Bennie was born in Yuma, Arizona on 31 May 1928, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Bennie H. Mann, Sr. He graduated from Yuma Union High School in June, 1946, and attended Arizona State University at Tempe until joining the Navy in August of 1950. He went to Korea aboard the U.S.S. Essex. Selected for the Aviation Cadet Program in 1951, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in April, 1953.

Returning to Korea, he was promoted to first lieutenant while serving with VMF-115. Upon completion of that tour, he was assigned instructor duty with the training command, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida where he was promoted to captain in December, 1957.

In June, 1958, he transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina for duty with MASS 1 and as operations officer of VMA-533.

In November, 1960 he was ordered to the Second Marine Division, Camp Lejuene, North Carolina for duty with the Force Communications Company.

The then Captain Mann was awarded a degree in military science from the University of Omaha. He attended the junior officers course at Quantico, Virginia in 1962. In October, 1963, he transitioned into helicopters at Santa Ana, California

He was promoted to major prior to departing for Vietnam in December, 1964, where he served as operations officer and later executive officer of HMM-163. He returned for instructor duty at the amphibious base, Little Creek Virginia and was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1967.

From March, 1968 until August, 1969, he served at headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. as a member of the policy analysis branch and then helped establish the career planning branch where he remained to serve as its first executive officer.

In December, he returned to Vietnam and was assigned as commanding officer of HMM-161 until July, 1970, when he took over as executive officer of MAG-16.

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In Loving Memory of
BENNIE HOWARD MANN
Entered This Life
May 31, 1928 - Yuma, Arizona
Entered Eternal Life
June 9, 2005 - Santa Ana, California
Funeral Service
Saturday, June 18, 2005, 11 :QO A.M.
Peace Lutheran Church
Tustin, California
Officiant ,
Pastor Jonathan Manthei
Final Resting Place
Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia :

The Hands of my Father
His hands are large and still strong, the hands that worked in fields as a small child. The hands that fought in and out of the boxing ring, to better himself (and his family). The hands fought for a country when it wasn't popular, because it was the right thing, to do what is right, regardless of anything else. These hands built brick walks, at houses he knew we would leave. These hands showed us the value of hard work, through they spared us that reality. My hands carry that strength, with much fewer scars/ because of my father's hands. These hands also taught us that our Heavenly Father's hands are with us at all times. I love my father's hands, and they always show my father's love for me and his family... I hope my hands will be able to show his strength and love to my family... like "the hands of my father."
—Russ Mann May 3, 2005

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In December 1970, Lieutenant Colonel Mann returned to MCAS(H} Santa Ana where he served as executive officer of MRTG-30 and later as commanding officer of H&MS-30, then commanding officer, HMT-301, and finally as executive officer of MAG-16. In June,1972.

He attended the Naval War College and in April, 1973.

He was assigned as the CINCPAC-13-SEATO planning officer. Upon promotion to colonel in June, 1974.

He was reassigned to HQFMFPAC, G-3, as head of the operations and training branch. He received his masters in business administration from Pepperdine University. He joined the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing again in June, 1976 and served as the assistant chief of staff, G-3, before assuming command of MAG-16 in August, 1977.

In June, 1978, he transferred to the Third Marine Amphibious Force, Okinawa, Japan for assignment as the chief of staff.

Colonel Mann's decorations and medals included the Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and 37 air medals. Colonel Mann is survived by his wife Carroll of Laguna Woods, sons George and Russ, daughter Connie Lee Coin, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

FAIRHAVEN MEMORIAL PARK & MORTUARY

One of the Best

Flew many missions with Col. Mann and always knew we would return to base safely with his hands on the controls.

He has returned to base for the last time and it was an honor to have flown with one of the Marine Corps best.

Semper Fi

Bruce "Howdy" Mayor
HMM-161 '69-'70

A Great CO

Col. Mann was a great CO who valued his men and believed in common sense. The first time I flew with him he instructed the crewchief, the other gunner and myself not to worry about asking to return fire if fired upon, but to just do it. He said anyone firing at us deserved the same immediately! We appreciated this because most of the time we were told not to return fire until ordered to do so.

Also, as Legal & Awards Clerk, I remember how he went about things when someone was killed in the squadron. He would have us gather up their belongings to pack carefully, discuss with the admin staff about this person's life, draft a letter and go over it carefully before sending it to the family. He took this part of his job not only seriously, but personal as he felt responsible for all his men! Col. Mann, I salute you!

