[1] Manning was wounded nine times while providing automatic rifle fire to cover the movement of his soldiers, and his efforts enabled the platoon to deny their position to the counterattacking Germans until they could be consolidated with adjacent units.

[1] In January 1919, Manning received the Distinguished Service Cross to recognize his wartime heroism.

[1] In addition to the Medal of Honor, Manning's awards and decorations included the Purple Heart, French Croix de Guerre and Médaille militaire, Italian Croce al Merito di Guerra, and the Medalja za Hrabrost (Medal for Bravery) from Montenegro.

[1] After his wartime service and participation in the post-war occupation of Germany, Manning returned to Flomaton in 1919.

[1] In 1921, Manning accepted a U.S. government invitation to attend the inaugural Veterans Day wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C.[1] In 1935, the Alabama legislature enacted legislation that provided financial support to Manning for the purchase of a farm and equipment to operate it.

[1] Manning never fully recovered from his wounds; in addition to receiving a disability pension, the condition of his health required him to frequently visit Veterans Administration hospitals for treatment and evaluation.

Directing the consolidation of the position, he held off a large body of the enemy only 50 yards away by fire from his automatic rifle.

[5]In a series of 1918 newspaper articles, General John J. Pershing designated Manning one of the "Immortal Ten" whose stories of wartime heroism were most worthy of commemoration.