About Travis Manion

Who is the young man whose life has inspired others to serve?

Travis Joseph Lemma Manion was born November 19th, 1980 in Camp Lejeune, NC. A Marine family, the Manions moved often during Travis' first 10 years until settling in Doylestown, PA. Travis came to feel that Doylestown was home, residing there as he attended Linden elementary school, Holicong middle school, and La Salle College high school.

Travis' strong leadership qualities became very apparent in his high school years. At La Salle, Travis lettered in wrestling, football and lacrosse, was a member of five Catholic League Championship Teams and was named to all league teams in all three sports. He also received 1st Team All-Catholic honors six times for both Wrestling and Lacrosse and earned All-American honors in wrestling. Although he excelled both on the athletic fields and in the classroom, Travis was best known as a motivating and popular figure to his classmates. It was for these traits that Travis was awarded the Hal Selvey, Jr. Memorial Award for Unselfish Dedication and Leadership by the Philadelphia Wrestling Association in 1999. In 1999, Travis graduated from La Salle College High School and was accepted at the United States Naval Academy.

Travis' journey to the Naval Academy began early in life. Travis was exposed often to the Academy either through visits to the Academy grounds or in meeting family friends who were Academy grads. It was no surprise to anyone who knew Travis that he chose to attend the Naval Academy. As at La Salle, Travis excelled in the classroom and in sports, and by 2004 was a preseason national top 20 wrestler. His strong character continued to shine, leading to his selection as the winner of the 2003 Weems Award for Leadership and Dedication presented by the Naval Academy Wrestling Association. Travis graduated from the Academy in 2004.

At the end of his college career Travis chose to become a Marine Corps officer. His basic officer training was in Quantico, VA where he finished in the top of his class and was awarded a regular commission in the United States Marine Corps. After completing his military occupational school Travis was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force Camp in Pendleton, CA.

It wasn't long after arriving to his first duty station that Travis and his unit were sent to Iraq for his first tour. During their tour, the First Recon Marines were part of many critical events including support of the 2005 election, uncovering weapons caches throughout the region and assisting with other Iraqi transition missions.

Returning from this successful tour in March of 2006, Travis began to prepare his unit for a return deployment in March of 2007. The Corps, however, had other plans for Travis. As an experienced and successful Iraq veteran, Travis was selected to be part of a Military Transition Team. In September of 2006, Travis was pulled from 1st Recon to train with 10 other Marines who would be attached to an Iraq Army Battalion in Fallujah.

Travis deployed back to Iraq on December 26th 2006 for his second tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He and his fellow Marines worked diligently to change the outcome in Fallujah, building a brotherhood with the Iraqi Army units and setting the example with strong leadership and a passion for their mission. Aggressively taking the fight to the enemy on multiple missions, Travis and his Marines fought bravely to change the tide in this critical battle ground. As a result of their incredible efforts, Al Anbar Province is now recognized as one of the more significant successes of the surge in Iraq.

During a patrol mission on Sunday, April 29, 2007, Travis was killed by enemy sniper fire in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq while fighting courageously to defend against an enemy ambush. With the legacy of strong character and leadership he left behind, Travis' spirit remains in Iraq and in the hearts of all who honor freedom and service. His fellow service members continue to work diligently to establish a foundation of freedom in Iraq. In honor of Travis and as a true testament to how much he is admired, the Iraqi's have named their new headquarters in honor of him, Combat Outpost (COP) Manion.

Travis' family, friends and fellow patriots will never forget his passion for life and his incredible sacrifices. Travis will always be remembered for his Spartan spirit and as a "Leader of Marines". Rest in Peace our brave, noble, warrior; you are a true American Hero! We will never forget!