Morning:
8°c
D-day ‘hero’ exposed as a fraud
Peter Allen, in Paris7 Jul 2009
A self-styled American hero who was honoured around the world for taking part in two famous Second World War parachute jumps has been exposed as a fraud.
Howard Manoian, 84, had moved to the Normandy village of Sainte-Mère-Eglise and was still claiming last month to be one of the 82nd Airborne Division troops who landed there on D-Day, 6 June 1944.
He said he went on to land in Holland on 17 September 1944 as part of Operation Market Garden — a failed and bloody operation.
In fact, Manoian served with the 33rd Chemical Decontamination Company, at a supply dump in northern France.
Rather than being wounded while fighting German stormtroopers, as he claimed, he broke a finger while on standby in England, and then cut his hand.
The deceit came to light, just as Manoian was due to be awarded with the Legion of Honour, France's highest award, on the 65th anniversary of D-Day.
According to researchers, archives prove he landed in France by ship. No surviving troops from the 82nd remember him. Historian Brian Siddal said: “He was never part of the paratroopers. The evidence is overwhelming.”
Manoian's war record has been handed to the French authorities. A government spokesman said the fraud was “to be regretted”.
Manoian could not be contacted. A neighbour said: “He's feeling poorly and has returned to America.”
Reader views (7)
How many more are there who say they were in the batles . Lets weed them out its not good for the real vets makes them look small time to make a real count Regards Argeng meinhine
- Argeng Meinhine, Germany, 23/08/2009 22:31
Report abuse
A sad man with a sad need for substance in his life - or a conman milking imaginary exploits for profit (financial or otherwise). Either way it's over - let him sink into obscurity with what's left of his life.
- Rogan, Irving, 23/08/2009 21:31
Report abuse
He almost deserves a medal for such a rattling good story, even if it is pure fiction. Now why doesn´t he write a fictional book based on his imaginary exploits? It might turn out to be a best seller.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 23/08/2009 21:31
Report abuse
I guess that $23.00 "Americans at D-Day" now has a fake in their cast. He look's good with all those "un-earned patches" (Airborne Attire). I wonder what they paid him for that special. How much does a "fake paratrooper" make an hour. Do they pay him in beer at the Stop Bar or the C-47 Cafe. Warm beer and stale food.
- Joe Jump, ft. dragg, NC, 23/08/2009 21:31
Report abuse
Surely he fits right in with most of the population of France who are in the same age category as him? Apparently all of them fought for "La Résistance", and not one of them was "un collaborateur", bizarre isn't it?
- Bob, Cheam, 23/08/2009 21:31
Report abuse
I met Manoian at a pub/restaurant at St. Mere-Eglise while I was biking the Normandy area with VBT biking tours in May of 2008. I am saddened by the news concerning Manoian and can only say let him be and let's always remember the real heroes of that June 6, 1944 day...those men who landed on the beaches and gave their lives for not only the freedom of the people of Europe but for me and you and our children and their children, etc.
- Frank Giglio, United States, 23/08/2009 21:31
Report abuse
He seems to have the right qualificationjs to be an MP
- L.Taubler, London / ENGLAND, 23/08/2009 21:31
Report abuse
