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the command post of the 116th Regimental Combat Team. Others of the
command group came out and identified themselves including Col. Canham.
Col. Canham impressed our platoon as his C.P. guard when he discovered
that his men were still back on the beach. During the afternoon some
scattered groups of his men showed up. But as the official War Department
history of Omaha beach stated it, the evening of "D" day Col. Canham's
force consisted mainly of the 5th Ranger Battalion, 645 men minus battle
losses. Paradox that it was, the Colonel would not have had those few
men had it not been for Lt. Gregory's foul up. Although Gregory's error
may have averted a tragedy on Omaha beach, he nevertheless was kicked
out of the Battalion several days later.

I will be at home at anytime for a talk with
Mr. Ryan if he happens to be in this part of the
country and will be happy to participate. I hope
this will be helpful.

Carl F. Weast