And How Was Your Trip Abroad?

About the Book

Richard Philips Letsinger worked in England, France and Germany as a member of Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces (SHAEF) for the last two years of World War II. The majority of his time was spent as an assistant to Brigadier General Archibald Clough in the Map and Survey Section of G-3 Operations. The section was responsible for mapping the plans to invade continental Europe (OVERLORD). As such, Letsinger earned the security classification, BIGOT. This classification was between TOP SECRET and EYES ONLY. He regularly observed General Eisenhower, Field Marshal Tedder, Field Marshall Montgomery, General Smith and many other leaders during the planning of D-Day.

These memoirs contain Letsinger’s wartime experiences culled from a vivid memory and the journals he maintained throughout his enlistment. In addition, he retained all correspondence from friends and family and has reproduced many of the letters here, giving a balanced picture of what was happening in his life, both home and away.

About the Author

Richard P. Letsinger was born 31 July 1921 in Bloomfield, Indiana. His family moved to nearby Bloomington, Indiana during his high school years. Upon graduation from Indiana University with a degree in Political Science, he enlisted in the Army. He returned from ‘abroad’ in late 1945. By 1946, he was married to his high school sweetheart, Patricia Edgeworth. They eventually settled in Bloomington where he established a successful real estate practice. He was very involved in local politics and community activities.

Letsinger passed away 1 August 2007 in Singer Island, Florida. He is survived by his wife Patricia; son Keith; daughter Laurie; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; twin brother Bob; sister Betty; and their families.

Patricia, Bob, Keith and granddaughter Sarah, lovingly assisted in fulfilling Richard’s desire to publish these memoirs.