1972-10-10-sc-p11-await-arrival-of-dutch-for-mann-ceremony

October 10, 1972 Spokane Daily Chronicle Page 11:

Reardan Awaits Dutchmen's Visit

REARDAN, Wash.—Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mann of Reardan anticipate the arrival Thursday of Kris Wittebrood and his son of Best, Holland.

The Manns plan a reception in the visitors’ honor at the Reardan Grade School multipurpose room Saturday afternoon, The affair, to which the entire community has been invited, will take place at 3 p.m. A program has been arranged by the high school music department under the direction of Glenn Whitney.

The Wittebroods are returning a visit from the Manns to their Dutch community in 1956.

The association has come about as a result of the deep appreciation the people of Best hold for the Manns’ late son, Joe E. Mann, who served as a private first class with the 101st Airborne during World War II.

Wounded earlier in heavy combat action, with both arms bandaged to his sides as a result, he lost his life on Sept. 18, 1944, when he threw himself on a grenade tossed by enemy personnel.

His parents were presented the Congressional Medal of Honor awarded posthumously to their son in ceremonies at Baxter General Hospital, former military installation in northwest Spokane.