MANN, JOE E. - Medal of Honor Recipient
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. 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.
Browse Records by Era / War / Subject |
