Captain Harry Manning - Revision history

Moleski: /* Earhart’s World Flight navigator */

2013-01-20T23:53:10Z

Earhart’s World Flight navigator

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	[[Amelia Earhart]] commented to Manning’s friend when they met during a lecture tour that Harry Manning was “quite a charmer”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 118</ref> Manning’s continuing exposure in the press, interest in aviation, navigational and radio expertise, and longstanding friendship with Earhart, made it natural for her to regard him a fitting choice as the World Flight navigator. On Manning’s part, he did not want to make another “decision for mediocrity”--and agreed to participate in the World Flight.		[[Amelia Earhart]] commented to Manning’s friend when they met during a lecture tour that Harry Manning was “quite a charmer”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 118</ref> Manning’s continuing exposure in the press, interest in aviation, navigational and radio expertise, and longstanding friendship with Earhart, made it natural for her to regard him a fitting choice as the World Flight navigator. On Manning’s part, he did not want to make another “decision for mediocrity”--and agreed to participate in the World Flight.
	Preparations moved quickly after the United States Lines granted Manning a three month leave of absence to join the Earhart adventure. Manning’s only navigational experience, however, was maritime navigation; he needed practice using a bubble octant in the air, and to adapt to faster navigational pacing aboard an aircraft.		Preparations moved quickly after the United States Lines granted Manning a three month leave of absence to join the Earhart adventure. Manning’s only navigational experience, however, was maritime navigation; he needed practice using a bubble octant in the air, and to adapt to faster navigational pacing aboard an aircraft.
	On February 17, 1937, Manning departed with the Putnams in the Electra, flying from New Jersey to Burbank, California. On the flight, Manning practiced celestial navigation and, as described by Elgen Long: “He gave Amelia a position showing they were in southern Kansas, but were actually a few miles across the border in northern Oklahoma. Though not a large discrepancy for celestial air navigation, Putnam’s confidence in Manning faded…as he didn’t even have them in the right state”.<ref>Long, Elgen M. and Marie K., ''Amelia Earhart, The Mystery Solved'', Simon & Schuster, 1999, NY¸ p. 60</ref>[[Image:GPP_to_WT_Miller_3-1-37_re_Pan_Am_Nav.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center">George Putnam appears to be less than comfortable with Harry Manning's expertise as an aerial navigator in this 3-1-37 letter written just days before the first attempt. In it, he wrote that "there doubtless is much that Manning can go over with them to advantage." (Courtesy: John W. Davison, Jr. family.)</div>]][[Paul Mantz]], too, was unsure that Manning was the right man to be the World Flight navigator. Mary Lovell wrote that Mantz “was somewhat skeptical of Manning’s confidence in finding a small island such as [[Howland]], knowing that air navigation took different skills than surface navigation”.<ref>Lovell, Mary S., ''The Sound of Wings, The Life of Amelia Earhart'', St. Martin’s Griffin, 1989, NY, p. 241</ref> Paul Mantz had selected the design for the Electra's navigator position based on those aboard the Pan Am Clippers. Pan Am was flying the new Pacific routes surveyed by their lead navigator [[Fred Noonan]] and Mantz was familiar with Pan Am’s successful navigational procedures. On March 1, 1937, George Putnam wrote a letter to [[William Miller]], the Bureau of Air Commerce employee who served as the Roosevelt Administration’s liaison for the World Flight project, and requested contact with one of Pan Am’s best practicing navigators. “…there doubtless is much that Manning can go over with them to advantage. Naturally his experience is limited in a job like this…”.		On February 17, 1937, Manning departed with the Putnams in the Electra, flying from New Jersey to Burbank, California. On the flight, Manning practiced celestial navigation and, as described by Elgen Long: “He gave Amelia a position showing they were in southern Kansas, but were actually a few miles across the border in northern Oklahoma. Though not a large discrepancy for celestial air navigation, Putnam’s confidence in Manning faded…as he didn’t even have them in the right state”.<ref>Long, Elgen M. and Marie K., ''Amelia Earhart, The Mystery Solved'', Simon & Schuster, 1999, NY¸ p. 60</ref> [[Image:GPP_to_WT_Miller_3-1-37_re_Pan_Am_Nav.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center">George Putnam appears to be less than comfortable with Harry Manning's expertise as an aerial navigator in this 3-1-37 letter written just days before the first attempt. In it, he wrote that "there doubtless is much that Manning can go over with them to advantage." (Courtesy: John W. Davison, Jr. family.)</div>]][[Paul Mantz]], too, was unsure that Manning was the right man to be the World Flight navigator. Mary Lovell wrote that Mantz “was somewhat skeptical of Manning’s confidence in finding a small island such as [[Howland]], knowing that air navigation took different skills than surface navigation”.<ref>Lovell, Mary S., ''The Sound of Wings, The Life of Amelia Earhart'', St. Martin’s Griffin, 1989, NY, p. 241</ref> Paul Mantz had selected the design for the Electra's navigator position based on those aboard the Pan Am Clippers. Pan Am was flying the new Pacific routes surveyed by their lead navigator [[Fred Noonan]] and Mantz was familiar with Pan Am’s successful navigational procedures. On March 1, 1937, George Putnam wrote a letter to [[William Miller]], the Bureau of Air Commerce employee who served as the Roosevelt Administration’s liaison for the World Flight project, and requested contact with one of Pan Am’s best practicing navigators. “…there doubtless is much that Manning can go over with them to advantage. Naturally his experience is limited in a job like this…”.
	As it turned out, Fred Noonan’s schedule permitted him to join the World Flight crew.[[Image:Noonan Octant Receipt.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|<div align="center">Harry Manning's receipt from Fred Noonan for U.S. Navy Pioneer Octant number 12-36 dated March 20, 1937, the date of the Luke Field take-off accident, and written on Matson Line note paper. Noonan was to return the octant Manning signed for from the Navy upon completion of the Earhart flight. (TIGHAR Archives)</div>]] Lacking time to obtain the necessary visas, he would only stay aboard the flight as far as Howland Island where the most difficult overwater leg of the trip would end. Paul Mantz, would be aboard only as far as Honolulu to join his fiancée there. Harry Manning would complete the remainder of the Pacific overwater portion and deplane in Darwin, Australia.		As it turned out, Fred Noonan’s schedule permitted him to join the World Flight crew.[[Image:Noonan Octant Receipt.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|<div align="center">Harry Manning's receipt from Fred Noonan for U.S. Navy Pioneer Octant number 12-36 dated March 20, 1937, the date of the Luke Field take-off accident, and written on Matson Line note paper. Noonan was to return the octant Manning signed for from the Navy upon completion of the Earhart flight. (TIGHAR Archives)</div>]] Lacking time to obtain the necessary visas, he would only stay aboard the flight as far as Howland Island where the most difficult overwater leg of the trip would end. Paul Mantz, would be aboard only as far as Honolulu to join his fiancée there. Harry Manning would complete the remainder of the Pacific overwater portion and deplane in Darwin, Australia.

