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Yardeville, N.J.

For Cornelius Ryan
Book about D-Day

NJ14

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? Melvin Thompson

What was your unit and division? Co. A 348th Engineers
5th Engineer Special Brigade

Where did you arrive in Normandy, and at what time? Somewhere in the
western part of OMAHA beach, in the morning
about 10:00 or 11:00, I think, I dont remember the
exact time

What was your rank on June 6, 1944? Pvt.

What was your age on June 6, 1944? 20

Were you married at that time? No

What is your wife's name?

Did you have any children at that time?

What do you do now? Work for a small repair shop as mechanic

When did you know that you were going to be part of the invasion?
Sometimes between Jan and Feb, of 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?
As I remember it the Channel was pretty rooght
during the night, my buddy and I had our bunk [inserted] made [end inserted] under
our bull - dozer and the water came on deck and got us wet.
I dont remember any special conversations, some fellows
played cards

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).
None that I can remember