Who Is Travis Manion?
Inspiring a Mission of Service
1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, gave the ultimate sacrifice on April 29, 2007, on his second deployment to Iraq. While on patrol searching for a suspected insurgent house in Fallujah, Travis, his fellow Marines, and Iraqi Army counterparts were ambushed. Travis led a counterattack against enemy forces, drawing fire away from his wounded comrades and allowing every member of his patrol to survive. For his actions, he was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor. Today, over 300,000 Spartans nationwide carry forward the legacy of fallen heroes like Travis by leading with character and living out the “If Not Me, Then Who…” ethos.
"If Not Me, Then Who..."
Before his final deployment to Iraq, Travis left us with a simple but powerful ethos. “If Not Me, Then Who...” describes the sense of duty felt by service members and their families. Today it is a constant reminder for all of us to live with character and put the interests of others before our own.
A Life Marked by Leadership and Character
1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, was born Nov. 19, 1980 in Camp Lejeune, NC, to an active duty Marine family. After settling in Doylestown, PA, Travis went on to LaSalle College High School where his strong leadership qualities set him apart both athletically and academically. He was an all-league standout in wrestling, football and lacrosse, a member of five championship teams, and an All-American wrestler. Throughout his time at Naval Academy, Travis was best known as a motivating and popular figure to his classmates. After giving the ultimate sacrifice, Travis was buried at Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery next to his Naval Academy roommate and best friend, LT (SEAL) Brendan Looney, Navy.
Building of the USS Travis Manion
In January 2025, the U.S. Department of the Navy announced a future San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock (LPD 33) will be named USS Travis Manion. Scheduled for build in the coming years, the ship will be sponsored by Travis' sister and CEO of Travis Manion Foundation, Ryan Manion; and Travis' nieces Maggie and Honor Borek. Amphibious transport dock ships are warships used to transport and land Marines, their equipment, and supplies.
