"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. Joe E. 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."
From PFC Mann's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on August 30, 1945.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
Rest in peace Pvt. Mann.
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