Sidney E. Manning

Then LT Sidney "Sai" Mannibg was the XO on my ship USS Vernon County (LST-1161) when I arrived on board & was interviewed by him on 6 Jun 1968 at Dong Tam, South Vietnam. He was "bigger than life" & most impressive to this green, young Ensign from Memphis, TN. He remains to this day, my favorite person within whom I interacted during my 28 years as a member of the Navy/Naval Reserve. My most heartfelt condolences to the members of his family & others who knew him

I am belated in commenting, but I first met Sai in the Subic Bay Officer Club (in the Philippines). At the time he was the Commanding Officer of the USS Pyro (AE-24) and one of the few individuals at that time still wearing a WWII submarine war patrol pin (which made him stand out). I served previously on the USS Suribachi (AE-21), a similar ammo ship to Pyro, so that was an interesting coincidence. But my biggest connection with him was at the time I was a submarine officer. I and others...

I served aboard the Vernon County in 68 to 70. XO Manning was serving at that time. I really did not get to know him that well the year he was the xo while I was under his command. He might have came down to our hole at one time for an inspection. I was a BT. What I did remember about him he looked like a Edger G Robertson look alike right down to the stogie he smoked.

Sai Manning was, without a doubt, the finest Naval Officer with whom I had the honor of serving, truly the quintessential member of THE GREATEST GENERATION and a sailor par excellence.

As a newly commissioned Ensign, fresh from OCS and DCA School, when I reported aboard the USS Vernon County (LST-1161) on 6 June 1968, I was greeted by the BIGGER THAN LIFE presence of then LCDR Sai Manning, Vernon County's Executive Officer while the ship was attached to the Mobile Riverine Force at...

Smooth sailing XO. I served with Sai Manning onboard the USS Vernon County 1967, 68, 69. Normally we were part of the Mobil Riverine force in the Mekong Delta. At the time Sai was a LCDR and served as the XO. He was quintessential sailors sailor. He had the attention of all junior officers and we would follow the man anywhere. I think of him often. R. Wayne McConnell CAPT. USNR (Ret.).

I also remember the cruise to Alaska in may of 1981, we also port call in Portland Or. Seattle Wa. as we reached Alaska he played the song, North to Alaska.

As a young Sailor my first assignment was The U.S.S. Pyro AE 24 Aprl 1981 till DEC 89. I was assigned to the CPO mess. I got to know CDR Sai Manning, he was inspiration to my Naval career, I reenlisted because of the talks we had. Condolence to the Mannnig family. RM1 T.R. Weatherspoon USNR RET.

A truly remarkable Leader a mustanger came up through the ranks

I will never forget serving with CDR Sai Manning when he was the Commanding Officer of the USS Pyro. Even though I was but a young sailor I learned so much from him. Always wanted to look him up but never seemed to make the time, my condolences to the family.

Sincerely,

Brad Westberry DCCS(SW/AW)(ret) Pyro 78 - 82