First Lieutenant B. David Mann, USA (ret.) “graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with a degree in history and from Georgetown University with a degree in Foreign Service. Following an initial career in business and industry, he served for 30 years as a development officer in five private colleges in Virginia. During World War II, David Mann served as a Platoon Leader in the Philippines in the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Division. His combat service included the Battle of Zigzag Pass on Luzon, a week-long battalion operation on Mindoro, and the entire 75-day campaign to liberate eastern Mindanao, followed by occupation duty in Japan. While serving as a reserve officer, Mann was called to military service again in 1950 and served in various capacities.”  B. David Mann is the author of Avenging Bataan: The Battle of Zig Zag Pass and They Were Heard from: VMI Alumni in the Civil War.

According to the book description of Avenging Bataan: The Battle of Zig Zag Pass, “When General MacArthur and the United States suffered a devastating defeat by surrendering the Bataan Peninsula to the Japanese in 1942, it was only worsened by learning of the brutal treatment of the American POWs. Outraged by this news, the entire country and particularly the Army vowed to avenge the defeat and the infamous Bataan Death March.

Avenging Bataan: The Battle of Zigzag Pass" is a well-researched and detailed historical account of the struggle to liberate Bataan in 1945 by opening the highway through Zigzag Pass. Featuring coverage of both the American and Japanese forces, this account provides insight into the day by day life and death struggle of battle. The story is told through interviews, letters, and reports by men - from both sides - who fought the battle .

Complete with the historical background of events leading up to and surrounding the Battle of Zigzag Pass, the author’s research includes strategic information along with personal accounts. A gripping portrayal of both the Americans and Japanese at war, Avenging Bataan helps preserve the legacy of World War II for future generations.”