Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company H,
502d Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Place and date: Best,
Holland, 18 September 1944. Entered service at: Seattle, Wash. Birth:
Rearden, Wash. G.O. No.: 73, 30 August 1945. Citation... He
distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call
of duty. On 18 September 1944, in the vicinity of Best., Holland, his
platoon, attempting to seize the bridge across the Wilhelmina Canal, was
surrounded and isolated by an enemy force greatly superior in personnel
and firepower. Acting as lead scout, Pfc. Mann boldly crept to within
rocket-launcher range of an enemy artillery position and, in the face of
heavy enemy fire, destroyed an 88mm. gun and an ammunition dump. |
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Completely disregarding the great danger involved, he remained in
his exposed position, and, with his M-1 rifle, killed the enemy one
by one until he was wounded 4 times. Taken to a covered position, he
insisted on returning to a forward position to stand guard during
the night. On the following morning the enemy launched a concerted
attack and advanced to within a few yards of the position, throwing
hand grenades as they approached. One of these landed within a few
feet of Pfc. Mann. Unable to raise his arms, which were bandaged to
his body, he yelled "grenade" and threw his body over the grenade,
and as it exploded, died. His outstanding gallantry above and beyond
the call of duty and his magnificent conduct were an everlasting
inspiration to his comrades for whom he gave his life. | |
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