Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 015, folder 38: Stanley William Jancik

LST 538 Jancik, Stanley William U.S. Navy Neb 5

Box 15, #38

NEB 5 Lincoln, Nebraska For Cornelius Ryan Book about D-day LL nothing

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.

What is your full name? Stanley William Jancik What was your unit and division? LST #538 U.S. Navy

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? June 6th 1944 about 8 A.M.

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? S/C What was your age on June 6, 1944? 24 yrs

Were you married at that time? yes What is your wife's name? Martha L Jancik

Did you have any children a that time? yes What do you do now? Salesman for Singer Sewing Mch Co.

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? the night before 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? I was a radar operator and the weather was bad, the channel was rough. and also it was raining What were the rumors on hoard 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). all I can say is that I was up in the radar room watching radar and never had a chance to talk with anybody. Although the night before the invasion we all gatherd on deck and gave a prayer.

- for Cornelius Ryan 2Your name Stanley W. Jancik

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, one of my best shipmates who was a baker told me if he got killed to make sure his mother rec'd his gear which I helped pack and send to her with tears in my eyes.

Were you wounded? yes + 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? yes Do you remember seeing or hearing anything that seems funny now, even though it may not have seemed funny at the time? yes how everyone was shouting and running

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? yes, the captain came up and we said a prayer together

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name

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? all I wanted to do was help everyone I could. but I couldn't leave my battle station which was radar

Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? at radar watch Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? at radar watch

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

June 18, 1958 Dear Madam; In the American Legion magazine I noticed an article asking information from anyone being on the Normandy Invasion on D Day. I was in the Navy and in on the invasion and will help in any way I can to give you any information you need. Hoping to hear from you real soon. I remain, yours truly Stanley W. Jancik 2141 A Lincoln Neb LL #2/