Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 015, folder 36: John N. Holman, Jr.

HOLMAN, John N., Jr. USS HOBSON Miss 1 Box 15, #36

MISS 1 Macon, Miss.

For Cornelius Ryan Book about D-day

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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.

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What is your full name? John N. Holman, Jr.

What was your unit and division? USS HOBSON Destroyer #464

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? Utah Beachhead. We began fire at 5:30 a.m. June 6th

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Seaman first class

What was your age on June 6, 1944? twenty

Were you married at that time? no

What is your wife's name? Mildred

Did you have any children at that time? no

What do you do now? Boy Scout Field Executive

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? We were given a complete briefing on the invasion June 3rd

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? There were LST's, transports, battleships, cruisers and destroyers behind us as we led a convoy across the channel. It was quite thrilling to look back and as far [crossed out] th [end crossed out] as the eye could see were ships, filled with men united as a team to fight for freedom.

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

- for Cornelius Ryan 2 - Your name J. N. Holman

Did you by any chance keep a diary of what happened to you that day? Yes

Were any of your friends killed or wounded either during the landing or during the day? No

Do you remember any conversations you had with them before they became casualties?

Were you wounded? No

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? No

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? I remember, how in the smoke and glow from the flames of bombing, our planes in wave after wave, just above sea level, kept pounding, pounding, pounding at the enemy beach. There was a great feeling of brotherhood for the plane crews, especially as some would catch fire and spin to their destiny.

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name J. N. Holman, Jr.

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? I was below the main deck during the ship's firing support of the soldiers hitting the beach, but someone on the public address kept us posted as if broadcasting a ball game. The calmness with which he called the plays kept those of us below decks from becoming upset or panicky. When there were near misses on the ship, we could hear the splashes through the sides [crossed out] of the [end crossed out] but the calm clear voice assured us that all was well.

Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? The ship was called to general quarters at 10:30 that evening and remained at our battle stations for 16 hours.

Where were you at midnight June 6, 1944? Getting a fresh supply of ammunition in Portland, England.

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? No

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. J. N. Holman, Jr. Macon Mississippi

Dear Mr. Holman:

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 available 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 particuarly look forward to your reply.

Sincerely yours,

Frances Ward Research Department

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