command of two Ranger companies which fought their way inland against fierce opposition to join and relieve the Ranger detachment on ******. After laying communications through the enemy lines under cover of darkness, Major Sullivan directed the Rangers' progress across country to *******and********. In cooperation with United States Infantry an attack was begun on the **** battery. When certain elements were temporarily halted by artillery fire Major Sullivan, who had been wounded at ******, calmly and courageously rallied his officers and men, ordered a renewal of the attack, and instead of bypassing the resistance, advanced over heavily mined terrain to capture the ****** battery with a loss of only fifteen (15) man. Eighty six (86) prisoners and several large caliber artillery pieces in concrete bunkers were taken. Attacks by Major Sullivan's command contributed greatly to the success of the entire Corps' operations. By his intrepid direction, heroic leadership and super[illegible] professional ability, Major Sullivan set an inspiring example to his command reflecting the highest traditions of the armed forces. Entered military service from MASS.