Moleski: /* The “Habitual Hero” */

2013-01-20T23:35:46Z

The “Habitual Hero”

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:35, 20 January 2013
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	==The “Habitual Hero”==		==The “Habitual Hero”==
	[[Image:Harry Manning's Award for SS Florida Rescue.jpg\|300px\|right\|thumb\|<div align="center"> Medals and awards presented to Captain Harry Manning for his part in the heroic rescue of the 32 man crew of the Italian vessel ''Florida'' on January 23, 1929. (Courtesy: Hermann Historica Auctioneers, Munich)</div>]]		[[Image:Harry Manning's Award for SS Florida Rescue.jpg\|300px\|right\|thumb\|<div align="center"> Medals and awards presented to Captain Harry Manning for his part in the heroic rescue of the 32 man crew of the Italian vessel ''Florida'' on January 23, 1929. (Courtesy: Hermann Historica Auctioneers, Munich)</div>]]
			[[File:AEtelegram0-1.jpg\|300px\|right\|thumb\|<div align="center">Earhart to Mrs. Anna Manning, 26 January 1929, expressing "a special interest in this latest gallantry."</div>]]

	On January 22, 1929, the SS ''America'', commanded by Captain Fried, received an SOS from the Italian cargo vessel SS ''Florida'', adrift in a winter storm 700 miles off the Virginia Capes. The ship’s rudder chain had broken and she wallowed on her beam ends in the he rough running, ice strewn seas with her 32 crew members aboard. The ''Florida'' was taking on water and the bridge had been carried away. Chief Officer Manning and seven crewmen volunteered to row through the stormy seas in a life boat to rescue the crewmembers as the ''America'' stood off a quarter mile. A line was thrown to the ''Florid''a and one by one the crewmen were hauled to the lifeboat. At one point, a strong surge carried the line away, but Manning was able to reconnect to the ship and the remainder of the crew and its Captain were taken off. Near total exhaustion and unconsciousness, the crew members had to be hauled aboard the ''America'', as was Manning himself. The empty lifeboat could not be brought back aboard safely in the rough seas, and was cut adrift. By the time the ''America'' reached port, news of the rescue had already spread and a welcome party greeted the ship. Captain Fried announced to the press, “If recognition is given to men of ''America'' it should go to the lifeboat crew in [the] charge of one of the most gallant young officers I have ever met—Captain Harry Manning.” On January 28th, ceremonies with a presentation of awards took place, followed by the largest ticker tape parade down the “canyon of heroes” since Lindbergh’s in 1927. Manning’s courageous acts continued. On two occasions he dived over the side to save men who had gone overboard, one which of was not at all grateful, as he had attempted suicide.		On January 22, 1929, the SS ''America'', commanded by Captain Fried, received an SOS from the Italian cargo vessel SS ''Florida'', adrift in a winter storm 700 miles off the Virginia Capes. The ship’s rudder chain had broken and she wallowed on her beam ends in the he rough running, ice strewn seas with her 32 crew members aboard. The ''Florida'' was taking on water and the bridge had been carried away. Chief Officer Manning and seven crewmen volunteered to row through the stormy seas in a life boat to rescue the crewmembers as the ''America'' stood off a quarter mile. A line was thrown to the ''Florid''a and one by one the crewmen were hauled to the lifeboat. At one point, a strong surge carried the line away, but Manning was able to reconnect to the ship and the remainder of the crew and its Captain were taken off. Near total exhaustion and unconsciousness, the crew members had to be hauled aboard the ''America'', as was Manning himself. The empty lifeboat could not be brought back aboard safely in the rough seas, and was cut adrift. By the time the ''America'' reached port, news of the rescue had already spread and a welcome party greeted the ship. Captain Fried announced to the press, “If recognition is given to men of ''America'' it should go to the lifeboat crew in [the] charge of one of the most gallant young officers I have ever met—Captain Harry Manning.” On January 28th, ceremonies with a presentation of awards took place, followed by the largest ticker tape parade down the “canyon of heroes” since Lindbergh’s in 1927. Manning’s courageous acts continued. On two occasions he dived over the side to save men who had gone overboard, one which of was not at all grateful, as he had attempted suicide.

Moleski at 18:51, 19 January 2013

2013-01-19T18:51:19Z

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	==Career disappointments==		==Career disappointments==
	Manning’s career took a downward turn after being assigned as Second Officer under Captain Hartley on the SS ''Leviathan'' in 1923. The ''Leviathan'' was then the largest and fastest vessel afloat, one of three German ships interned after the outbreak of WW I, and seized as a prize of war when the United States entered hostilities in 1917. Manning had worked to help another officer obtain command of the ship, placing him in an awkward position when Hartley ultimately was selected for the captaincy. After a year’s difficult relationship, he was “detached”(fired) from the ''Leviathan'', causing a blemish on his career. Though he knew it would be difficult, Manning was determined to make a comeback. Satisfaction with his three year climb back is reflected in a March, 1927 letter: “I fell from the heights like a plummet…nothing left for me to do but begin all over…I have worked hard, handicapped with poor health as I have been, and now I am higher than ever”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 23.</ref>		Manning’s career took a downward turn after being assigned as Second Officer under Captain Hartley on the SS ''Leviathan'' in 1923. The ''Leviathan'' was then the largest and fastest vessel afloat, one of three German ships interned after the outbreak of WW I, and seized as a prize of war when the United States entered hostilities in 1917. Manning had worked to help another officer obtain command of the ship, placing him in an awkward position when Hartley ultimately was selected for the captaincy. After a year’s difficult relationship, he was “detached” (fired) from the ''Leviathan'', causing a blemish on his career. Though he knew it would be difficult, Manning was determined to make a comeback. Satisfaction with his three year climb back is reflected in a March, 1927 letter: “I fell from the heights like a plummet…nothing left for me to do but begin all over…I have worked hard, handicapped with poor health as I have been, and now I am higher than ever”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 23.</ref>

	Manning was plagued with self-doubt about many of his life and career decisions. He worried that he “always chose mediocrity” when faced with important choices. It was easier not to ask for the hand in marriage of a young lady he loved, than to propose and be turned down. Through his association with Amelia Earhart in 1928, he became acquainted with Richard Byrd, then planning an expedition to Antarctica. Asked by Byrd to command one of his three ships, Harry Manning agreed, but later recanted when his decision met with the disapproval of his Mother and closest friends. He continued to question whether he had done the right thing.		Manning was plagued with self-doubt about many of his life and career decisions. He worried that he “always chose mediocrity” when faced with important choices. It was easier not to ask for the hand in marriage of a young lady he loved, than to propose and be turned down. Through his association with Amelia Earhart in 1928, he became acquainted with Richard Byrd, then planning an expedition to Antarctica. Asked by Byrd to command one of his three ships, Harry Manning agreed, but later recanted when his decision met with the disapproval of his Mother and closest friends. He continued to question whether he had done the right thing.
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	In spite of his temperament, Manning worked diligently to become broadly educated. He was well read in classic literature, spoke three languages, loved both classical and modern music, was known to exchange lines from Shakespeare with passengers, became an accomplished boxer, and was an excellent dancer—he particularly loved to Tango. The stewards were directed to send the best dancers among the passengers his way so that he could Tango with them. He also learned to play the piano. Harry Manning had a grand piano in his stateroom quarters on the SS ''America'' and on a rough winter Atlantic crossing, the moorings that held the piano broke loose. The careening piano smashed the stateroom furnishings.		In spite of his temperament, Manning worked diligently to become broadly educated. He was well read in classic literature, spoke three languages, loved both classical and modern music, was known to exchange lines from Shakespeare with passengers, became an accomplished boxer, and was an excellent dancer—he particularly loved to Tango. The stewards were directed to send the best dancers among the passengers his way so that he could Tango with them. He also learned to play the piano. Harry Manning had a grand piano in his stateroom quarters on the SS ''America'' and on a rough winter Atlantic crossing, the moorings that held the piano broke loose. The careening piano smashed the stateroom furnishings.
	==The “Habitual Hero”==		==The “Habitual Hero”==
	[[Image:Harry Manning's Award for SS Florida Rescue.jpg\|300px\|right\|thumb\|<div align="center"> Medals and awards presented to Captain Harry Manning for his part in the heroic rescue of the 32 man crew of the Italian vessel ''Florida'' on January 23, 1929.(Courtesy: Hermann Historica Auctioneers, Munich)</div>]]		[[Image:Harry Manning's Award for SS Florida Rescue.jpg\|300px\|right\|thumb\|<div align="center"> Medals and awards presented to Captain Harry Manning for his part in the heroic rescue of the 32 man crew of the Italian vessel ''Florida'' on January 23, 1929. (Courtesy: Hermann Historica Auctioneers, Munich)</div>]]

