Sidney E. Manning

Sidney Earnest Manning (July 17, 1892 – December 15, 1960) was a soldier in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War I.

Early life Manning was born in Butler County, Alabama on July 17, 1892, the son of Barney Austin Manning and Sarah Elizabeth (Vickery) Manning. Manning's siblings included three brothers and a sister.

Manning died in Montgomery, Alabama on December 15, 1960. thumb Flomaton Alabama Railroad Museum, Welcome Center, Sidney E Manning Memorial, War/Veterans Memorial.

Family In 1919, Manning married Mamie Knowles (1899–1977).

Medal of Honor Citation Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company G, 167th Infantry, 42d Division. Place and date: At Breuvannes, France; July 28, 1918. Entered service at: Flomaton, Alabama. Born: July 17, 1892; Butler County, Alabama. General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 44 (April 2, 1919).

Citation:

When his platoon commander and platoon sergeant had both become casualties soon after the beginning of an assault on strongly fortified heights overlooking the Ourcq River, Corporal Manning took command of his platoon, which was near the center of the attacking line. Though himself severely wounded he led forward the 35 men remaining in the platoon and finally succeeded in gaining a foothold on the enemy's position, during which time he had received more wounds and all but seven of his men had fallen. Directing the consolidation of the position, he held off a large body of the enemy only 50 yards away by fire from his automatic rifle. He declined to take cover until his line had been entirely consolidated with the line of the platoon on the front when he dragged himself to shelter, suffering from nine wounds in all parts of the body.

Military Awards In a series of 1918 newspaper articles, General John J. Pershing designated Manning one of the "Immortal Ten" whose stories of wartime heroism were most worthy of commemoration. Manning's military decorations and awards included:

1st rowMedal of Honor2nd rowPurple HeartWorld War I Victory Medal w/one silver service star to denote credit for the Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne and Defensive Sector battle clasps.Médaille militaire (French Republic)3rd rowCroix de guerre 1914–1918 w/bronze palm (French Republic)Croce al Merito di Guerra (Italy)Medal for Military Bravery (Kingdom of Montenegro)