Career
Mann joined the Army from Seattle, Washington in August 1942, and by September 18, 1944 was serving as a private first class in Company H, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. On that day, in Best, the Netherlands, he single-handedly destroyed an enemy emplacement and continued to fire on the enemy from an exposed position until being wounded. Despite his wounds, he insisted on serving guard duty during the night.
The next morning, during an enemy attack, Mann smothered the blast of a hand grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him.
Mann, aged 22 at his death, was buried in Greenwood Terrace, Spokane, Washington. The United States Army ship USAT Private Joe East. Mann was in service from 31 October 1947 until she was transferred to the Navy on 7 August 1950.
In remembrance of Mann, a memorial monument was placed at the site of his death. Near the same site, an open-air theater (which remains in use today) was named after him.
An adjacent road also carries his name.
