A Greater Destiny: Based on the true story of Medal of Honor Recipient, Joe E. Mann, 101st Airborne Division

by Byrne Patrick Bennett

At age eighteen, Joe Mann’s dreams are as vast as the sky is wide. He wants his life to count but feels trapped on his eastern Washington farm. His reckless and impulsive traits immerse him in conflict as he fights against the wrongs in his small town.

After finding true love, he is thrust into World War II, putting his dreams on hold. A sadistic Army officer threatens to destroy his reputation and career as a paratrooper. Wishing to prove his mettle, he readies himself for the invasion of Normandy, only to miss it because of a training injury. Will Operation Market Garden be his opportunity for redemption? Parachuting into Holland, he finds himself surrounded and outnumbered by the enemy. Would his impulsiveness cost him his life? Could he lay down his life for his friends?

Innocent, inspiring, and dangerous, this story of Joe Mann is filled with heart-pounding suspense. A Greater Destiny is a beautiful story of love, obsession, conflict, faith, and discovering what matters most. This novel is based on the true story of Medal of Honor Recipient, Joe E. Mann, 101st Airborne Division.

487 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2021

About the author

Byrne Bennett graduated from Willamette University in Salem, OR and earned his Masters Degree from Western Oregon University. He is a retired Federal Agent. Upon his retirement he devoted his time to researching the life of his uncle, Medal of Honor recipient Joe Mann. After years of research and after six trips to The Netherlands, Byrne recently published A Greater Destiny. It is the personal story of Joe Mann along with the story of his heroic act of self-sacrifice.

Reviews

[Denise Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Exciting and cozy, amazing homegrown story told in such a powerfully inspiring way. Not one boring sentence. Could not put it down.

[Danielle Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book put me in a strange headspace LOL I LOVED it because well, I am a sucker for any good WWII stories. This one however being so "close to home" I could picture things in a manner that most could not. I live near the town of Reardan, and my kids have gone/attend school there. So when it is mentioned about "Sunset Highway and Coulee Hite Rd" I know that corner. I did have fun with the TRAIN stuff though! It is hard to recall when Spokane was a major train hub, since it isn't really used that way any longer.

I loved that even some of the stories that were "farfetched" were all realistic. I doubted a few events, but any I've looked into were true or poetic truth. (Poetic truth meaning they held a grain of truth, but may not have been totally "real" IE since there is a character BASED on one who was thought to be a Nazi sympathizer it holds the spirit of the story, even though it might not be "capital T Truth")

I DO wish there would have been some follow up on Ruth, and Betty. I don't mind since it isn't REALLY about them but a bit would have been nice, even just a "married 4 kids", HOWEVER the author did an amazing job at research and storytelling that I won't complain that much

[Susan Zien · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Helpful Picture of the Era

I am so touched that the author devoted his time to research and write about his uncle, a true American hero. It's hard to imagine that there was a time when sacrifice was more common than narcissism and this story helped to remind me that the USA became great only through sacrifice and devotion. I hope it will not lose its greatness due to so many people taking their good fortune of being American for granted and thinking with the "it's coming to me" mentality.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and incredible story!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

The hell this men face and the selfishness of each man to save their brother. What each man would do to save another without hesitation just shear instinct.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so touched by this book. Having grown up in Medical Lake and having done my student teaching in Reardan, I have always felt a connection to this lovely small town. My first grade teacher, who worked with my parents, and her husband were farmers in Reardan and I remember visiting their farm when I was little. I wonder now if I ever passed close enough to see the Mann Family Farm.

This account made me feel like I knew Joe. The author drew me into the book quickly. I could picture the football field, I know where the Lutheran Church is. I grew up attending St. John’s Lutheran in Medical Lake and attended Luther League there.

Even though, I knew the story ended tragically, the end of the book was difficult, emotionally, for me read. I was devastated for Joe’s family, for Ruth. I only wish the author would have shared more about her in the prologue. Maybe her family decided on privacy instead.

Thank you Byrne for sharing the story of your uncle. I’m sure he is so proud.

[Barb Hilts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author Byrne Bennett is a good friend of mine. He wrote this incredible account of his uncle, Joe E.Mann who served during WII in the 101st Airborne Division and was a Medal of Honor Recipient. This is his story.