	On January 22, 1929, the SS ''America'', commanded by Captain Fried, received an SOS from the Italian cargo vessel SS ''Florida'', adrift in a winter storm 700 miles off the Virginia Capes. The ship’s rudder chain had broken and she wallowed on her beam ends in the he rough running, ice strewn seas with her 32 crew members aboard. The ''Florida'' was taking on water and the bridge had been carried away. Chief Officer Manning and seven crewmen volunteered to row through the stormy seas in a life boat to rescue the crewmembers as the ''America'' stood off a quarter mile. A line was thrown to the ''Florid''a and one by one the crewmen were hauled to the lifeboat. At one point, a strong surge carried the line away, but Manning was able to reconnect to the ship and the remainder of the crew and its Captain were taken off. Near total exhaustion and unconsciousness, the crew members had to be hauled aboard the ''America'', as was Manning himself. The empty lifeboat could not be brought back aboard safely in the rough seas, and was cut adrift. By the time the ''America'' reached port, news of the rescue had already spread and a welcome party greeted the ship. Captain Fried announced to the press, “If recognition is given to men of ''America'' it should go to the lifeboat crew in [the] charge of one of the most gallant young officers I have ever met—Captain Harry Manning.” On January 28th, ceremonies with a presentation of awards took place, followed by the largest ticker tape parade down the “canyon of heroes” since Lindbergh’s in 1927. Manning’s courageous acts continued. On two occasions he dived over the side to save men who had gone overboard, one which of was not at all grateful, as he had attempted suicide.		On January 22, 1929, the SS ''America'', commanded by Captain Fried, received an SOS from the Italian cargo vessel SS ''Florida'', adrift in a winter storm 700 miles off the Virginia Capes. The ship’s rudder chain had broken and she wallowed on her beam ends in the he rough running, ice strewn seas with her 32 crew members aboard. The ''Florida'' was taking on water and the bridge had been carried away. Chief Officer Manning and seven crewmen volunteered to row through the stormy seas in a life boat to rescue the crewmembers as the ''America'' stood off a quarter mile. A line was thrown to the ''Florid''a and one by one the crewmen were hauled to the lifeboat. At one point, a strong surge carried the line away, but Manning was able to reconnect to the ship and the remainder of the crew and its Captain were taken off. Near total exhaustion and unconsciousness, the crew members had to be hauled aboard the ''America'', as was Manning himself. The empty lifeboat could not be brought back aboard safely in the rough seas, and was cut adrift. By the time the ''America'' reached port, news of the rescue had already spread and a welcome party greeted the ship. Captain Fried announced to the press, “If recognition is given to men of ''America'' it should go to the lifeboat crew in [the] charge of one of the most gallant young officers I have ever met—Captain Harry Manning.” On January 28th, ceremonies with a presentation of awards took place, followed by the largest ticker tape parade down the “canyon of heroes” since Lindbergh’s in 1927. Manning’s courageous acts continued. On two occasions he dived over the side to save men who had gone overboard, one which of was not at all grateful, as he had attempted suicide.

Moleski at 18:46, 19 January 2013

2013-01-19T18:46:51Z

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	[[Image:Captain Harry Manning at the radar of the SS America's chart room in 1946© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center"> Captain Harry Manning, Master of the SS ''America'' in 1946 is viewing the radar in the ship's chart room.© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution (used by permission).</div>]]		[[Image:Captain Harry Manning at the radar of the SS America's chart room in 1946© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center"> Captain Harry Manning, Master of the SS ''America'' in 1946 is viewing the radar in the ship's chart room.© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution (used by permission).</div>]]
	Harry Manning had just received a temporary assignment as Captain of United States Lines’ SS ''President Roosevelt'' when he met Amelia Earhart. It was his first command of a ship, and at age 31, he was the youngest Captain of a luxury liner on the seas. At a youthful appearing 5 ft 7 ½ inches and 130 pounds, he was chided as being “the boy Skipper.”<ref>Mimi Manning says that her father's naturalization certificate gives his height as 5' 9" (e-mail correspondence).</ref> It was June of 1928. The crew of the ''Friendship'', Captain Wilmer L. Stultz, pilot, Louis “Slim” Gordon, mechanic, and Earhart, boarded the ''Roosevelt'' in Southampton, England. They were returning to New York following a tumultuous welcome and a week of congratulatory activities as celebrities following their historic transatlantic flight. Captain Manning had sheltered Earhart from throngs of admiring onlookers by giving her refuge on the ''Roosevelt''’s bridge deck and the two established an enduring friendship through their shared interest in flying. Just six months her senior, Manning, like Earhart, neither drank nor smoked and they established a mutual bond through their common interests and shared values. In a letter describing his first trip as a Captain, Manning wrote: “a glorious experience, ending as it did by bringing the ''Friendship'' flyers back. I have become quite intimate with the “girl” flyer. I am trying to convince her to fly the ''Friendship'' back again with me—but she won’t be convinced.”<ref>St. Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p.112</ref>		Harry Manning had just received a temporary assignment as Captain of United States Lines’ SS ''President Roosevelt'' when he met Amelia Earhart. It was his first command of a ship, and at age 31, he was the youngest Captain of a luxury liner on the seas. At a youthful appearing 5 ft 7 ½ inches and 130 pounds, he was chided as being “the boy Skipper.”<ref>Mimi Manning says that her father's naturalization certificate gives his height as 5' 9" (e-mail correspondence, 19 January 2013).</ref> It was June of 1928. The crew of the ''Friendship'', Captain Wilmer L. Stultz, pilot, Louis “Slim” Gordon, mechanic, and Earhart, boarded the ''Roosevelt'' in Southampton, England. They were returning to New York following a tumultuous welcome and a week of congratulatory activities as celebrities following their historic transatlantic flight. Captain Manning had sheltered Earhart from throngs of admiring onlookers by giving her refuge on the ''Roosevelt''’s bridge deck and the two established an enduring friendship through their shared interest in flying. Just six months her senior, Manning, like Earhart, neither drank nor smoked and they established a mutual bond through their common interests and shared values. In a letter describing his first trip as a Captain, Manning wrote: “a glorious experience, ending as it did by bringing the ''Friendship'' flyers back. I have become quite intimate with the “girl” flyer. I am trying to convince her to fly the ''Friendship'' back again with me—but she won’t be convinced.”<ref>St. Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p.112</ref>

	But in 1937 Earhart was convinced that Manning was the right man to join her World Flight as the navigator. He was to guide the Lockheed [[Electra]] across the expanses of the Pacific from the flight’s origin in Oakland, then, disembark in Australia, leaving Earhart to continue on her own. Manning was a well qualified nautical navigator, possessed an amateur radio license and was proficient in sending and receiving [[Morse code]]. He had become a licensed private pilot in 1930. Seemingly, Harry Manning possessed all the attributes that Earhart felt would be required for the forthcoming World Flight.		But in 1937 Earhart was convinced that Manning was the right man to join her World Flight as the navigator. He was to guide the Lockheed [[Electra]] across the expanses of the Pacific from the flight’s origin in Oakland, then, disembark in Australia, leaving Earhart to continue on her own. Manning was a well qualified nautical navigator, possessed an amateur radio license and was proficient in sending and receiving [[Morse code]]. He had become a licensed private pilot in 1930. Seemingly, Harry Manning possessed all the attributes that Earhart felt would be required for the forthcoming World Flight.

