Page 2

NY 57 LL
N.Y.C. (but
will not
return home
for extensive
world travel
until fall)--
*
Commanded
USN force

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.

What is your full name? KIRK, ALAN GOODRICH
ADMIRAL (retired) US. NAVY

What was your unit and division?
I commanded entire American Naval Forces -- C.T.F. 122

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time?
H-hour-D-day (actually about 430 a.m.)

What was your rank on June 6, 1944?
Rear Admiral

What was your age on June 6, 1944?
56

Were you married at that time? Yes

What is your wife's name? Lydia C. Kirk -- author of "POSTMARED MOSCOW"
(Scribners)

Did you have any children at that time?
3

What do you do now?
business executive; directorship, "pro bono publico" such
as Friends of City Center New York -- Civil Defense, etc

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion?
I was detailed to command the US. Naval Forces for the invasion in Nov. 1943

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?
Pretty windy + rough for smaller ships

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--everybody thoroughly briefed