Grandpa I miss you each and everyday and wish you were still here. I am beyond grateful for everything you taught me in life you taught me to be a responsible, young lady, and an amazing mother you instilled morals in me and taught me to be the kind hearted soul I am today I will never be able to thank you enough or tell you how much I miss you from the bottom of my heart, you’re definitely missed on this earth but you will never be forgotten for everything you did for all of us and our country. God bless you grandpa I’ll never stop missing you and please know our family is OK always I love you grandpa. 

Don was my great grandpa and it almost feels funny calling him Don. My great grandpa taught me so much, especially when i became an adult. I had the honor of becoming very close to him his last year and it was amazing hearing all of his stories. I will love him forever and truly look at him as a hero!

Don Manke graduated from advanced glider flight training at South Plains Army Air Field, Lubbock, TX., on Jul 28, 1943 in class 43-13 awarding him the rank of Flight Officer. 

May 1944 he was listed in the roster as a member of the 99th Troop Carrier Squadron, 441st Troop Carrier Group, assigned in England at Langar, Station 490, Squadron Code J3. He flew airborne troops behind enemy lines in a CG-4A Glider three times during war. 

Don’s first combat mission was the invasion of Southern France. The 99th sent Glider Pilots to Italy in July 1944 on detached Service to the 1st Airborne Task Force for the invasion of Southern France. The operation, code named Dragoon, occurred on August 15, 1945. Don’s glider was loaded with elements of 1st Company of the 550th AB Infantry Bn, and 602nd GFAB.

Back at Langar, England, his next mission was into Holland codenamed Market, flying in elements of the 82nd Airborne.

In February 1945, the 441st moved to Dreux/Vermouillet, France, for the next combat mission.  They were located at Advanced Landing Ground A-41.

On 24 March 1945, Don flew his last and most dangerous glider mission.  The invasion of the German homeland, the Rhine Crossing, code named Operation Varsity.  According to Don’s report, during landing, they received automatic weapon fire and small arms fire, as well as being shot at by an 88mm artillery piece..   We have a lot more information about his Varsity combat mission and his 12 resupply missions. 
 
Don was a member of the National WWII Glider Pilots Association for many years and he will be missed by his fellow glider pilots, his band of brothers.   Please accept our condolences to the family.  The Association’s research team, Leon B Spencer Research Team, has the files and documents should the family members like to have more information.  Please contact us at nwwiigpa@gmail.com  

Sincerely, 
Patricia Overman
National Wing Commander
National WWII Glider Pilots Assoc.

Donald Manke was my grandfather in law and my good friend for almost 25 years. It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to the most intelligent and humble man that I have ever known.  Until we meet again my friend, salute!   



Don was a man of many talents but most of all just a great human being.  He put others first and always made time for people.  I have great memories of talking engineering problems with Don...such a bright mind and always eager to learn more.  Sincere condolences to the Manke family.  

My father, Manny Valenzuela, Sr., once told me that if you find a handful of true friends in a lifetime, you would be a very lucky man. He often used Don Manke as an example of that type of friend to him. Don was smart, humble, kind, friendly, and caring.  He accomplished so much in his life, and yet was one of the most down to earth people you'd ever want to meet. Don exemplified what it means to be a true gentleman. He lived a legacy and those of us who knew him are blessed and better for it. May you rest in peace, Don. I extend sympathies to his family. 

All of my family has been so honored and privileged to know Don.  From the time we were little kids, Don has attended our events and special moments. 
 What a wonderful person; one of the best people we've ever known.   May our Lord bless his precious soul and comfort his family.

I have been honored to know Don Manke.  I will miss our conversations.  I have learned a lot from this man.  I will forever be proud to say that Don Manke is my friend.  May God grant him peace.

Don is the most humble person I have ever known.  Thank you for helping me obtain my pilot's license 56 years ago.  My sons and I will miss you.  God bless you and happy landings.  
-Manny Valenzuela

Don is the most humble person I have ever known.  Thank you for helping me obtain my pilot's license 56 years ago.  My sons and I will miss you.  God bless you and happy landings.

OBITUARY

Donald William Manke

April 9, 1920 – February 22, 2018

East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery

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