Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 010, folder 59: Wallace Wayne Young

YOUNG, Wallace Wayne 2nd Ranger Ban Pa 47 Box 10, #59

2nd Rangers Near Vierville sur Mere

On beach "Father Lacy was giving the plasma, last words and in general helping everyone although shells were falling all over the area. Many of our men at that moment came to realize God helps them that help themselves. A good foxhole was first on the agenda- and then the prayer that you would not get hit."

I have the "[Mangtive] History" of Hdq. Co. 2nd. Ranger Bn. April 1943 to May 1945. I am available for an interview most any evening. Please give 24 hr. advance notice. Thank you. For Cornelius Ryan Book about D-day

THOUSANDS OF MEN, ON LAND AND SE 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? WALLACE WAYNE YOUNG What was your unit and division? 2nd Ranger Bn. Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? Near Verville Sur Mere at 8:00 A.M. JUNE 6th

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? PFC

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 23

Were you married at that time? No What is your wife's name? BELVA JEAN Did you have any children at that time?

What do you do now? ELECTRICAN

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? At Briefing session Had Necessary papers For 9 Men.

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? Mostly talking about what was coming. Not many fellows were joking now that the final moment had arrived. Galley was open to everyone and apples were sticking out of many a boys pocket.

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). No rumors on our boat.

- for Cornelius Ryan 2 - Your name Wallace Wayne Young

Did you by any chance keep a diary of what happened to you that day? NO

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

Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties? NO

Were you wounded? LATER

Do you remember what it was like — that is, do you remember whether you felt any pain or were so surprised that you felt nothing?

Do you remember seeing or hearing anything that seems funny now, even though it may not have seemed funny at the time?

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else?

ONE THING IN Particular. Father Lacy was giving the plasma , last words and in general helping everyone although shells were falling all over the area. Many of our men at that moment came to realize God helps them that help themselves. A good foxhole was first on the agenda and then the prayer that you would not get hit.

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name Wallace Wayne YOUNG

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 from D-day? Too BUSY to notice such matters.

Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? ON APA #3 CHARLES CARROL

Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? OMAHA BEACH France Dug in Beside a tank in the chalky Ground - scared

Do you know of anybody else who landed within the 24 hours of D-day, June 6, as infantry, glider or airborne troops, or who took part in the air and sea operations, whom we should write to? Mr. Alex M. STOJKOV 4417 GIFFORD AVE CLEVELAND OHIO MY BUDDY

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 Research, The Reader's Digest

July 18, 1958

Mr. Wallace W. Young RD #2 Beaver Falls, Penna.

Dear Mr. Young:

Thank you very much for your recent letter and for your willingness to help us with Cornelius Ryan's book about D-Day.

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 so many people, we have found it necessary to develop an individual file on each person who agrees to help us. Therefore, we hope 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 avaliable for interview. We want very much to tell the story of your unit, and in order to do that we need the personal accounts of the men who were there. We particularly look forward to your reply.

Sincerely yours, Frances Ward Research Department

FW:LL Enclosure