Trivia

Well-known biographer of important historical and political figures.

Served in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of sergeant.

Served in the Pacific Theater in World War II, taking part in the battles of Tarawa, Guadalcanal and Okinawa.

Was mentored by H.L. Mencken.

His biography of Winston Churchill (I) was intended to be written in three parts, but the third volume, "Defender of the Realm", was never finished.

During the battle for Tarawa his squad was pinned down behind a seawall. A new lieutenant came in with a load of replacements and tried to whip the men into a charge against the Japanese machine guns. Manchester refused point-blank. The lieutenant then jumped up to show how easy it would be, and was instantly killed by enemy fire.

His Marine Corps nickname was "Slim".

While digging a foxhole during the battle for Guadalcanal, he uncovered a buried cache of Japanese rice wine, which he shared with his squad. HIs own bottle, however, contained liquor of a higher proof and he quickly passed out on the open ground. That night the unit was subjected to heavy shelling and machine gun fire, but Manchester was not hit once.

Was personally selected by Jacqueline Kennedy (I) to write the official account of the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy. The book, "Death of a President", was an instant best-seller.