Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 013, folder 08: Jim P. Blackstock

4th Div BLACKSTOCK, Jim P. Pa 59 Box 13, #8

Phila., Pa. PA 59 For Cornelius Ryan Book about D-day LR BLACK

THOUSANDS OF MEN, ON LAND AND SEA AND IN THE AIR, PARTICIPATED IN THE INVASION OP 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? JIM P BLACKSTOCK

What was your unit and division? CO. K 8th INF 4th DIV

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? UTAH BEACH

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? STAFF SGT

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 28

Were you married at that time? YES

What is your wife's name? SOPHIE

Did you have any children at that time? NO

What do you do now? OPTICIAN

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? ABOUT 5/15/44

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 TRIP WAS NICE . WE PLAYED CARDS AND TALKED ABOUT WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE IN FRANCE. YES I REMEMBER SOME OF THE CONVERSATIONS

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 A LOT OF RUMORS.

- for Cornelius Ryan 2 -

Your name JIM BLACKSTOCK

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? YES

Were you wounded? YES

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? I WAS SO SURPRISED I FELT NOTHING AT FIRST.

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

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

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name JIM P. BLACJSTOCK

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 ? YES

Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944 ? ON THE SHIP ON THE WAY TO THE INVASION I DON'T RECALL THE NAME OF THE SHIP

Where were you at midnight on June 6 , 1944 ? NORTHEAST OF SAINTMARY'S BLEES

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? YES FRED SHICORA 745 FLORENCE ST EAST MCKEESPORT PA

ADAM E HARTEL BOX 418 DAISYTOWN PA

BENSON REILLY BOX 113 RD 1 POTTSUILLE PA

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT 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 22, 1958

Mr James Blackstock 1431 H. Howard Street Philadelphia 22, Penna.

Dear Mr. Blackstock:

A history of D-Day, June 6, 1944, to coincide with the 15th anniver- sary of the Normandy invasion next year is being prepared by Cornelius Ryan for publication in the Readers' Digest and in book form. It is being written with the complete cooperation and assistance of the De- partment of the Amy 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, in- vade 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 in- dividual 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 be- lieve 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 in- formation 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