CITATION

(extract)

The Silver Star

 

"...... ASPB 91-3, with Petty Officer Mann as Engineer, was conducting strike operations on the Song Ba Lai, in support of Army units. As the assault craft was proceeding to the beaching area, a large Viet Cong unit opened fire with rocket, recoilless rifle, automatic weapons and small arms fire from positions at the water line. ASPB 91-3 was hit by the initial volley of enemy fire which disabled the radios and the control panel, and caused the disabled craft to crash into the beach directly in front of the enemy positions. When the first enemy round rocked the boat Petty Officer Mann was knocked from his feet and tossed from alongside the conning station over ten feet to the stern of the boat. The detonation sprayed him with shrapnel and inflicted numerous wounds on his arms, leg and hand. He immediately regained his footing and made his way through the wreckage to the coxswain's flat where he found the craft out of control and the crew dazed and wounded. While offering words of encouragement, he helped the coxswain reman the helm and aided him as he vainly fought to bring the boat under control. At this time he spotted the boat captain lying gravely wounded on the exposed bow of the boat. Ignoring his own wounds and the continuous heavy enemy fire, he rushed onto the open bow and pulled the boat captain to safety amid a hail of fire. Petty Officer Mann then quickly and effectively administered first aid to the wounded man. He then rushed into the open to provide covering fire with an M-16 rifle and M- 79 grenade launcher for another assault craft coming alongside to assist. His fire helped to disrupt the enemy fire so that his damaged craft could be successfully towed from the ambush site. His quick and decisive actions were directly responsible for saving the life of the Boat Captain and in reducing further casualties....His courage under fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."