Moleski at 18:45, 19 January 2013

2013-01-19T18:45:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:45, 19 January 2013
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	[[Amelia Earhart]] commented to Manning’s friend when they met during a lecture tour that Harry Manning was “quite a charmer”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 118</ref> Manning’s continuing exposure in the press, interest in aviation, navigational and radio expertise, and longstanding friendship with Earhart, made it natural for her to regard him a fitting choice as the World Flight navigator. On Manning’s part, he did not want to make another “decision for mediocrity”--and agreed to participate in the World Flight.		[[Amelia Earhart]] commented to Manning’s friend when they met during a lecture tour that Harry Manning was “quite a charmer”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 118</ref> Manning’s continuing exposure in the press, interest in aviation, navigational and radio expertise, and longstanding friendship with Earhart, made it natural for her to regard him a fitting choice as the World Flight navigator. On Manning’s part, he did not want to make another “decision for mediocrity”--and agreed to participate in the World Flight.
	Preparations moved quickly after the United States Lines granted Manning a three month leave of absence to join the Earhart adventure. Manning’s only navigational experience, however, was maritime navigation; he needed practice using a bubble octant in the air, and to adapt to faster navigational pacing aboard an aircraft.		Preparations moved quickly after the United States Lines granted Manning a three month leave of absence to join the Earhart adventure. Manning’s only navigational experience, however, was maritime navigation; he needed practice using a bubble octant in the air, and to adapt to faster navigational pacing aboard an aircraft.
	On February 17, 1937, Manning departed with the Putnams in the Electra, flying from New Jersey to Burbank, California. On the flight, Manning practiced celestial navigation and, as described by Elgen Long: “He gave Amelia a position showing they were in southern Kansas, but were actually a few miles across the border in northern Oklahoma. Though not a large discrepancy for celestial air navigation, Putnam’s confidence in Manning faded…as he didn’t even have them in the right state”.<ref>Long, Elgen M. and Marie K., ''Amelia Earhart, The Mystery Solved'', Simon & Schuster, 1999, NY¸ p. 60</ref>[[Image:GPP_to_WT_Miller_3-1-37_re_Pan_Am_Nav.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center">George Putnam appears to be less than comfortable with Harry Manning's expertise as an aerial navigator in this 3-1-37 letter written just days before the first attempt. In it, he ~~suggests~~ that "Manning ~~may be able to talk to practicing Pan Am navigators~~ to advantage". (Courtesy: John W. Davison, Jr. family.)</div>]][[Paul Mantz]], too, was unsure that Manning was the right man to be the World Flight navigator. Mary Lovell wrote that Mantz “was somewhat skeptical of Manning’s confidence in finding a small island such as [[Howland]], knowing that air navigation took different skills than surface navigation”.<ref>Lovell, Mary S., ''The Sound of Wings, The Life of Amelia Earhart'', St. Martin’s Griffin, 1989, NY, p. 241</ref> Paul Mantz had selected the design for the Electra's navigator position based on those aboard the Pan Am Clippers. Pan Am was flying the new Pacific routes surveyed by their lead navigator [[Fred Noonan]] and Mantz was familiar with Pan Am’s successful navigational procedures. On March 1, 1937, George Putnam wrote a letter to [[William Miller]], the Bureau of Air Commerce employee who served as the Roosevelt Administration’s liaison for the World Flight project, and requested contact with one of Pan Am’s best practicing navigators. “…there doubtless is much that Manning can go over with them to advantage. Naturally his experience is limited in a job like this…”.		On February 17, 1937, Manning departed with the Putnams in the Electra, flying from New Jersey to Burbank, California. On the flight, Manning practiced celestial navigation and, as described by Elgen Long: “He gave Amelia a position showing they were in southern Kansas, but were actually a few miles across the border in northern Oklahoma. Though not a large discrepancy for celestial air navigation, Putnam’s confidence in Manning faded…as he didn’t even have them in the right state”.<ref>Long, Elgen M. and Marie K., ''Amelia Earhart, The Mystery Solved'', Simon & Schuster, 1999, NY¸ p. 60</ref>[[Image:GPP_to_WT_Miller_3-1-37_re_Pan_Am_Nav.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center">George Putnam appears to be less than comfortable with Harry Manning's expertise as an aerial navigator in this 3-1-37 letter written just days before the first attempt. In it, he wrote that "there doubtless is much that Manning can go over with them to advantage." (Courtesy: John W. Davison, Jr. family.)</div>]][[Paul Mantz]], too, was unsure that Manning was the right man to be the World Flight navigator. Mary Lovell wrote that Mantz “was somewhat skeptical of Manning’s confidence in finding a small island such as [[Howland]], knowing that air navigation took different skills than surface navigation”.<ref>Lovell, Mary S., ''The Sound of Wings, The Life of Amelia Earhart'', St. Martin’s Griffin, 1989, NY, p. 241</ref> Paul Mantz had selected the design for the Electra's navigator position based on those aboard the Pan Am Clippers. Pan Am was flying the new Pacific routes surveyed by their lead navigator [[Fred Noonan]] and Mantz was familiar with Pan Am’s successful navigational procedures. On March 1, 1937, George Putnam wrote a letter to [[William Miller]], the Bureau of Air Commerce employee who served as the Roosevelt Administration’s liaison for the World Flight project, and requested contact with one of Pan Am’s best practicing navigators. “…there doubtless is much that Manning can go over with them to advantage. Naturally his experience is limited in a job like this…”.
	As it turned out, Fred Noonan’s schedule permitted him to join the World Flight crew.[[Image:Noonan Octant Receipt.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|<div align="center">Harry Manning's receipt from Fred Noonan for U.S. Navy Pioneer Octant number 12-36 dated March 20, 1937, the date of the Luke Field take-off accident, and written on Matson Line note paper. Noonan was to return the octant Manning signed for from the Navy upon completion of the Earhart flight. (TIGHAR Archives)</div>]] Lacking time to obtain the necessary visas, he would only stay aboard the flight as far as Howland Island where the most difficult overwater leg of the trip would end. Paul Mantz, would be aboard only as far as Honolulu to join his fiancée there. Harry Manning would complete the remainder of the Pacific overwater portion and deplane in Darwin, Australia.		As it turned out, Fred Noonan’s schedule permitted him to join the World Flight crew.[[Image:Noonan Octant Receipt.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|<div align="center">Harry Manning's receipt from Fred Noonan for U.S. Navy Pioneer Octant number 12-36 dated March 20, 1937, the date of the Luke Field take-off accident, and written on Matson Line note paper. Noonan was to return the octant Manning signed for from the Navy upon completion of the Earhart flight. (TIGHAR Archives)</div>]] Lacking time to obtain the necessary visas, he would only stay aboard the flight as far as Howland Island where the most difficult overwater leg of the trip would end. Paul Mantz, would be aboard only as far as Honolulu to join his fiancée there. Harry Manning would complete the remainder of the Pacific overwater portion and deplane in Darwin, Australia.

