Those who knew George Mann remember he was proud to be an American veteran.
"Just look at the stickers on his car," said Ken Brown, a friend of Mann and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2214 in Cullman.
Brown was one of several dozen on hand at the cemetery at Gum Pond Primitive Baptist Church Wednesday to pay their last respects to Mann, who passed away at a Birmingham Hospital Monday at the age of 88.
Mann was buried with full military honors.
"He was a veteran's vet," Brown said. "He understood what the words duty, honor, and country really meant."
Mann joined the U.S. Army as an 18-year-old during the midst of World War II. He was involved in the invasion of Italy and fought in the battles of Monte Cassino and Anzio during the brutal winter of 1943-44, participating in the amphibious landing on Anzio Beach in January 1944 with the 15th Infantry Regiment of the Army's Third Division, alongside Medal of Honor recipient Audie Murphy
"George was wounded twice in Italy by German artillery," Brown said while giving the eulogy. "He received two purple hearts. His whole life revolved around patriotism and helping fellow veterans."
While out of the military, Mann spent several years visiting local schools to teach students about veterans. In addition, he also visited shut-ins and took veterans to doctor and hospital appointments.
"He was a real hero," Brown said. "He went to those schools because he believed in what he and his buddies did in Europe."
Mann led a number of local chapters of veterans' organizations in Cullman. In addition to being a member of the VFW, he was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. In 2004, Mann was honored as one of many World War II veterans at the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. In December of 2009, the Cullman County Commission named the veterans memorial park at Sportsman's Lake Park in Cullman for Mann.
"I'm honored to get to sit at lunch each week with true heroes," Brown said. "George Mann will always be one of those heroes."
* Ashley Graves can be reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 225, or by email at agraves@cullmantimes.com
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Related Photos
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Pallbearers remove the flag draped coffin of George Mann from a hearse Wednesday. ASHLEY GRAVES
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A family member of George Mann accepts a folded U.S. flag from a retired military member. ASHLEY GRAVES
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Retired military veterans take part in a 21-gun salute during the burial of George Mann Wednesday afternoon. ASHLEY GRAVES
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WWII Vet George Mann laid to rest
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