Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 011, folder 44: Stanson R. Jones

Jones, 1st Lt. Stanson R. Co A 18th Inf. Regt. lst Inf. Div.

Box 11, #44

Columbus, GEORGIA

For Cornelius Ryan Book about D-Day

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.

[*Says little, but may have something -- sounds as if he may be a friend of Barrett (CMH winner)*]

What is your full name? Stenson Rudolph Jones.

What was your unit and division? Company "A" 18th Inf Regt 1st Inf Div.

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? On "Omaha Red" about 0630, 6 June 1944

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Sergeant

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 21 years

Were you married at that time? No

What is your wife's name? Gwendolyne Marie Jones [*Barrett?*]

Did you have any children at that time? No

What do you do now? Still in the service, (Army Pilot

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? About two weeks prior.

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? We crossed on an LCI which made the crossing pretty crowded. I can remember only a little small talk which was only to try to break tension. Most of us were trying to get a little sleep so we would be ready for what was ahead.

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). Yes there is always rumors, but we knew where were going which helped to hold the down. We were hoping for Paris in a month and Berlin in ninety days which I think was the main thing we talked about.

- for Cornelius Ryan 2 - Your name Stenson R Jones

Did you by any chance keep a diary of what happened to you that day? No. We were not even allowed a picture if it had a address on it.

Were any of your friends killed or wounded either during the landing or during the day? Yes over 80% of the Company was either killed or wounded and some of them were very Dear to me.

Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties? Yes some and if you ever get around to interview me I believe I could tell you better than I can write it down

Ware 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? Some pain but it was not great. Supprised No, I was looking at the man that shot me.

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

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic, or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? Yes I had a very close friend of [crossed out]my[end crossed out] mine win the CMH. [*Barrett?*]

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name Stenson R Jones

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? Yes but some are long drawn out things

Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? in the English Channel on a LCI

Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? About 1500 yds inland from Omaha Beach.

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? Yes quite a few but do not know where they are now

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

June 5, 1958

1st Lt. Stanson R. Jones 2525 Sharpe Avenue Columbus, Georgia

Dear Lt. Jones:

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 project, 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 memor- ies 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 per- sonal account. We look forward eagerly to your reply.

Sincerely yours,

Frances Ward Research Department

FW:LL Enclosure