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Bradley Manning was sentenced in August to 35 years in prison, and revealed his new identity as a female named "Chelsea" shortly after.

Manning’s attorney, David Coombs, said at the sentencing he would seek a presidential pardon for his client. He said it would contain a personal appeal from Manning to Obama.

"When I chose to disclose classified information, I did so out of a love to my country and a sense of duty to others," Manning would tell Obama, Coombs said. "If you deny my request for a pardon, I will serve my time knowing that sometimes you have to pay a heavy price to live in a free society."

Manning will serve out his sentence at the military prison in Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

He must serve at least 11 to 12 years, and has already served more than three. The earliest he could be released is 2021, with parole.

As of March, Obama had granted a total of 39 pardons — 17 of them were granted that month.

Obama has been recognized as rarely giving presidential pardons compared to other modern presidents.