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- Sunday Republican (Springfield, MA)
January 1, 2006
SOUTHWICK - 1st Sgt. Ret. U.S. Army William E. "Top" McManus, 76, a longtime resident here was called safely home on Monday December 26, 2005 after a brief illness. He was born in Cambridge, MA, April 14, 1929 a son of the late Charles F. and Mary Ellen (Grace) McManus and educated in Cambridge schools.
He married, Lori R. Martin on December 4, 1955, and the couple celebrated 46 years together. Lori died December 30, 2001.
William is survived by his four children, daughter, Ramona Manos and her husband Ray of Westfield, son David McManus and his wife Danielle of Feeding Hills, daughter, Michele Martin and her husband Steven of Southwick, and daughter, Kelly McManus of West Springfield. He was predeceased by a daughter, Sally McManus December 5, 1955. "Top" leaves his six cherished grandchildren, Charlie McManus, Joey Pesce, Brett, Karl and Karissa Martin and Kyeren Anderson. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Francis Santos of Sandwich, MA and many nephews and nieces.
William enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age seventeen, and began his long career with the military. William served his country honorably from 1946 until 1969 and after 23 years of service and retired from the U. S. Army 4th Infantry 3rd Battalion. William was a veteran of World War II, Korean War, Vietnam and the Philippines and was decorated with over 20 medals, some of which include the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster and V Device, Two Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal 6th Award, Combat Infantryman Badge 2nd Award, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal w/ Germany and Japan Clasp, National Defense Service Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Service Medal w/ Silver Service Star, United Nations Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal w/ Four Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 1960 Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm Unit Citation Badge, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation Badge, and The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. First Sgt. "Top" saved his lieutenant's life and his men's lives during Vietnam.
He was written about in the February 05 issue of Vietnam Magazine and also in the book entitled "The Light Ruck Vietnam 1969" by Tom LaCombe. In the 1950's "Top" was a boxer and member of the Golden Gloves, he was a marksman shooter and belonged to the American Legion Post # 338, V.F.W. # 872, Elk's Lodge # 1481 and a member of the Disabled American Veteran's. He earned his black belt in Karate in the 1960's and was active in training the state police departments in tracking methods with and without German Shepherds and the use of proper shotgun handling. "Top" earned this training position due to his ability in carrying a Savage 12 gauge shotgun as his only weapon in the military. With his shotgun, "Top", out shot, in speed, and outscored, competitors who fired M16 Rifles in competition shooting.
"Top" was employed at United Technologies Company for over fifteen years, first as a security guard and retired as a tester in 1989. William was a hero to his family and father to end all, but 1st Sgt. McManus was more than that, he was a hero to everyone.
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1929 - 2005 (76 years)
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