|
 Private First Class Joe Eugene Mann - Spokane, WA Posted by:  T0SHEA
N 47° 39.550 W 117° 28.357
11T E 464513 N 5278527
Private Mann was born on July 8th, 1922 in Reardan, WA and gave his life for his country on September 19th, 1944 in Best, Holland.
Waymark Code: WMJFRD
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 11/12/2013
Views: 10
Joe grew up on a farm west of Spokane, learning woodworking at an early age and later even dabbled in electronics, building crystal sets for every room in his family's house, at a time when they did not yet have electricity. He joined the army in Seattle, achieving the rank of Private First Class. At the time of his death he was serving in Company H, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.
His 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. 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.
Armed Service: Air Force
|
Visit Instructions:
To properly log your find, post a photograph of the medal recipient's grave marker. Do not place anything on the grave when taking the photo. If you have more information about the recipient please include it in your log.
Recent Visits/Logs:
| There are no logs for this waymark yet. |
|
|
|
|