Lt. Col. Michael A. Manning’s actions in connection with combat operations involving conflict with an opposing force while serving as the operations officer, Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Jan. 1, 2007, to Jan. 22, 2008, have been marked by an exemplary record of accomplishments. This is directly attributable to his courageous leadership, sound judgment, meticulous planning and consistently superior personal example.
Lt. Col. Manning’s peerless ability to lead and plan is widely recognized throughout Multi-National Force – West. Several samples of his efforts include the planning and executing:
One unique aspect of Lt. Col. Manning’s operational design was his ability to control and secure 500,000 Iraqi citizens. This was accomplished through extensive use of Biometric Automated Tool Sets in every village and city in the area of operation.
Throughout his entire 13-month combat deployment, Lt. Col. Manning, 40, demonstrated exceptional poise under pressure. His combat leadership, professionalism, steady devotion and war-fighting spirit were the foundation for the success and high operational tempo of Regimental Combat Team 2 in the area of operation Denver. These heroic efforts leave a lasting legacy for Iraqis and Americans alike in the fight against global terrorism.