[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 29 (Friday, February 21, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E221-E222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF COLONEL FRANK W. ``BILL'' 
                               MANN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 21, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and 
dedicated service of Colonel Frank W. ``Bill'' Mann, Jr., who passed 
away on Wednesday, February 19, 2014. Colonel Mann was a true American 
patriot, who served our Nation in three wars, and a committed community 
leader. All of Northwest Florida mourns his loss.
   Colonel Mann was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on May 2, 1920, and 
was raised in Wyoming. After graduating from Cheyenne High School, 
Colonel Mann joined the Wyoming National Guard, where he served in the 
state's cavalry before attending the University of Wyoming. He 
graduated with a bachelor's degree in geology and then joined the Army 
Air Corps.
   Colonel Mann began his long and decorated career as a military 
aviator. During World War II, he flew numerous aircraft, including the 
B-24, T-13, and AT-9. He flew missions in support of the Crossroads 
Project nuclear tests conducted on Bikini Atoll. Colonel Mann continued 
his distinguished military service in the Korean War, flying numerous 
B-29 bombing missions and serving as the Chief of Combat Operations for 
the 19th Bombardment Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. Over the 
course of the war, the 19th Bombardment Group had flown 645 missions, 
5,950 sorties, and dropped more than 52,000 tons of bombs on enemy 
targets, and they were awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. He 
continued his aviation career during Vietnam, when he flew for the 
inspector general.
   In addition to his excellence as an aviator, Colonel Mann served in 
a number of important command and leadership positions during his Air 
Force career, including Commander of the 705th Aircraft Control and 
Warning Squadron, Director of Flight Operations at Wright-Patterson Air 
Force Base and Commander of an Air Defense Command Radar Station at Mt. 
Laguna, California. During his distinguished 37-year career, Colonel 
Mann also earned many awards including the Bronze Star, Air Medal, and 
the Air Force and Army Commendation Medals.
   After retiring from the Air Force in 1973, Colonel Mann and his 
family settled in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. As a member of the 
Northwest Florida community, Colonel Mann brought his experience and 
leadership to bear as a leader in civic society. Colonel Mann was a co-
founder of the local Lions Club and a volunteer at the Chamber of 
Commerce. He also worked to help advocate for the military as a member 
of the Board of Directors and President of the Fort Walton Beach 
Military Officers Association of America. In addition, Colonel

[[Page E222]]

Mann was a longtime member of the Order of Daedalians, where he worked 
to enroll high school youth in ROTC programs, and sponsored an annual 
scholarship for ROTC students. He was also served as past Flight 
Captain of Shangri-La Flight and was an avid and passionate member of 
this aviation group.
   To some, Colonel Mann will be remembered as a patriot and decorated 
aviator; to others, he will be remembered as a civic leader and 
tireless advocate for members of our Armed Forces; to his family and 
friends he will always be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, 
father, and grandfather.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored 
to recognize the life and service of Colonel Bill Mann. My wife Vicki 
and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, Marge; 
daughters, Cindy and Karen; grandchildren, Shannon, John, and William; 
and the entire Mann family.

                          ____________________