Moleski at 18:35, 19 January 2013

2013-01-19T18:35:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:35, 19 January 2013
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	[[Image:Captain Harry Manning at the radar of the SS America's chart room in 1946© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center"> Captain Harry Manning, Master of the SS ''America'' in 1946 is viewing the radar in the ship's chart room.© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution (used by permission)</div>]]		[[Image:Captain Harry Manning at the radar of the SS America's chart room in 1946© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center"> Captain Harry Manning, Master of the SS ''America'' in 1946 is viewing the radar in the ship's chart room.© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution (used by permission).</div>]]
	Harry Manning had just received a temporary assignment as Captain of United States Lines’ SS ''President Roosevelt'' when he met Amelia Earhart. It was his first command of a ship, and at age 31, he was the youngest Captain of a luxury liner on the seas. At a youthful appearing 5 ft 7 ½ inches and 130 pounds, he was chided as being “the boy Skipper.”<ref>Mimi Manning says that her father's naturalization certificate gives his height as 5' 9" (e-mail correspondence).</ref> It was June of 1928. The crew of the ''Friendship'', Captain Wilmer L. Stultz, pilot, Louis “Slim” Gordon, mechanic, and Earhart, boarded the ''Roosevelt'' in Southampton, England. They were returning to New York following a tumultuous welcome and a week of congratulatory activities as celebrities following their historic transatlantic flight. Captain Manning had sheltered Earhart from throngs of admiring onlookers by giving her refuge on the ''Roosevelt''’s bridge deck and the two established an enduring friendship through their shared interest in flying. Just six months her senior, Manning, like Earhart, neither drank nor smoked and they established a mutual bond through their common interests and shared values. In a letter describing his first trip as a Captain, Manning wrote: “a glorious experience, ending as it did by bringing the ''Friendship'' flyers back. I have become quite intimate with the “girl” flyer. I am trying to convince her to fly the ''Friendship'' back again with me—but she won’t be convinced.”<ref>St. Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p.112</ref>		Harry Manning had just received a temporary assignment as Captain of United States Lines’ SS ''President Roosevelt'' when he met Amelia Earhart. It was his first command of a ship, and at age 31, he was the youngest Captain of a luxury liner on the seas. At a youthful appearing 5 ft 7 ½ inches and 130 pounds, he was chided as being “the boy Skipper.”<ref>Mimi Manning says that her father's naturalization certificate gives his height as 5' 9" (e-mail correspondence).</ref> It was June of 1928. The crew of the ''Friendship'', Captain Wilmer L. Stultz, pilot, Louis “Slim” Gordon, mechanic, and Earhart, boarded the ''Roosevelt'' in Southampton, England. They were returning to New York following a tumultuous welcome and a week of congratulatory activities as celebrities following their historic transatlantic flight. Captain Manning had sheltered Earhart from throngs of admiring onlookers by giving her refuge on the ''Roosevelt''’s bridge deck and the two established an enduring friendship through their shared interest in flying. Just six months her senior, Manning, like Earhart, neither drank nor smoked and they established a mutual bond through their common interests and shared values. In a letter describing his first trip as a Captain, Manning wrote: “a glorious experience, ending as it did by bringing the ''Friendship'' flyers back. I have become quite intimate with the “girl” flyer. I am trying to convince her to fly the ''Friendship'' back again with me—but she won’t be convinced.”<ref>St. Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p.112</ref>

Moleski at 18:34, 19 January 2013

2013-01-19T18:34:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:34, 19 January 2013
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	[[Amelia Earhart]] commented to Manning’s friend when they met during a lecture tour that Harry Manning was “quite a charmer”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 118</ref> Manning’s continuing exposure in the press, interest in aviation, navigational and radio expertise, and longstanding friendship with Earhart, made it natural for her to regard him a fitting choice as the World Flight navigator. On Manning’s part, he did not want to make another “decision for mediocrity”--and agreed to participate in the World Flight.		[[Amelia Earhart]] commented to Manning’s friend when they met during a lecture tour that Harry Manning was “quite a charmer”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 118</ref> Manning’s continuing exposure in the press, interest in aviation, navigational and radio expertise, and longstanding friendship with Earhart, made it natural for her to regard him a fitting choice as the World Flight navigator. On Manning’s part, he did not want to make another “decision for mediocrity”--and agreed to participate in the World Flight.
	Preparations moved quickly after the United States Lines granted Manning a three month leave of absence to join the Earhart adventure. Manning’s only navigational experience, however, was maritime navigation; he needed practice using a bubble octant in the air, and to adapt to faster navigational pacing aboard an aircraft.		Preparations moved quickly after the United States Lines granted Manning a three month leave of absence to join the Earhart adventure. Manning’s only navigational experience, however, was maritime navigation; he needed practice using a bubble octant in the air, and to adapt to faster navigational pacing aboard an aircraft.
	On February 17, 1937, Manning departed with the Putnams in the Electra, flying from New Jersey to Burbank, California. On the flight, Manning practiced celestial navigation and, as described by Elgen Long: “He gave Amelia a position showing they were in southern Kansas, but were actually a few miles across the border in northern Oklahoma. Though not a large discrepancy for celestial air navigation, Putnam’s confidence in Manning faded…as he didn’t even have them in the right state”.<ref>Long, Elgen M. and Marie K., ''Amelia Earhart, The Mystery Solved'', Simon & Schuster, 1999, NY¸ p. 60</ref>[[Image:GPP_to_WT_Miller_3-1-37_re_Pan_Am_Nav.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center">George Putnam appears to be less than comfortable with Harry Manning's expertise as an aerial navigator in this 3-1-37 letter written just days before the first attempt. In it, he suggests that "Manning may be able to talk to practicing Pan Am navigators to advantage".(Courtesy: John W. Davison, Jr. family)</div>]][[Paul Mantz]], too, was unsure that Manning was the right man to be the World Flight navigator. Mary Lovell wrote that Mantz “was somewhat skeptical of Manning’s confidence in finding a small island such as [[Howland]], knowing that air navigation took different skills than surface navigation”.<ref>Lovell, Mary S., ''The Sound of Wings, The Life of Amelia Earhart'', St. Martin’s Griffin, 1989, NY, p. 241</ref> Paul Mantz had selected the design for the Electra's navigator position based on those aboard the Pan Am Clippers. Pan Am was flying the new Pacific routes surveyed by their lead navigator [[Fred Noonan]] and Mantz was familiar with Pan Am’s successful navigational procedures. On March 1, 1937, George Putnam wrote a letter to [[William Miller]], the Bureau of Air Commerce employee who served as the Roosevelt Administration’s liaison for the World Flight project, and requested contact with one of Pan Am’s best practicing navigators. “…there doubtless is much that Manning can go over with them to advantage. Naturally his experience is limited in a job like this…”.		On February 17, 1937, Manning departed with the Putnams in the Electra, flying from New Jersey to Burbank, California. On the flight, Manning practiced celestial navigation and, as described by Elgen Long: “He gave Amelia a position showing they were in southern Kansas, but were actually a few miles across the border in northern Oklahoma. Though not a large discrepancy for celestial air navigation, Putnam’s confidence in Manning faded…as he didn’t even have them in the right state”.<ref>Long, Elgen M. and Marie K., ''Amelia Earhart, The Mystery Solved'', Simon & Schuster, 1999, NY¸ p. 60</ref>[[Image:GPP_to_WT_Miller_3-1-37_re_Pan_Am_Nav.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center">George Putnam appears to be less than comfortable with Harry Manning's expertise as an aerial navigator in this 3-1-37 letter written just days before the first attempt. In it, he suggests that "Manning may be able to talk to practicing Pan Am navigators to advantage". (Courtesy: John W. Davison, Jr. family.)</div>]][[Paul Mantz]], too, was unsure that Manning was the right man to be the World Flight navigator. Mary Lovell wrote that Mantz “was somewhat skeptical of Manning’s confidence in finding a small island such as [[Howland]], knowing that air navigation took different skills than surface navigation”.<ref>Lovell, Mary S., ''The Sound of Wings, The Life of Amelia Earhart'', St. Martin’s Griffin, 1989, NY, p. 241</ref> Paul Mantz had selected the design for the Electra's navigator position based on those aboard the Pan Am Clippers. Pan Am was flying the new Pacific routes surveyed by their lead navigator [[Fred Noonan]] and Mantz was familiar with Pan Am’s successful navigational procedures. On March 1, 1937, George Putnam wrote a letter to [[William Miller]], the Bureau of Air Commerce employee who served as the Roosevelt Administration’s liaison for the World Flight project, and requested contact with one of Pan Am’s best practicing navigators. “…there doubtless is much that Manning can go over with them to advantage. Naturally his experience is limited in a job like this…”.
	As it turned out, Fred Noonan’s schedule permitted him to join the World Flight crew.[[Image:Noonan Octant Receipt.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|<div align="center">Harry Manning's receipt from Fred Noonan for U.S. Navy Pioneer Octant number 12-36 dated March 20, 1937, the date of the Luke Field take-off accident, and written on Matson Line note paper. Noonan was to return the octant Manning signed for from the Navy upon completion of the Earhart flight. (TIGHAR Archives)</div>]] Lacking time to obtain the necessary visas, he would only stay aboard the flight as far as Howland Island where the most difficult overwater leg of the trip would end. Paul Mantz, would be aboard only as far as Honolulu to join his fiancée there. Harry Manning would complete the remainder of the Pacific overwater portion and deplane in Darwin, Australia.		As it turned out, Fred Noonan’s schedule permitted him to join the World Flight crew.[[Image:Noonan Octant Receipt.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|<div align="center">Harry Manning's receipt from Fred Noonan for U.S. Navy Pioneer Octant number 12-36 dated March 20, 1937, the date of the Luke Field take-off accident, and written on Matson Line note paper. Noonan was to return the octant Manning signed for from the Navy upon completion of the Earhart flight. (TIGHAR Archives)</div>]] Lacking time to obtain the necessary visas, he would only stay aboard the flight as far as Howland Island where the most difficult overwater leg of the trip would end. Paul Mantz, would be aboard only as far as Honolulu to join his fiancée there. Harry Manning would complete the remainder of the Pacific overwater portion and deplane in Darwin, Australia.

