Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 015, folder 50: Lloyd Bernard Moody

Amphibious NEG Unit MINNEAPOLIS MOODY, Lloyd Bernard Ia 5

Box 15, #50

[* N--N

Lake View, IOWA IA 5 LL*]

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? Lloyd Bernard Moody

What was your unit and division? An amphibious unit attached to Atlantic Fleet but do not remember group number.

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? My ship (LCT) led the first assault wave [crossed out]in[end crossed out] with amphibious Sherman tanks. Only thing in ahead to my knowledge [crossed out]was[end crossed out] were some [inserted]LCV's[end inserted] [crossed out]LEVP's[end crossed out] destroying obstacles. We rendevouzed about ten miles from beach. Two PC's were to le ad our two columns in but the PC for our column either hit amine or was shelled and s ank.

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Ensign

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 26

Were you married at that time? Yes, but prefer not to have that mentioned as it was one of those marriages broken by war and I am now happily married again.

What is your wife's name? Present wife: Phyllis Staab Moody

Did you have any children at that time? No.

What do you do now? Operate two hardware stores with father in law.

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion? To the best of my knowledge it was June 3rd. Memory is alittle hazy as to exact date. Admiral Moon held meeting in Plymouth, England and told group of officers. (Moon later killed self).

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? Crossing very rough of course as weather was bad. Tankmen aboard did not like being on water and were anxious to get ashore. Army men played cards, talked, etc. My crew of course were busy standing four on and four off during crossing.

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). Actually remember [crossed out]on[end crossed out] NO rumors. We knew exactly where we were heading but of course everyone wondered what the reception would be.

- for Cornelius Ryan 2 - Your name Lloyd Moody

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? No. No one aboard my ship was killed. Another LCT hit a mine [crossed out]and[end crossed out] going in and several were lost. Another hit a mine going out but never could find out if any were lost. There were twelve ships in our wave counting two PC that were supposed to lead us in so close and then turn out. Three of the twelv e were either mined or shelled.

Were you wounded? No

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?

Do you remember seeing or hearing anything that seems funny now, even though it did not, of course, seem amusing at the time? Nothing comes to my mind at present.

Do you recall any incident, sad or heroic, or simply memorable, which struck you more than anything else? Nothing More [crossed out]THA[end crossed out] than anything else. However after getting rid of tanks we returned and got anotherload from an LST. We took this load in after assault operation of I believe 14 waves. We were asked by beach to stand by and take off wounded to hospital ship. While waiting to load these men tide went out and we were dryed out for approximately eight hours and under fire from two 88 mm. This and trip back to unload these men was quite an experience and still pretty vivid in my mind.

- for Cornelius Ryan 3 - Your name Lloyd Moody

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? Nothing during this particular 24 hour span.

Where were you at midnight on June 5, 1944? Crossing channel

Where were you at midnight on June 6, 1944? At Utah beach taking in men and supplies.

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? Can't give you any addresses of these men.

Will be available for interview most any time Mr. Ryan might be in this part. Will depend on whether he wishes to be met in some central place by several or if he is going to go to individual towns. A few days notice will usually be sufficient for me to make preparations to conform to his wishes.

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

SINCE 1916 STAAB’S STORE KARL O. STAAB, PROPRIETOR LAKE VIEW, IOWA PHONE 117

SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT GENERAL ELECTRIC AND PHILCO ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES BOTTLE GAS STOVES SPEED QUEEN WASHERS HOOVER VACUUMS

OIL-O-MATIC OIL FURNACES DUO-THERM AND PERFECTION SPACE HEATERS BOTTLE GAS FUEL OIL HEATING --- WIRING

I was officer in charge of LCT in first assault wave. Will be glad to offer any information you might use that is at my disposal. [*#2*] Lloyd Moody Lloyd Moody

Lake View,Iowa