Best, Liempde, Son en Breugel

Joe Mann was an American soldier in World War II. During airborne landings on 17 September 1944 during Operation Market Garden, he landed near Best. He had been ordered to occupy the bridge over the Wilheminakanaal canal near Best. In the woods between Best and Son the German troops were stronger than expected. The various American platoons on their way to the bridge could no longer contact each other. The mission was therefore impossible to carry out and they withdrew, except for one group including Joe Mann.

The next morning, the Americans saw the men blow up the bridge against a surplus of German troops. Joe Mann and Sergeant Hoyle put two German guns out of action with a bazooka. Mann was badly wounded in his shoulders and arms in the process. During this morning, Joe Mann and six others were in a foxhole. The Germans unexpectedly encountered them through the dense fog of that morning and in the ensuing fight a shell fell next to Joe. Because he had been wounded earlier on his arm, he could not throw the grenade back. He threw himself onto the grenade with his back. With this, he saved the others, but unfortunately died himself from the blast.

Joe's story did not become known until some time later. Several tributes have been paid to this, including the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor.

During this route, you can visit the place where he died and a museum about this period. Also worth a visit is the pavilion named after him, where the staff can tell you all about Joe.

Joe Mann's story is exceptional, but there are more stories to discover in this region. The cycle route will take you to more places that will make you pause and reflect on the battle fought by the Allies.