Semper Fi!
Phillip Shorter/HMM-161, 1969-70

Dear Editors,
Enclosed is a link to a story featuring a former Marine aviator from the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. The story, entitled "Marine Corps' first helo pilot, Navy Cross recipient, former MAG-16 CO dies," features the life of retired Col. Bennie Howard Mann.

The story may be viewed at the link http://192.156.19.109/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/463FD89E2F867AB68525702F0078CED8?opendocument

Please feel free to use the content in any of your publications.

Respectfully,
MCAS Miramar Webmaster
San Diego, Calif.
(858) 577-6000
(858) 577-1011 Base Information

Received via e-mail: Please help if you can.

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SIR, MY NAME IS RUSS MANN,MY FATHER RECENTLY PASSED AWAY.
THIS WEBSITE IS WONDERFUL AND I AM VERY HAPPY IT EXISTS .WHEN MY FATHER RECEIVED THE NAVY CROSS WE WERE ABOARD THE USS OKINAWA. I WAS VERY YOUNG,I DO REMEMBER IT WAS ON THE 5:00 NEWS. WOULD YOU HAVE ANY IDEA IF THE FILM MAY STILL EXIST? ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP,THANKS FOR THIS SITE AND GOD BLESS ALL WHO DEFEND THIS COUNTRY WE LIVE IN!

SEMPER FI

CARMANN77@MSN.COM

Col. Bennie Mann

I was Col. Mann's XO at MAG 16 in '77-'78. What a one of a kind Marine.
He was the best of the best. My profound condolences to his family.

Jim Kizer
LTCOL USMC RETD

Great Leader, Great Marine!

Yesterday, I sent the PopaSmoke Administrator an email and attachment about Col. Bennie H. Mann. Following his funeral in Irvine, I contacted my Congressman, Elton Gallegly, and asked that Bennie's passing and accomplishments be recognized in the Congressional Record. Congressman Gallegly's staff in Washington, D.C. coordinated with Congressman Christopher Cox's staff because Bennie and Carroll lived in Cox's district. Congressman Cox ran with it, and Bennie was recognized in the Congressional Record on 25 July 2005. This recognition is well-deserved and fitting. I served with Bennie Mann in HMM-163 on my first Vietnam tour, 1964-65. Under his leadership as the Operations Officer, our squadron feats were many and legendary, our comaraderie as a tight-knit unit of Ridge Runners was unequaled. I am proud to have been his squadron mate and, even though some of us gave the upper echelon a hard time, I am grateful for Bennie's friendship through it all.

Don "Paunch" Waunch

I'm Late,but Just Checked Back On The Website,i Am So Proud Of
My Father Col B.h. Mann. I Always Knew He Was So Special And Truely One Of The Greats. I Sometimes Worndered If I Was Just Prediused Because He Was My Dad. I Have Always Felt He Was A True American,hero And Taught Me What It Was To Be In The Military,which As We Know Is The Marine Corps.the Words And Comments From You All Are Truely Appreciated,your Comments,your Service And Brotherhood Just Prove What My Father Always Told Me Is True. I Didn't Have The Oppertunity To Serve,my Dad Said He Did,so I Would Not Have To,however I Can See The Incrediable Bond That Is With You All. Everyone Of You That Has Served Are Heros And An Example To Us All.

All The Best,with Respect Always
Russ Mann

VMF-115 squadron mate

I just happened on the news of Bennie's death. It has been over 50 years since I last saw him but I remember him well. He and I were lieutenants flying Panthers with VMF-115 in Korea. When the squadron returned home in early 1955, most of the aviators were transferred to other units in the Far East. I believe Bennie went to Iwakuni, and I lost track of him thereafter.

Bennie was a great flier and squadron mate. He used to talk fondly of his son, "Herkie." I recall that Bennie ate peppers each morning, peppers he said his wife would send him regularly. He said that all real Arizonans had peppers for breakfast. He loved his family, his country and the Corps. What a fine man he was and what a privilege it was for me to be his friend. I extend my sincere best wishes to his family.

Bill Garner
Superior Court Judge, Retired

RIP, COL Mann

Just got permission to post and I found this, I will tell my dad, C.A. "Rocky" Garner, he will be sad to hear this. I know this is late but may the LORD continue to comfort his family. Sua Sponte, Semper Fi !