Moleski at 18:32, 19 January 2013

2013-01-19T18:32:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:32, 19 January 2013
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	[[Image:Captain Harry Manning at the radar of the SS America's chart room in 1946© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center"> Captain Harry Manning, Master of the SS ''America'' in 1946 is viewing the radar in the ship's chart room.© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution (used by permission)</div>]]		[[Image:Captain Harry Manning at the radar of the SS America's chart room in 1946© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center"> Captain Harry Manning, Master of the SS ''America'' in 1946 is viewing the radar in the ship's chart room.© 1998-2010 Smithsonian Institution (used by permission)</div>]]
	Harry Manning had just received a temporary assignment as Captain of United States Lines’ SS ''President Roosevelt'' when he met Amelia Earhart. It was his first command of a ship, and at age 31, he was the youngest Captain of a luxury liner on the seas. At a youthful appearing 5 ft 7 ½ inches and 130 pounds, he was chided as being “the boy ~~Skipper”~~. It was June of 1928. The crew of the ''Friendship'', Captain Wilmer L. Stultz, pilot, Louis “Slim” Gordon, mechanic, and Earhart, boarded the ''Roosevelt'' in Southampton, England. They were returning to New York following a tumultuous welcome and a week of congratulatory activities as celebrities following their historic transatlantic flight. Captain Manning had sheltered Earhart from throngs of admiring onlookers by giving her refuge on the ''Roosevelt''’s bridge deck and the two established an enduring friendship through their shared interest in flying. Just six months her senior, Manning, like Earhart, neither drank nor smoked and they established a mutual bond through their common interests and shared values. In a letter describing his first trip as a Captain, Manning wrote: “a glorious experience, ending as it did by bringing the ''Friendship'' flyers back. I have become quite intimate with the “girl” flyer. I am trying to convince her to fly the ''Friendship'' back again with me—but she won’t be convinced.”<ref>St. Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p.112</ref>		Harry Manning had just received a temporary assignment as Captain of United States Lines’ SS ''President Roosevelt'' when he met Amelia Earhart. It was his first command of a ship, and at age 31, he was the youngest Captain of a luxury liner on the seas. At a youthful appearing 5 ft 7 ½ inches and 130 pounds, he was chided as being “the boy Skipper.”<ref>Mimi Manning says that her father's naturalization certificate gives his height as 5' 9" (e-mail correspondence).</ref> It was June of 1928. The crew of the ''Friendship'', Captain Wilmer L. Stultz, pilot, Louis “Slim” Gordon, mechanic, and Earhart, boarded the ''Roosevelt'' in Southampton, England. They were returning to New York following a tumultuous welcome and a week of congratulatory activities as celebrities following their historic transatlantic flight. Captain Manning had sheltered Earhart from throngs of admiring onlookers by giving her refuge on the ''Roosevelt''’s bridge deck and the two established an enduring friendship through their shared interest in flying. Just six months her senior, Manning, like Earhart, neither drank nor smoked and they established a mutual bond through their common interests and shared values. In a letter describing his first trip as a Captain, Manning wrote: “a glorious experience, ending as it did by bringing the ''Friendship'' flyers back. I have become quite intimate with the “girl” flyer. I am trying to convince her to fly the ''Friendship'' back again with me—but she won’t be convinced.”<ref>St. Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p.112</ref>

	But in 1937 Earhart was convinced that Manning was the right man to join her World Flight as the navigator. He was to guide the Lockheed [[Electra]] across the expanses of the Pacific from the flight’s origin in Oakland, then, disembark in Australia, leaving Earhart to continue on her own. Manning was a well qualified nautical navigator, possessed an amateur radio license and was proficient in sending and receiving [[Morse code]]. He had become a licensed private pilot in 1930. Seemingly, Harry Manning possessed all the attributes that Earhart felt would be required for the forthcoming World Flight.		But in 1937 Earhart was convinced that Manning was the right man to join her World Flight as the navigator. He was to guide the Lockheed [[Electra]] across the expanses of the Pacific from the flight’s origin in Oakland, then, disembark in Australia, leaving Earhart to continue on her own. Manning was a well qualified nautical navigator, possessed an amateur radio license and was proficient in sending and receiving [[Morse code]]. He had become a licensed private pilot in 1930. Seemingly, Harry Manning possessed all the attributes that Earhart felt would be required for the forthcoming World Flight.

	==Young Harry Manning==		==Young Harry Manning==
	Harry V. Manning<ref>Manning’s seldom used middle initial “V.” appeared in only one reference used by the author: ''Life'', July 21, 1952, p. 62</ref> was born in Hamburg, Germany on February 3, 1897, to a British father and a German mother. His father, William Edwards Manning, was a junior diplomatic officer in the British Foreign Service. His mother, Ann M. Manning, was described as a woman of great beauty who had worked as an actress in Germany. In 1907 the Mannings moved from London to New York City where William Manning pursued a career in the import business. His untimely death, however, followed shortly after their relocation to New York. Young Manning and his mother continued to reside at 362 Riverside Drive in Manhattan where she found work as a model for several years. Harry remained very devoted to his mother and insured her welfare.		Harry V. Manning<ref>Manning’s seldom used middle initial “V.” appeared in only one reference used by the author: ''Life'', July 21, 1952, p. 62</ref> was born in Hamburg, Germany on February 3, 1897, to a British father and a German mother. His father, William Edwards Manning, was a junior diplomatic officer in the British Foreign Service. His mother, Ann M. Manning, was described as a woman of great beauty who had worked as an actress in Germany.<ref>Mimi Manning, daughter of Harry Manning: "My grandmother - Anna - had my father when she was 19, then came to NYC & stayed with her cousin Ferdinand Luhrs in Brooklyn. He was a grocer. I have done research on passenger manifests, etc. William Edward Manning was Irish, much older than Anna. They married in Elizabeth, N.J. My father took Manning's name as it was wartime. I think Manning had some sort of business in NYC - Anna lived on Riverside Dr. for a long time according to the census. She died of leukemia in 1939 or so. It's possible she was an actress at some point, but mostly a housewife, I think." (e-mail correspondence, 19 Jan 2013).</ref> In 1907 the Mannings moved from London to New York City where William Manning pursued a career in the import business. His untimely death, however, followed shortly after their relocation to New York. Young Manning and his mother continued to reside at 362 Riverside Drive in Manhattan where she found work as a model for several years. Harry remained very devoted to his mother and insured her welfare.

