- Well-known biographer of important historical and political figures.
- Served in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of sergeant.
- Served in the Pacific Theater in World War II, taking part in the battles of Tarawa, Guadalcanal and Okinawa.
- Was mentored by H.L. Mencken.
- His biography of Winston Churchill (I) was intended to be written in three parts, but the third volume, "Defender of the Realm", was never finished.
- During the battle for Tarawa his squad was pinned down behind a seawall. A new lieutenant came in with a load of replacements and tried to whip the men into a charge against the Japanese machine guns. Manchester refused point-blank. The lieutenant then jumped up to show how easy it would be, and was instantly killed by enemy fire.
- His Marine Corps nickname was "Slim".
- While digging a foxhole during the battle for Guadalcanal, he uncovered a buried cache of Japanese rice wine, which he shared with his squad. HIs own bottle, however, contained liquor of a higher proof and he quickly passed out on the open ground. That night the unit was subjected to heavy shelling and machine gun fire, but Manchester was not hit once.
- Was personally selected by Jacqueline Kennedy (I) to write the official account of the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy. The book, "Death of a President", was an instant best-seller.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content