Manor entered aviation cadet training in November 1942 and received his pilot wings and commission upon graduation in August 1943.

From September 1953 to June 1955, Major Manor was a staff officer with the 6th Allied Tactical Air Force (NATO) at İzmir, Turkey.

Manor served as the Chief of Staff, United States Pacific Command, from October 12, 1976 until his retirement from the Air Force on July 1, 1978.

He also was military advisor for an independent analysis of Operation Eagle Claw, the unsuccessful April 24, 1980, raid to rescue 52 Americans held during the Iran hostage crisis.

Meanwhile, Colonel Arthur D. "Bull" Simons, deputy task force commander, had landed with the support group in an adjacent military school compound, which was teeming with Russian and Chinese soldiers.

The raiders executed the entire operation in 26 minutes, successfully faced an enemy force of approximately 350 men, and left with only 2 injuries.

Wording of the Distinguished Service Medal citation as presented by President Richard M. Nixon to Manor on November 25, 1970 for his planning of the raid on Son Tay: Brigadier General Leroy J. Manor, United States Air Force, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility while serving as the Commander of a Joint Task Force on 21 November 1970.

General Manor commanded the humanitarian force whose mission was to search for and rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war deep within the territory of North Vietnam.

General Manor's brilliant talents of command and supervision resulted in a superbly trained joint task force.

Leroy J. Manor was presented a medal of knight of the French Legion of Honor March 3, 2015 in St. Petersburg, Fla., for his determination and participation in the air offensive over Europe, including the Liberation of Normandy.