	Harry Manning was a bright student, but being the smallest in his class, he was often picked on by classmates. Both smart and tough, it was not unusual for him to come home after school with the telltale signs of a fist fight.<ref>''Time'', June 23, 1952, “Travel: Invasion, 1952"</ref> He completed his grade school education with honors, and was eager to develop himself both intellectually and culturally.		Harry Manning was a bright student, but being the smallest in his class, he was often picked on by classmates. Both smart and tough, it was not unusual for him to come home after school with the telltale signs of a fist fight.<ref>''Time'', June 23, 1952, “Travel: Invasion, 1952"</ref> He completed his grade school education with honors, and was eager to develop himself both intellectually and culturally.
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	==Manning's early career==		==Manning's early career==

	Harry Manning advanced rapidly through the junior officer ranks, shipping on cargo vessels, troop transports and tankers. He was acquiring a reputation as a perfectionist who wanted things done his way, but his tight discipline did not make him popular with crewmen detailed to his watch. ''Time'' magazine wrote: “on one ship, the stewards tried to poison him by dumping roach powder in his coffee. Says Manning: ‘I was an awful son of a bitch in those days.’ His hands still bear the scars of knives wielded by a stowaway and what Manning calls ‘various obstreperous members of the crew.’” <ref>''Time'', June 23, 1952, “Travel: Invasion, 1952”</ref> Once, as a junior officer, he was ambushed and beaten up by drunken sailors in Bremerhaven, Germany, an event that prompted him to become an accomplished boxer. His pugilistic skills were honed by sparring with ex-lightweight champion Benny Leonard (183-19-11). [http://united-states-lines.org/Harry%20Manning.htm] After receiving the rating of Chief Officer, Manning was employed by United States Lines in July of 1921 and shipped on several vessels, usually as Second Officer. Typical of Manning’s youthful daring and risk-taking was an escapade in which SS ''George Washington'' arrived in port behind schedule and, without the knowledge of the Captain, he set the bridge clock back to reflect an “on time” arrival.		Harry Manning advanced rapidly through the junior officer ranks, shipping on cargo vessels, troop transports and tankers. He was acquiring a reputation as a perfectionist who wanted things done his way, but his tight discipline did not make him popular with crewmen detailed to his watch. ''Time'' magazine wrote: “on one ship, the stewards tried to poison him by dumping roach powder in his coffee. Says Manning: ‘I was an awful son of a bitch in those days.’ His hands still bear the scars of knives wielded by a stowaway and what Manning calls ‘various obstreperous members of the crew.’” <ref>''Time'', June 23, 1952, “Travel: Invasion, 1952”</ref> Once, as a junior officer, he was ambushed and beaten up by drunken sailors in Bremerhaven, Germany, an event that prompted him to become an accomplished boxer. His pugilistic skills were honed by sparring with ex-lightweight champion Benny Leonard (183-19-11). [http://united-states-lines.org/Harry%20Manning.htm] After receiving the rating of Chief Officer, Manning was employed by United States Lines in July of 1921 and shipped on several vessels, usually as Second Officer. Typical of Manning’s youthful daring and risk-taking was an escapade in which SS ''George Washington'' arrived in port behind schedule and, without the knowledge of the Captain, he set the bridge clock back to reflect an “on time” arrival.

Rickerjones: /* Manning's early career */

2012-05-18T20:09:41Z

Manning's early career

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:09, 18 May 2012
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	==Manning's early career==		==Manning's early career==
	Harry Manning advanced rapidly through the junior officer ranks, shipping on cargo vessels, troop transports and tankers. He was acquiring a reputation as a perfectionist who wanted things done his way, but his tight discipline did not make him popular with crewmen detailed to his watch. ''Time'' magazine wrote: “on one ship, the stewards tried to poison him by dumping roach powder in his coffee. Says Manning: ‘I was an awful son of a bitch in those days.’ His hands still bear the scars of knives wielded by a stowaway and what Manning calls ‘various obstreperous members of the crew.’” <ref>''Time'', June 23, 1952, “Travel: Invasion, 1952”</ref> Once, as a junior officer, he was ambushed and beaten up by drunken sailors in Bremerhaven, Germany, an event that prompted him to become an accomplished boxer. His pugilistic skills were honed by sparring with ex-lightweight champion Benny Leonard (183-19-11). [http://united-states-lines.org/Harry%20Manning.htm] After receiving the rating of Chief Officer, Manning was employed by United States Lines in July of 1921 and shipped on several vessels, usually as Second Officer. Typical of Manning’s youthful daring and risk-taking was an escapade ~~when the~~ SS ''George Washington'' arrived in port behind schedule and, without the knowledge of the Captain, he set the bridge clock back to reflect an “on time” arrival.		Harry Manning advanced rapidly through the junior officer ranks, shipping on cargo vessels, troop transports and tankers. He was acquiring a reputation as a perfectionist who wanted things done his way, but his tight discipline did not make him popular with crewmen detailed to his watch. ''Time'' magazine wrote: “on one ship, the stewards tried to poison him by dumping roach powder in his coffee. Says Manning: ‘I was an awful son of a bitch in those days.’ His hands still bear the scars of knives wielded by a stowaway and what Manning calls ‘various obstreperous members of the crew.’” <ref>''Time'', June 23, 1952, “Travel: Invasion, 1952”</ref> Once, as a junior officer, he was ambushed and beaten up by drunken sailors in Bremerhaven, Germany, an event that prompted him to become an accomplished boxer. His pugilistic skills were honed by sparring with ex-lightweight champion Benny Leonard (183-19-11). [http://united-states-lines.org/Harry%20Manning.htm] After receiving the rating of Chief Officer, Manning was employed by United States Lines in July of 1921 and shipped on several vessels, usually as Second Officer. Typical of Manning’s youthful daring and risk-taking was an escapade in which SS ''George Washington'' arrived in port behind schedule and, without the knowledge of the Captain, he set the bridge clock back to reflect an “on time” arrival.

	==Career disappointments==		==Career disappointments==
	Manning’s career took a downward turn after being assigned as Second Officer under Captain Hartley on the SS ''Leviathan'' in 1923. The ''Leviathan'' was then the largest and fastest vessel afloat, one of three German ships interned after the outbreak of WW I, and seized as a prize of war when the United States entered hostilities in 1917. Manning had worked to help another officer obtain command of the ship, placing him in an awkward position when Hartley ultimately was selected for the captaincy. After a year’s difficult relationship, he was “detached”(fired) from the ''Leviathan'', causing a blemish on his career. Though he knew it would be difficult, Manning was determined to make a comeback. Satisfaction with his three year climb back is reflected in a March, 1927 letter: “I fell from the heights like a plummet…nothing left for me to do but begin all over…I have worked hard, handicapped with poor health as I have been, and now I am higher than ever”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 23.</ref>		Manning’s career took a downward turn after being assigned as Second Officer under Captain Hartley on the SS ''Leviathan'' in 1923. The ''Leviathan'' was then the largest and fastest vessel afloat, one of three German ships interned after the outbreak of WW I, and seized as a prize of war when the United States entered hostilities in 1917. Manning had worked to help another officer obtain command of the ship, placing him in an awkward position when Hartley ultimately was selected for the captaincy. After a year’s difficult relationship, he was “detached”(fired) from the ''Leviathan'', causing a blemish on his career. Though he knew it would be difficult, Manning was determined to make a comeback. Satisfaction with his three year climb back is reflected in a March, 1927 letter: “I fell from the heights like a plummet…nothing left for me to do but begin all over…I have worked hard, handicapped with poor health as I have been, and now I am higher than ever”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 23.</ref>

