Mencken, who became his friend and mentor, and also became the subject of Manchester's master's thesis and first book, Disturber of the Peace. In 1947, Manchester went to work as a reporter for The Baltimore Sun, where he met journalist H. In 1947, he earned his master's degree from the University of Missouri. from Massachusetts State College, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. įollowing World War II, Manchester worked as a copyboy for the Daily Oklahoman in 1945 before returning to college. He served in the Battle of Okinawa, was severely wounded on June 5, 1945, and was promoted to sergeant in July and awarded the Purple Heart. Although he had expected to serve in Europe, Manchester ultimately found himself in the Pacific Theater. After being given the rank of corporal, he was sent to Guadalcanal in 1944 for further training. Initially, Manchester joined the Officer Candidate School but was dropped before receiving a commission. However, he was ordered back to college until called up. Marine Corps during World War I.Īfter his father's death and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Manchester likewise enlisted in the Marine Corps. Manchester was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal and the Abraham Lincoln Literary Award. He was the author of 18 books which have been translated into over 20 languages.

William Raymond Manchester (Ap– June 1, 2004) was an American author, biographer, and historian. American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880–1964,

The last lion defender of the realm