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KNAPPENBERGER WAR VETERANS
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The National World War II Memorial
was dedicated on Memorial Day 2004
ALTON WARREN KNAPPENBERGER (1923-2008)
Alton W. Knappenberger was born 31 December 1923 in Cooperstown, Lehigh County, PA and died 9 June 2008. He was the son of Frank Johnson. Knappenberger (1887-1928) and grandson of Clinton W. Knappenberger (1857-1920) of Lehigh County, PA. He descends from Johan Michael Knappenberger (original immigrant) through his son Johan Henrich (Henry) Knappenberger who fought in the Revolutionary War. Alton was a Private First Class with the US Army, 3rd Infantry Division fighting in Italy on 1 February 1944 when his acts of bravery lead to receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor. For more information including full citation, CLICK HERE.
Allan Francis was born 12 September 1924 in Portland,
Oregon and died 5 July 1944 near Periers, Normandy, France. He is the son of
Harvey Lester Knappenberger (1886-1948) and grandson of Alexander
Knappenberger (1846-?) of Lehigh County, PA. He entered the service
from Oregon. Allan served with the 358th Infantry,
90th Division, Company D as a
Private. He was assigned to Company D on 1 July 1944 and died at
Hill 122 near Periers, France, on 5 July 1944. He is buried at the Normandy
American Cemetery in Plot C, Row 14, Grave 7. Allan Francis received
the Purple Heart Medal.
Allen Joseph was born 3 February 1926 in Westmoreland County, PA and was the son of John Jacob Shafter Knappenberger (1898-1950), grandson of John Hester Knappenberger (1869-1939) and descends from Conrad Knappenberger of Westmoreland County, PA. He entered the US Army Air Corps in February 1944 into their Aviation Cadet Program and was discharged November 1945. He was the youngest of three brothers who all served in the war; his elder brothers were John "Jack" Richards and Clifford William.
Arnold Clair was born 11 June 1916 in Armstrong County, PA and was the son of Emmitt Josiah "Joe" Knappenberger (1878-1968) and the grandson of Jacob Knappenberger of Armstrong County, PA (1836-1922). Arnold served with the Army Medical Corp in the European theatre during World War II and was near Berlin when the war ended.
Bill was born "Billie Junior
Knappenberger" on 26 April 1922 in Phoenix, Arizona and died 6 May
1998 in Loma Linda, California. He was the son of William David
Grover Knappenberger (1884-1928) and was part of the Moses Knappenberger
(1826-1898) family of Jeannette, Westmoreland County, PA. Bill served
with the US Navy as a SF 3. He was buried in Riverside National
Cemetery in Riverside County, California. Bill is the younger brother of
Charles D.
Knappenberger [see below]. CHARLES D. KNAPPENBERGER (c1916 - 1992)
Charles D. Knappenberger was born about 1916 in Pennsylvania and died 22 August 1992. He was the son of William David Grover Knappenberger (1884-1928) and was part of the Moses Knappenberger (1826-1898) family of Jeannette, Westmoreland County, PA. Charles served on the USS Holt during World War II from 9 June 1944 to 23 October 1945 as Chief Electricians Mate. Charles is the older brother of Bill J. Knappenberger [see above]. CHARLES W. KNAPPENBERGER (1925-2010) Charles W. Knappenberger served with the U.S. Army and fought in the European Theatre of Operations. He received a Purple Heart medal. Charles was born 1925 in Carbon County, PA and died there 6 April 1910. He was the son of James Howard Knappenberger (1894-1961) and grandson of William Abraham Knappenberger (1858). CLAYTON HAROLD KNAPPENBERGER (1926-2009) Clayton "Harold" Knappenberger, Jr. was born 2 Sept 1926 in Northampton County, PA and died 9 November 2009 in Lehigh County, PA. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the Naval Amphibious forces aboard the LSM as a Gunners Mate. He served in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. The ship's crew received a Navy Commendation and credit for sinking five Japanese Suicide Boats off the coast of Okinawa. In addition, Clayton Harold Knappenberger was a Marine Veteran of the Korean War serving in the Artillery as a Sergeant. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Clayton H. Knappenberger, Jr. was the son of Clayton Harold Knappenberger (1892-1944) and grandson of Alexander Knappenberger (1846-1928). His 3rd great grandfather, Johann Henry Knappenberger (1744-1818) fought in the Revolutionary War.