Rickerjones: /* Earhart’s World Flight navigator */

2011-09-18T23:23:27Z

Earhart’s World Flight navigator

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:23, 18 September 2011
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	[[Amelia Earhart]] commented to Manning’s friend when they met during a lecture tour that Harry Manning was “quite a charmer”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 118</ref> Manning’s continuing exposure in the press, interest in aviation, navigational and radio expertise, and longstanding friendship with Earhart, made it natural for her to regard him a fitting choice as the World Flight navigator. On Manning’s part, he did not want to make another “decision for mediocrity”--and agreed to participate in the World Flight.		[[Amelia Earhart]] commented to Manning’s friend when they met during a lecture tour that Harry Manning was “quite a charmer”.<ref>St.Clair, Mary Archer, ''A Knock on the Door'', Brandylane Publishers, Inc., White Stone, VA, 2001, p. 118</ref> Manning’s continuing exposure in the press, interest in aviation, navigational and radio expertise, and longstanding friendship with Earhart, made it natural for her to regard him a fitting choice as the World Flight navigator. On Manning’s part, he did not want to make another “decision for mediocrity”--and agreed to participate in the World Flight.
	Preparations moved quickly after the United States Lines granted Manning a three month leave of absence to join the Earhart adventure. Manning’s only navigational experience, however, was maritime navigation; he needed practice using a bubble octant in the air, and to adapt to faster navigational pacing aboard an aircraft.		Preparations moved quickly after the United States Lines granted Manning a three month leave of absence to join the Earhart adventure. Manning’s only navigational experience, however, was maritime navigation; he needed practice using a bubble octant in the air, and to adapt to faster navigational pacing aboard an aircraft.
	On February 17, 1937, Manning departed with the Putnams in the Electra, flying from New Jersey to Burbank, California. On the flight, Manning practiced celestial navigation and, as described by Elgen Long: “He gave Amelia a position showing they were in southern Kansas, but were actually a few miles across the border in northern Oklahoma. Though not a large discrepancy for celestial air navigation, Putnam’s confidence in Manning faded…as he didn’t even have them in the right state”.<ref>Long, Elgen M. and Marie K., ''Amelia Earhart, The Mystery Solved'', Simon & Schuster, 1999, NY¸ p. 60</ref>[[Image:GPP_to_WT_Miller_3-1-37_re_Pan_Am_Nav.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center">George Putnam appears to be less than comfortable with Harry Manning's expertise as an aerial navigator in this 3-1-37 letter written just days before the first attempt. In it, he suggests that "Manning may be able to talk to practicing Pan Am navigators to advantage".(Courtesy: John W. ~~Davidson~~, Jr. family)</div>]][[Paul Mantz]], too, was unsure that Manning was the right man to be the World Flight navigator. Mary Lovell wrote that Mantz “was somewhat skeptical of Manning’s confidence in finding a small island such as [[Howland]], knowing that air navigation took different skills than surface navigation”.<ref>Lovell, Mary S., ''The Sound of Wings, The Life of Amelia Earhart'', St. Martin’s Griffin, 1989, NY, p. 241</ref> Paul Mantz had selected the design for the Electra's navigator position based on those aboard the Pan Am Clippers. Pan Am was flying the new Pacific routes surveyed by their lead navigator [[Fred Noonan]] and Mantz was familiar with Pan Am’s successful navigational procedures. On March 1, 1937, George Putnam wrote a letter to [[William Miller]], the Bureau of Air Commerce employee who served as the Roosevelt Administration’s liaison for the World Flight project, and requested contact with one of Pan Am’s best practicing navigators. “…there doubtless is much that Manning can go over with them to advantage. Naturally his experience is limited in a job like this…”.		On February 17, 1937, Manning departed with the Putnams in the Electra, flying from New Jersey to Burbank, California. On the flight, Manning practiced celestial navigation and, as described by Elgen Long: “He gave Amelia a position showing they were in southern Kansas, but were actually a few miles across the border in northern Oklahoma. Though not a large discrepancy for celestial air navigation, Putnam’s confidence in Manning faded…as he didn’t even have them in the right state”.<ref>Long, Elgen M. and Marie K., ''Amelia Earhart, The Mystery Solved'', Simon & Schuster, 1999, NY¸ p. 60</ref>[[Image:GPP_to_WT_Miller_3-1-37_re_Pan_Am_Nav.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\| <div align="center">George Putnam appears to be less than comfortable with Harry Manning's expertise as an aerial navigator in this 3-1-37 letter written just days before the first attempt. In it, he suggests that "Manning may be able to talk to practicing Pan Am navigators to advantage".(Courtesy: John W. Davison, Jr. family)</div>]][[Paul Mantz]], too, was unsure that Manning was the right man to be the World Flight navigator. Mary Lovell wrote that Mantz “was somewhat skeptical of Manning’s confidence in finding a small island such as [[Howland]], knowing that air navigation took different skills than surface navigation”.<ref>Lovell, Mary S., ''The Sound of Wings, The Life of Amelia Earhart'', St. Martin’s Griffin, 1989, NY, p. 241</ref> Paul Mantz had selected the design for the Electra's navigator position based on those aboard the Pan Am Clippers. Pan Am was flying the new Pacific routes surveyed by their lead navigator [[Fred Noonan]] and Mantz was familiar with Pan Am’s successful navigational procedures. On March 1, 1937, George Putnam wrote a letter to [[William Miller]], the Bureau of Air Commerce employee who served as the Roosevelt Administration’s liaison for the World Flight project, and requested contact with one of Pan Am’s best practicing navigators. “…there doubtless is much that Manning can go over with them to advantage. Naturally his experience is limited in a job like this…”.
	As it turned out, Fred Noonan’s schedule permitted him to join the World Flight crew.[[Image:Noonan Octant Receipt.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|<div align="center">Harry Manning's receipt from Fred Noonan for U.S. Navy Pioneer Octant number 12-36 dated March 20, 1937, the date of the Luke Field take-off accident, and written on Matson Line note paper. Noonan was to return the octant Manning signed for from the Navy upon completion of the Earhart flight. (TIGHAR Archives)</div>]] Lacking time to obtain the necessary visas, he would only stay aboard the flight as far as Howland Island where the most difficult overwater leg of the trip would end. Paul Mantz, would be aboard only as far as Honolulu to join his fiancée there. Harry Manning would complete the remainder of the Pacific overwater portion and deplane in Darwin, Australia.		As it turned out, Fred Noonan’s schedule permitted him to join the World Flight crew.[[Image:Noonan Octant Receipt.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|<div align="center">Harry Manning's receipt from Fred Noonan for U.S. Navy Pioneer Octant number 12-36 dated March 20, 1937, the date of the Luke Field take-off accident, and written on Matson Line note paper. Noonan was to return the octant Manning signed for from the Navy upon completion of the Earhart flight. (TIGHAR Archives)</div>]] Lacking time to obtain the necessary visas, he would only stay aboard the flight as far as Howland Island where the most difficult overwater leg of the trip would end. Paul Mantz, would be aboard only as far as Honolulu to join his fiancée there. Harry Manning would complete the remainder of the Pacific overwater portion and deplane in Darwin, Australia.