Interview with Ralph J. Devine, March 11, 1994

Interview Summary

Ralph J. Devine served as a medic in the U.S. Army during World War II. In this interview he talks about his experiences storming Utah Beach on D-Day. He describes his experience from the preparation in England, his journey on the ship to Normandy, and his experiences in battle on Utah Beach. He describes crashing onto the beach in a dock landing ship, and immediately finding casualties to treat. He talks about the difficulty of his job being one of few medics on the beach, and due to the lack of morphine he was provided. He talks about casualties, his experience seeing enemy German soldiers, and describes his thoughts throughout the ordeal.

Interview Keyword

D-Day, Normandy invasion Military service experience War veterans World War II World War II veterans Soldiers--Kentucky--Springfield World War, 1939-1945--Artillery operations United States. Army World War, 1939-1945

Interview LC Subject

World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Anecdotes World War, 1939-1945--Veterans. World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy World War, 1939-1945--Battlefields--France World War, 1939-1945--Casualties World War, 1939-1945--Equipment and supplies World War, 1939-1945--Medical care

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.