Timothy James Manning was born in Superior, Wisconsin, on May 30, 1903. Upon graduation from high school, he completed a year of Mechanics and Mechanical Drawing in Omaha, Nebraska. He was employed for ten years by the Interstate Transit Lines and Union Pacific Stages, Inc., as Superintendent, General Superintendent and General Manager; in 1939 he became President and principal owner of the Manning Transportation Company until 1940, when he merged with the Pacific City Lines and acted in the same capacity. His air transportation experience includes a position with the Interstate Transit Air Lines as manager of seven planes, manager of two flying schools in Omaha and Kansas City, and ownership and operation of a 5-place Stinson plane equipped with blind flying instruments. As a civilian he spent more than two thousand hours in the air.
He was commissioned a captain in the Army of the United States on April 10, 1942, and was assigned to duty with the Air Force Flying Training Command at Moffett Field, California, and four months later he was promoted to the rank of major on August 8, 1942. On November 29, 1942, he became a lieutenant colonel while stationed overseas in the European Theater of Operations.
Between September 1942 and October 1943 he served as Executive Officer, 3rd Service Area Command while assigned to the Twelfth Air Force in the European Theater, later serving temporary duty in the North African Theater of Operations. On November 24, 1943, he was promoted to the rank of colonel and that same month became Deputy Chief of Staff and Commanding Officer, 2nd Air Service Area Command which was later redesignated the 15th Air Force Service Command, North African Theater of Operations. In March 1944 he was announced as Commanding Officer of the 51st Troop Carrier Wing, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, with station in Italy. He was promoted to brigadier general (temporary) on November 21, 1944.
He was relieved from active duty on September 28, 1945.
DECORATIONS
He was awarded the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Air Medal, among other awards.
In April 1943 he was awarded the Silver Star with the following citation:
“For gallantry in action. From 0915 hours 8 November 1942 to 1800 hours 10 November 1942, with disregard for his own safety, without rest or sleep, despite continuous danger from snipers, Lieutenant Colonel Manning supervised the unloading of his ship, in order that all Air Corps supplies could be checked and separated for immediate use. On 8 November 1942, he led, on his own motorcycle, the first motor convoy from the landing point to [redacted] Algeria, loaded with critical supplies for the airbase there. By this act of gallantry Lt. Col. Manning kept a salient airbase supplied with materials essential for operation, thereby keeping our aircraft in the air. The courage displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Manning reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.”
Up to date as of 14 May 1946.