Mildred Jeannette Dalton was born July 11, 1914, on a farm in Barrow County, Ga. She graduated from nursing school in 1937 and worked at Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital. In 1939, Millie joined the Army Nurse Corps and in October of 1941 she was stationed in the Philippines at Manila.  
On December 8, 1941, approximately ten hours after the Japanese Pearl Harbor surprise attack, Japan landed troops to both the north and sound of Manila while also attacking a U.S. air base near Manila from aerial bombardment. Like planes at Hickam Airforce base, aircraft at the air base in Manilla were also destroyed causing an unexpected lack of ability to send reinforcements and supplies to U.S. forces.  
The Battle of the Philippines raged on for months. In January 1942, American forces retreated to the peninsula at the entrance to Manila Bay, Manila named Bataan Peninsula and then to the island of Corregidor.  On the island of Corregidor, nurses cared for wounded. Mildred worked for two months at a makeshift outdoor clinic on Bataan and at an underground hospital set up in a tunnel on Corregidor. She worked for two months at a makeshift outdoor clinic on Bataan and at an underground hospital set up in a tunnel on Corregidor.
In May 1942, U.S. forces became overrun about 20 nurses were able to escape imprisonment on a transport plane that departed just prior to the others becoming prisoners. The Americans fought until their final surrender in April 1942. It was then that Manning along with 76 fellow military nurses — 66 from the Army and 11 from the Navy were taken prisoner by Japan civilians. 
Early in 1944, the Japanese military took control of the camp, and conditions began to deteriorate. The nurses suffered many of the same illnesses as the other prisoners of war. The prison camp had no showers, beds or kitchens and their daily allotment of food consisted of two watery bowls of rice.  A single toilet was used by hundreds of people.  Mildred endured beriberi, dengue fever and malnutrition and, in the years after her imprisonment, would lose all her teeth. 
Through these harsh conditions Mildred and her 75 nurse colleagues continued strict military order, always wearing their uniforms, and caring for the sick. Dozens of detainees died of starvation. Some were hauled away by guards and never seen again. Approximately 4,000 people were held captive. 
On February 3, 1945, Mildred was freed and she along with her fellow army nurses received Bronze Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. To complete her service the army had her promote war bonds, which is how she met her husband, Arthur Brewster Manning. 
Mildred Dalton Manning died March 8, 2013 at the age of 98.  She is believed to have been the last known female military prisoner of war from World War II. 



Army nurses, taken prisoners by the Jap[ane]s[e] at Bataan and Corregidor and recently freed from the Santo Tomas University Civilian Concentration Camp at Manila, are awarded Bronze Stars, along with promotions, before their departure for the United States. Brig. Gen. Guy B. Denit, Chief Surgeon, SWPA, made the presentations at the 1st Convalescent Hospital, Tolosa, Leyte Island. 20 February 1945]  From: https://history.army.mil/html/topics/women/captured_nurses.html

Army nurses, taken prisoners at Bataan and Corregidor awarded Bronze Stars, along with promotions,

Army Nurses in Santo Tomas Internment Camp, 1943. Left to right: Bertha Dworsky; Sallie P. Durrett; Earlene Black; Jean Kennedy; Louise Anchieks; Millei Dalton. Picture taken by Japanese.  From: https://history.army.mil/html/topics/women/captured_nurses.html

Army Nurses in Santo Tomas Internment Camp, 1943. 

Washington Crossing National Cemetery

NCA Notable Person -- Mildred J. Manning.pdf

I am humbled by Nurse Manning's story of dedication to helping the sick and wounded.  Her perseverance to survive a Japanese prison camp is truly remarkable.  I honor her service to our country.  My prayers go out to her family that wondered if she would ever return or gain her health back.

Nurse Manning,  Thank you for your service and unbelievable bravery.  We remember your efforts and sacrifice.  

I want to share my total reverence for Army Nurse 1LT Mildred Manning, and her part in defending America and saving troops. Three years as POW is an incredible hardship, though it does signify hope and determination. I will remember her name and experience — and service to America.

GOD SPEED AWESOME LADY AS YOU CONTINUE YOUR FINAL FLIGHT WEST.

You are appreciated and remembered for your service. Thank you.

Rest easy, Angel, your sacrifices will never be forgotten. ⚓??⚓

Thanks you for tour service. Respect And Honor !

Ma'am, your skills and courage saved lives, perhaps my father, Bob Stuart Seashols was helped by you. Thanks for your service. Rest in Peace.

Ma'am, your story inspires me. Thank you for your service.

There is no greater bravery in war than to serve as a nurse, medic, orderly or doctor. Helpless to protect oneself while helping others; uninformed of how the tide has turned and giving hope to the hopeless when you yourself gave none, that is a high calling and one answered fully by all the 'Angels' of whom this lady was 'last but not least', assuredly not!

1LT Mildred Dalton Manning, I salute you. I see your image and honor your sacrifice.  

MILDRED J MANNING

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