He was born in 1888 in Piatra Neamț, the son of Vasile and Andromaca Manoliu, both civil servants, originally from the Ceahlău region.

After Romania entered World War I in August 1916 on the side of the Allies, Manoliu fought in the Romanian Campaign of 1916, commanding an infantry battalion.

After 5 years he became commanding officer of the Vânători de munte troops stationed in Sighetu Marmației and Satu Mare.

[3][4] After advancing to brigadier general in 1938, he was appointed in 1939 commander of the 2nd Mixed Brigade Vânători de munte, garrisoned at Bistrița.

At the start of Operation München, on July 2, 1941, the 2nd Mixed Brigade passed to the attack in the direction Vicovu de Sus–Cernăuți–Hotin.

Manoliu spent New Year's Eve near the frontline, in a bombed-out hut, sharing with cavalry colonel Haralambie Fortunescu canned rations sprinkled with champagne.