16 Dec 2003 1st Lt Manning, I was in 1st MP Bn when you were there. Our paths may have crossed many times, but as U. S. Marines we did know each other. Being in different areas in 1st M. P. Bn I can only say from my heart that we were as one, take care my friend. L/Cpl Sekou Shepard Charlie Company, 1st MP Bn, 1967 charlie2_2@netzero.com

 

19 Dec 2003 John, you would be so proud to know that I have found some very special Marines that are helping me to keep your memory alive and to honor you with words from their hearts. Thank you, my special friends, for all that you are doing. I can tell you from experience that Marines do take care of their own. I know that you are looking down on us with that beautiful smile. I love you, my big brother, and I miss you every day. Karen Manning Armstrong 1815 W. Point Tap Road, Palestine, TX, 75803 shydog96@earthlink.net

 

01 Nov 2005 REMEMBERED by a comrade at time of death, Charles Baker cdbake304@msn.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 1st Military Police Battalion Command Chronology for January 1968 identifies 1stLt Manning as the Battalion's S-4 (Logistics) Officer. The TET offensive at Danang began with a rocket attack on the air base itself as well as attacks on outlying military positions. The 1st MP Bn was responsible for ground defense of the Danang and Marble Mountain air bases as well as establishing two quick reaction platoons made up of headquarters personnel. "1968: The Definitive Year" contains the following regarding an early morning attack at Hoa Vang Village, where the I Corps headquarters compound was located, just south of Danang: "[The Commanding Officer of 1st MP Bn] agreed that they would deploy one of the battalion's two reserve provisional Quick Reaction platoons composed of headquarters personnel. This platoon under First Lieutenant John E. Manning departed the airbase about 0415 and arrived in the blocking positions about 0515. ... "In the attack on the I Corps headquarters and in the defense of Hoa Vang village the allies sustained losses of nine dead and several wounded. Among the casualties were two Marines killed, including Lieutenant Manning, and six wounded from the 1st MP Battalion." The Command Chronology contains the following entry for 30 January 1968: "f. H&S Co. reaction platoons assisted by elements from Maintenance Bn while moving into blocking positions south of I Corps Headquarters made heavy contact with VC/NVA Units and the resulting fire fight lasted approximately 2-1/2 hours. 1st MP Bn casualties 2 KIA and 6 WlA, enemy casualties not officially known as bodies were taken to I Corps Headquarters by RVN Units operating in the same area; tentative results 30 VC/NVA KIA's, 24 VC/NVA POW's and several weapons and items of equipment seized." The two Marines from H&S Company, 1st Mp Bn, were 1stLt Manning and Pfc Colben B. Stokes of Laurel, MS (Silver Star). They are remembered by their brothers from the 1st MP Bn

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