Epigraphs
Since the 29th Division was first overseas, they will likely be first to
spearhead the invasion and undoubtedly the Germans will "mow" them down ...
If I should fall, don't return my body to Roanoke ... I'll be raised up over
here as well as there. ... Please don't grieve, I choose to go because
liberty is in jeopardy and those of us trained should defend it.
---Major John W. Sours
116th Regimental S-4
(Killed in Action, June 6, 1944)
Approaching the beach, I noticed explosions and thought the engineers were
blowing obstacles. For some reason I thought all was well ... until I
noticed sand kicking up. It then occurred to me that I was being shot at and
these were machine gun bullets. I was scared and exhausted.
-
---Colonel Sidney V. Bingham
2nd Battalion, 116th Infantry Commander
Suddenly an 88mm hit the ramp directly, blowing Captain Schilling backward,
killing him instantly. Part of the ramp caught Tech Sergeant Stinnett's left
eye, knocking it out. Stinnett somehow made it to the sea wall. There was no
panic."
---Private 1st Class George A. Kobe
D Company, Mortar Platoon
There were dead guys washing back and forth in the surf with their shirts
stained with blood. I remember seeing a tractor hitting a land mine and it
blew into nothing. Even the camouflage nets were blown to pieces.
---Staff Sergeant William H. Lewis
1st Battalion HQ Company
The Captain screamed, "I'm hit!" I tried to get to him but he was lost in
the surf ... We were in mortal danger. There were men all around me bleeding
from wounds and screaming for help... I knew that the boat was the target so
I got away from it as fast as I could.
---Private 1st Class Robert L. Sales
Company B, 116th Infantry
(Lone survivor of his 30-man LC)
