There were about 150 of us on each of the L.C.I.’s and transported over with L. C. M.’s and rafts in tow—these were all filled with explosive materials. We were given, immediately, our final destination orders and already knew the type of job to be done. On the way over we were frankly told that many of us would be killed—now that was a comforting thought. The price of freedom was going to be expensive. Our particular mortality rate was very assuredly in the 10% range of survival.

We were supposed to arrive at 0330 but must have been later as it was. nearing daylight, and things were quite visible. The others that arrived before were the Rangers and the glider corp. The gliders were engineless planes that were towed over from England and then set free. These “planes” carried combat ready troops but had it very rough as many crashed into the trees and stone walls.