August 17th 1944 Journal entry_Crossing the English Channel

"0900 Sailing large Convoy-Fog horns, barrage balloons-
Calm crossing of channel, sight land 1500-
arrival at Utah Beachhead (ISIGNY) in evening-
over 100 ships in Harbor anchor all night-
Watch other ships.
"Ducks-Repeat performance "This is IT"

From Dad's Memoirs: Early the next morning, Aug. 17, our convoy started moving out through the fog, passing on the west side of the Isle of Wight, and out into the English Channel. Rumors that German aircraft were in the vicinity proved false, they were too busy elsewhere. The weather cleared and we had a smooth crossing. The Normandy coast came into view in the afternoon and by evening we were again anchored, this time in the bustling landing area of Utah Beach.

From Dad's chapter in Ray Hight's book: We arrived at Utah Beach along the Normandy Coast, near Isigny,'

From Cliff Hope's book: It was about 9 am when we weighed anchor. Through the fog our large convoy passed on the west side of the Isle of Wight and into the English Channel, where the weather cleared for the day-long journey across. By mid afternoon we sighted the coast of Normandy and arrived at Utah Beach, near Isigny, in the evening to anchor for the night. More than 100 ships close by ours were a magnificent sight.

Is this what Lu means by Ducks? Ampibious vehicle used to off load ships on the beaches of France and for crossing rivers as the allies moved across Europe

Marilu-It's hard to imagine what an experience this was for a young man from Utah. The combination of sights and sounds with the nervousness and excitement of heading into the active war must have made it hard to sleep and kept him on deck late taking in all the sights and sounds around him.

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Journal Entry March 27, 28th And Battalion history

March 27 Crashed B-24 March 28 Put in mike base-taped-Jeep broke tape at road intersection. Put in flash OPs. Picked up Helmet, leather. Battalion History: On 28 March, headquarters of the Barnstorming 16th crossed the Rhine, followed the next day by the Letter Batteries. With advancing armor taking the fight out of the Germans, the 16th found itself scouring the woods around Henmethal --- for prisoners, souvenirs and eggs. Souvenirs and eggs were more plentiful than prisoners. From Ray Hight's book: By the time the 285th crossed the Rhine toward the end of March, much of the area was in American hands and things were moving so quickly we hardly had time to set up. The German forces were pulling back, and there was very little opposition as we crossed the southern part of Germany almost up to the boundary of Czechoslovakia.

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Nov 26th 1945 To Leona from Wes Hill

Nov 26, 1945 Luzon Dear Leona: Well here I am still but not for long. No kidding a dream. A long worn out Dream is coming nearer to reality. I will be home some time in January. Unless orders change. But up to now we sail or get on a boat on the 10th of December. I'm about going Nuts for that is only 15 Days away. All the 70 bomber have gone to Manila last week & we are the first to go as a Unit. with 60 to 69 pointers exclusive. So you know what that means from now on there is no use in writing for the Post Office readdresses to my home address. so here I am. and not a darn thing to write about. Our old Outfit Broke up and so I'm in the 736th AAA Gun Bn. which is second on the list. for shipment. 43,000 men are going to shipped from the AAA this December on 147 Troop Transports. So I'll see you after I walk out of the Gates of Fort Douglas or should I call you up for Instruction on how to get around Salt Lake. Well that's too far ahead to think clear...

Winsor War Notes-Luther Snow Winsor's WW II experiences

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