Bill was born on 14 November 1920 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was appointed from Kentucky and entered the Academy in June 1939. Upon graduation Bill put the carrier USS LEXINGTON in commission and then went to submarine school in New London in August 1943. After a short tour aboard the submarine USS PORPOISE he reported to the submarine USS HARDHEAD in which he served until flight training in May 1946. The HARDHEAD completed five war patrols with Bill embarked. Flight Training was conducted at Dallas and Corpus Christi, Texas and Pensacola and Jacksonville, Florida. The first operational flying duty was with Fighter Squadron Two followed by duty aboard the carrier USS F. D. ROOSEVELT in Anti-Submarine Squadron 22. From August 1950 to January 1953 Bill was on duty at NAS Patuxent, Maryland, He then served on the staff of Commander Carrier Squadron Six on the carrier USS CORAL SEA and as Aide and Flag Lieutenant to Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet.

In July 1955 Bill reported to Attack Squadron 66. It was on that duty that he was killed on an operational flight when his aircraft flew into Ladd Mountain, Marion County, Tennessee on 1 August, 1955. Bill wore the Navy Commendation Medal, the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Korean Service Medal. Bill's commendation reads:

For distinguishing himself by meritorious and outstanding service in action in the performance of his duty as Torpedo Computer Operator and Torpedo Officer on the USS HARDHEAD during her fifth War Patrol in the Southwest Pacific Area from 9 August to 7 July, 1945. His skillful performance as Torpedo Computer Operator was instrumental in the sinking of an enemy minelayer by torpedo fire and the sinking of a small freighter and a subchaser by gunfire. Lieutenant Manby carried out all his assigned duties in an outstanding manner. For his conduct throughout he is commended and authorized to wear the Commendation Ribbon.

Bill was survived by his wife Peggie and their children William John, a senior at Ohio State University in the School of Education and Sue, who is a junior at Ashland College in Ohio.

Peg married Dick Holden in the class of 1937 in 1957. Her address is Mrs. Richard Holden, 10352 Miravista, Santa Ana, California 92705.