Bann, Paul J.

Description

Paul James Bann was born on April 13, 1926, in Brookline, Massachusetts, to Maude Ellen (Kelly) Bann and James J. Bann

He had two brothers John and Vincent. In Rye his family lived on Upper Dogwood Lane and were members of the Church of the Resurrection. His father was born in Scotland and worked as a Chauffuer for a private family.

Paul left school and enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His service number was 7124077 and he was a Seaman Second Class,S2c, onboard the USS LST 503.

The USS LST-503 was primarily active in the European Theater of Operations, most notably during the Allied invasion of France.
World War II Service (1944–1945).

The ship’s most significant combat contribution occurred between D-Day June 6 and June 25, 1944, when LST-503 participated in the amphibious landings at Normandy.

“On June 6, 1944 at about 12:01 A.M. the LST-503 departed the English Channel and headed for Normandy, Gold Beach. At about 2:00 P.M. on June 6, 1944 the LST-503 was approximately 6 kilometers from Gold beach. At this time, a crew left the LST-503 with six LCVP boats and a compliment of four crewmen per boat to assist in unloading English troops and equipment from cargo ships that had arrived earlier in the day and were anchored closer to Gold Beach.”

Following the initial landings, LST-503 continued to support the buildup of Allied forces in France. Between June and August of 1944 the LST-503 ferried men and materials across the English Channel to Normandy in a continuous shuttle between English ports and French beaches, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies while returning with wounded soldiers or prisoners. For its service during the Normandy invasion and subsequent operations in the European theater, the ship earned one battle star.

After his honorable discharge, Paul would return home and continue his education and graduate from Rye High School in 1947.

After graduation, he reenlisted in the Navy and would serve until his 20 year retirement on May 2, 1963. He would move to New Hampshire and was employed as a custodian at a local school.

Paul James Bann died on April 29, 1989, at the age of 63, and was buried in North Hampton, New Hampshire.