| December 10, 2003 |
Congresswoman Kay Granger (R – Fort Worth) presented the United States Army’s Bronze Star Medal to Ramond E. Mann, a 5th generation Texan and World War II veteran, for his bravery in resisting German troops in the French forests.
An agile athlete and excellent marksman, Mann quickly rose through the Army’s ranks, achieving the level of platoon leader and scout for the 222nd Infantry by the age of 20.
On January 24, 1945, the Germans attacked the 222nd and 42nd Infantries while the U.S. forces were moving through the forests near Neuborg, France. The twelve-hour siege killed 237 U.S. troops, but Mann and his outnumbered unit drove through enemy lines to reoccupy Alsace despite the onset of frostbite and severe battle trauma.
Mann was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in August 1945 and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. President Bush issued a Presidential Unit Citation to the 222nd Infantry Regiment on Jan 10, 2001 for their "extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy" at this specific battle.
A former manager of a Fort Worth furniture company, Mann and his wife, Leota, now reside in Gibtown, Texas. The Manns have three children, nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren who praise Mann as "a true hero and a great man."
"Mr. Mann and his unit’s resistance through the night showed exemplary heroism and sacrifice. Their advance gained critical ground for the Allied forces," said Granger. "I am honored to present this award to a most deserving veteran."
A personal friend of Mr. Mann contacted Granger’s office about the Bronze Star Medal. Granger, now serving her fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, has voted for many improvements to Veterans Affairs (VA), including the recently-passed concurrent receipt provision in the National Defense Authorization Act.