Clifford James was born 11 November 1925 in Carbon County, PA and died 24 March 1993. He was the son of Harry L. Knappenberger (1902-1931) and grandson of James Henry Knappenberger (1855-1917) of Carbon County, PA. He entered the service on 4 March 1944 and served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army, Company A, 259 Regiment, 65th Infantry Division of Patton's Third Army. He received the Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, EAME Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal. He fought in various battles and campaigns in Central Europe and the Rhineland . After the war ended, he was transferred to the 9th Infantry Division until separated from the service on 2 April 1946.
Clifford William was born 9 June 1921 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 5 September 2006 in Canton, GA. He was the son of John Jacob Shafter Knappenberger (1898-1950) grandson of John Hester Knappenberger (1869-1939) and descends from Conrad Knappenberger of Westmoreland County, PA. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in October 1942 and became a flight engineer/gunner on a B-24 bomber. He first flew 28 missions with the 15th Air Force/450th bomb group out of north Africa and Manduria, Italy. He then flew with the 8th Air Force, 446th bomb group out of Norwich, England flying 25 missions for a total of 53 missions. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 7 oak leaf clusters, the European, African, Middle East medal with 5 bronze stars among other honors. Cliff was discharged in August 1945 as a Tech Sergeant after earning 138 discharge points! He is buried at the Georgia National Cemetery.
Dean Sloan was born 30 December 1907 in Armstrong County, PA and died 3 February 1998 in Washington County, PA. He was the son of Frank Lee Knappenberger (1875-1946) and grandson of Daniel Knappenberger of Armstrong County, PA. Dean entered the US Army in 1942 and was sent to the American Division in the Pacific Theatre in 1943. Dean was awarded the Bronze Star. He was discharged in 1945.
Earl Franklin was born 15 September 1923 and died 16 December 1996 in Carbon County, PA. He was the older brother of Clifford James Knappenberger [also a veteran of World War II] and the son of Harry L. Knappenberger (1902-1931) and grandson of James Henry Knappenberger (1855-1917) of Carbon County, PA. He served with the 9th Army Air Force, 47th Station Compliment Squadron in Europe. EARL MELVIN KNAPPENBERGER (1899-1964) Earl Melvin was born 18 February 1899 in Coon Rapids, Iowa and died 13 June 1964 and is buried in Coon Rapids Cemetery. He was the son of Wesley B. Knappenberger (1872-1951) and grandson of Josiah Knappenberger (1834-1871) of Clarion County, PA. His grave marker indicates that he was a Corporal in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. EARL OLIVER KNAPPENBERGER (1919-1995) Earl Oliver was born 29 March 1919 and died 8 May 1995. He served with the US Army during World War II as a Private First Class. He was the son of John Murry Knappenberger (1874-1965) and grandson of Samuel Augustus Knappenberger (1840-1920). He was one of three brothers who served in WW II (John Addison and Paul Uncapher).
Edward Rule was born 14 October 1914 in Netcong, New Jersey. He died 30 August 1987 in Lehighton, Carbon County, PA. He enlisted in the Army on 9 March 1944 and became a First Lieutenant in the 8th Division with the Army Infantry in Germany during World War II. Edward received the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, EAME Ribbon with 2 Battle Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. He separated from the US Army on 20 February 1946. Edward was the son of James Edward Knappenberger (1878-1964) of Carbon County, PA and grandson of Penrose Miller Knappenberger (1847-1917) of Berks County, PA. ELMER T. KNAPPENBERGER (1916-1971) Elmer was born 14 July
1916 in Lehigh County, PA and died 17 March 1971 in Bucks County,
PA. He enlisted in the US Army on 6 June 1941 and served with the
44th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II. He was the son
of Frank Johnson Knappenberger of Lehigh County, PA (1887-1928) and
grandson of Clinton W. Knappenberger (1867-1920). His brother, Alton
W. Knappenberger, received the CMOH. (see above) GEORGE WILLIAM KNAPPENBERGER (1923-2006) George William was born 22 June 1923 in Warren, Ohio and died there on 14 January 2006. He served in the Army Air Corps and received the Purple Heart while in Tunisia. He was the son of Chester William Knappenberger (1890-1936) who was a World War I veteran and grandson of George Washington Knappenberger (1856-1942) of Westmoreland County, PA.
Glenn McMurtry was born 30 July 1917 in Armstrong County, PA and died 13 January 1997 in Texas. He was the son of McMurtry U. Knappenberger (1895-1977), grandson of John Hester Knappenberger (1869-1939) and descends from Conrad Knappenberger of Westmoreland County, PA. Glenn was in the US Army Reserves before the war and then transferred into the Air Corp as a Radio Operator for the Commander of the Central Training Command.
