Rehoboth’s Last World War II Veteran

Everett Mann is the last surviving World War II veteran in Rehoboth. Mann served in the United States Navy from 1944 until 1946. He was a Seaman Second Class on the U.S.S Ostrich which sailed from Texas to Louisiana. Mann’s brother served overseas in Europe during the war. “I worked in the engine room,” Mann recalled.

Mann was awarded with the World War II Victory Medal and the American Theatre Medal.

Mann, who turns 97 in December, grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and moved to Rehoboth as a teenager. He skipped high school and enlisted in the military.

More than 900 town residents served in World War II. Veterans Agent Jake Kramer said four World War II veterans have passed away in the last 18 months.

According to US Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, 119,550 of the 16.1 million Americans who served in World War II are alive as of 2023. 131 veterans are dying each day.

On their website, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans lists the numbers of living World War II veterans in each state. Massachusetts has 3,588 veterans.

After he got out of the military, Mann worked for a tool manufacturer in Newport for awhile before gaining employment at Texas Instruments in Attleboro. “I was a tool maker for 40 years,” Mann said.

Mann, who is a widower, has five daughters.

Mann has been involved with AmVets, a national organization which provides services for veterans. He also belongs to the American Legion Post 302 and is a frequent visitor to the Council on Aging at Francis Farm. Staying active is important to him. “I play bocce three days a week here,” Mann noted. “No aches, no pains, no nothing.”

Mann said he hasn’t been to the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. He’s not fond of flying. “I don’t want to leave Rehoboth,” he added. “It’s a great town.”