Henry J. Manning

He jumped overboard to try to save a drowning Navy musician.

Henry J. Manning received the Medal of Honor for attempting to rescue a shipmate off Newport, Rhode Island. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, on September 17, 1859, he served as a quartermaster in the U.S. Navy aboard the training ship New Hampshire.

On January 4, 1882, Manning jumped overboard to help Jabez Smith, a second class musician who was in danger of drowning. The award recognized Manning’s voluntary attempt to save another sailor. His official citation records the attempt without stating its outcome.

Manning received the Medal of Honor during his lifetime. His naval rescue remains commemorated in the award’s official record.

Official Medal of Honor citation

Serving on board the U.S. training ship New Hampshire, off Newport, R.I., 4 January 1882. Jumping overboard, Manning endeavored to rescue Jabez Smith, second class musician, from drowning.