Travis Joseph Lemma Manion was born November 19th, 1980 in Camp Lejeune, NC. Being the son of a Marine father, Travis and his family moved often during his first 10 years until settling in 1990 in Doylestown, PA. where he attended Linden elementary school, Holicong middle school, and then La Salle College high school in Wyndmore, PA.
In 1999, Travis graduated from La Salle College High School where he lettered in wrestling, football and lacrosse and was a member of five Catholic League Championship Teams, was named to all league teams in all three sports while receiving 1st Team All-Catholic honors six times for both Wrestling and Lacrosse. He also earned All-American honors in wrestling. Travis was the recipient of the Hal Selvey, Jr. Memorial Award for Unselfish Dedication and Leadership presented by the Philadelphia Wrestling Association in 1999. He excelled both on the athletic fields and in the classroom at LaSalle where he maintained a 3.7 GPA
Over the years, Travis was exposed often to the United States Naval Academy, either through visits to the Academy grounds or in meeting former graduates that were family friends. So, when it came time to choose a college, it was no surprise to anyone who knew him that he chose to attend the Naval Academy. He graduated in 2004 where he was a 2004 preseason national top 20 wrestler. He won the 2002 - 2003 Weems Award for Leadership and Dedication presented by the Naval Academy Wrestling Association.
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 as a result, he 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 Pendleton, CA. Shortly after arriving to his first duty station, Travis was sent with his unit to Iraq for his first tour. During his time in the country, he was part of many critical events including support of the 2005 election, uncovering weapons caches throughout the region and numerous other Iraqi transition missions.
Returning from a successful tour in March of 2006, Travis set out to prepare his unit for a return deployment scheduled for March of 2007. Looking for experienced Iraq veterans, Travis was selected to be part of a Military Transition team and in September of 2006 he was pulled from 1st Recon to train with 10 other Marines that 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 his final 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. While Travis is there only in spirit now, his legacy of strong character and leadership continues as his fellow service members work diligently to establish a foundation for 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!
"Live Travis in our hearts forever""
