John R. Mann
37257268 Private First Class
594th Signal AW BN
United States Army
1942-1945

             John Robert "Bob" Mann was born 17 May 1917 in Cherry Valley, Arkansas, the son of John Brutus and Bessie Dye Mann.   He had two brothers, Milton and Myron - who also served in World War II  - and one sister, Elizabeth.    He attended Cherry Valley Elementary and High Schools.   In October 1941, he married Irene Somers.    He was a farmer and surveyor before entering the military.
           Robert was inducted into the Army 16 April 1942 at Camp Robinson, Arkansas.    He served the Signal Corps attached to the Army Air Force for 31 months in the European and North African Theaters of Operations, including Tunisia, Algeria, Corsica,
Sardinia, France and Italy.    He earned the European - African - Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with six Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal.    He was discharged 9 October 1945 at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.
          After the war, Robert returned to Cherry Valley.    He and Irene had two daughters, Joyce and Dye Anne.    He farmed and was bookkeeper/manager of Hunter Gin for the major part of his working life.    Robert was very active in his church and was a member of the American Legion and VFW.    He enjoyed gardening, baseball and reading.
         After an extended illness,  John Robert Mann died 13 December 1984 and was buried at Jonesboro Memorial Park, Jonesboro, Arkansas.

25 January 2003 /12/