Twelve Years Since D-Day
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| LST 287, later transferred to the Philippine Navy and renamed the RPS Samar Oriental (LT-502) |
To: Bill Downs
From: Fred F. Leister
September 20, 1956
Mr. Bill Downs
C.B.S.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Downs,
Each time that I have heard you broadcast for the past few years I have intended to drop you a line. You will probably be surprised to hear from me after so long a time.
I am the ex-Chief Engineman aboard the L.S.T. 287 that we were both aboard in the Normandy invasion with Chief Engineer W.A. Wilson and Captain F.P. Eldredge. I often think about that morning when we were all in the main engine room making our wills of motorcycles and so forth to each other. I was certainly glad to hear that everything turned out O.K. with you.
After the (?) I was transferred to the South Pacific and was a very lucky person myself.
If you could find the time I would be very glad to get a line from you and I would like to give almost anything I own for a copy of your release to the news of the invasion that you were on with us aboard the L.S.T. 287.
If I am ever around where you are broadcasting I will certainly look you up.
Yours truly,
Fred F. Leister
San Diego, California
