James Mann

James Mann of Cromwell
( Courtesy of CCSU Veterans History Project / June 25, 2012 )
James Mann was an Army reservist and teacher in Cromwell when, at the age of 33, he volunteered for both Airborne and Ranger Schools and was approved for Special Forces training. On Nov. 3, 1967, he began a year of service in Vietnam as operations officer for a quick reaction team that reinforced other units during battles. On Oct. 3, 1968, Mann volunteered to accompany a four-man crew heading out to deliver ammunition to a battle site by helicopter. As the chopper neared the site, it was hit by enemy fire and crashed. Mann was among those killed. Only the pilot survived. The ammunition the chopper and its crew were delivering, however, helped to turn the tide of the battle, and the North Vietnamese forces eventually retreated into the dense jungle.

Press notice courtesy of John Swingen
More about James Mann
from the Virtual Wall.
Death notice from
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall USA website
JAMES EDWARD MANN
CAPT - Army - Reserve
34 year old
Married
Born on Nov 30, 1933
From NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT
His tour of duty began on Nov 03, 1967
Casualty was on Oct 03, 1968
in TAY NINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - NONCREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Panel 42W - - Line 70
---------------------------------
-------Rememberances found on the
Wall site
George R. Kucera
Class mate in Special Forces Officers Course, 1967, Ft. Bragg, N.C.
Jim was a great friend and a good officer. I knew him from Special
Forces Officer's Course, and got to know him well during that time.
I have missed him and shall continue to miss him, and the others who
served there.
George R. Kucera - Thursday, December 02, 1999
---------------------------------------------------------------
Genevieve Mann
sister
Jimmy was two years older than me. My 'big brother" sent out the right
message when it came to our relationship. Some of the guys in high
school with the reputation of "bragging about their dates" were
cautioned not to date me or else. When I found out about it I was
naturally irritated, but after having 5 children of my own, I understand this. He was always there for me, my husband, and the four children we had at this time. Growing up we fought, we laughed,
we talked, and we understood each other quite well. When he died it
was as if part of me died with him. He left a wife and two small
sons. They will never know their father and the kind of man he was.
Perhaps that is the single most tragic thing that occured when he
died in that helicopter. The rest of us have wondeful memories that
we draw on and take comfort in. Thirty one years ago he died, staying forever young in our memories. I still miss him and long to replay his decision to hop a ride on that copter to bring supplies to his men pinned down behind the lines. He joined the group of young Americans who think about their country, doing what they can to help others. God bless you Jimmy - I love you.
Friday, July 16, 1999