08-15-2014, 12:27 PM
Memories today from Captain John Fallon of the 36th...
70 years ago tonight our LCT was plowing determinedly to France. Earlier in the day the Army decided that we should stop in Ajaccia, Corsica to take a dip in the ocean apparently to avert seasickness. It took three weeks before we could hose off the salt. The Captain of the LCT, a 23 year old Ensign, invited the officers in turn to dine in the galley along with some of the crew. It held about 10 guys comfortably. But it is dark now and with no lights our coxwain is having trouble staying in line, but I couldn't see a thing. Twice a destroyer moved abeam, as they say,and yelled at our hard trying mate as he kept veering off. It was later, maybe 11: or 12; when the cry came that someone had jumped over the front ramp. With no lights and no way of stopping we would have to wait until daylight to see who was missing. With daylight we waded ashore so we never found out who was the jumper and he is now I am sure listed as missing in action.
With my five man sniper hunter squad I stormed ashore but that is another story.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"