Harold J. was born 12 April 1927 in Mauch Chunk, Carbon County, PA. He is the son of Nathan Edward Knappenberger (1880-1944) and grandson of James Henry Knappenberger (1855-1917). He served with the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific on LST 853.
Homer Peter, Sr. was born 11 May 1910 in Lehigh County, PA and died 7 January 1997 in Bucks County, PA. He was the son of Richard Walter Knappenberger (1878-1967) and grandson of Thomas Henry Knappenberger (1833-1909). He served with the Navy during World War II.
Jack Ross Knappenberger was born 8 February 1916 in Penalosa, Kansas and died 4 September 1973 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was the son of Jacob Ross Knappenberger (1886-1965) and grandson of Francis J. "Frank" Knappenberger (1853-1903) and a descendent of Conrad Knappenberger of Westmoreland County, PA. Jack graduated from Kansas Sate University with a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine in 1939. After graduation, Jack entered the United Sates Army Veterinary Corps in 1940. He served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1945.
James Harvey Knappenberger, Jr. was born 29 August 1920 in Phoenix, Arizona. At a young age, after his parents died, he was adopted by his great-aunt and great-uncle and his last name was changed to Klingensmith. He was the son of James Harvey Knappenberger (1884-1925) and the grandson of Henry J. Knappenberger (1861-1918). James Harvey Klingensmith died 9 October 1983 in Westmoreland County, PA. He served as a Medic in the Army during World War II and participated in the second wave of the Normandy invasion.
Jesse Wayne Knapenberger known as "Wayne" was born 15 January 1908 in Clarion County, PA, the son of Jesse Knapenberger (1852-1927) and descends from Conrad Knappenberger of Westmoreland County, PA. He served with the US Army during World War II as a Staff Sergeant.
JILL PITTS KNAPPENBERGER (1918 - ) Jill Pitts was born 11 September 1918 in Evanston, Illinois. She married T. Gaillard Knappenberger in 1953. In November 1943, Jill graduated from the American Red Cross School at American University in Washington DC. She was sent to the European Theatre Operation of World War II in the largest convoy to leave the United States. There she worked in England and then landed on Utah Beach on 31 July 1944 and was assigned to the 8th Corps. They worked through Normandy, Brittany, Brest Peninsula and then to Bastogne, Belgium where they were cut-off during the Battle of the Bulge. Eventually they rejoined their group back in France and moved on with the troops through France and into Germany. She returned to the United States in 1945 and was discharged from the American Red Cross. For a remarkable story about how Jill visited with her twin, Captain John Joseph Pitts III of the US Army in December 1944 just days before his death at the Battle of the Bulge, click here.
John Addison was born 12 November 1903 and died 11 January 1979. He was the son of John Murry Knappenberger (1874-1965) and grandson of Samuel Augustus Knappenberger (1840-1920) of Armstrong County, PA. John served in World War II as a Private with the US Army. He was one of three brothers who served in WW II (Earl Oliver and Paul Uncapher).
John Darwin was born 12 May 1922 and is the brother of Dean Sloan Knappenberger [also a veteran of World War II]. He was born and raised in Charleroi, PA. John enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard on 3 February 1941 with Company D, 110th Infantry, 28th Division. Two weeks later, the National Guard was inducted into federal service. On 18 October 1943, the 28th Division arrived in England and then entered combat in July 1944 in France. The 28th Division was honored to parade down the Champs D'Elysee in Paris to celebrate the liberation of the city. Numerous battles followed and during the Battle of the Bulge, Ardennes, John was captured on 17 December 1944 and sent to Germany where he worked in a paper factory in Ammendorf, Germany until his release on 24 April 1945. He was discharged on 3 September 1945.
John Doyle known as
"Jack" was born 1 October 1913 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
and died 7 May 1971 in Portland, Oregon. He is the son of
Harvey Lester Knappenberger (1886-1948) and grandson of Alexander
Knappenberger (1846-?) of Lehigh County, PA. Jack was a Major in the US
Army and was awarded the Bronze Star. He served in North Africa and
the Pacific Theatre in Army Intelligence and ended the war as a Lt.
Colonel. Jack was one of three
brothers who served in World War II. His brothers were Robert Thomas
and Allan Francis (who died in Normandy). JOHN E. "JACK" KNUPPENBURG (1914-1996) John E. Knuppenburg known as "Jack" was born 23 February 1914 in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington and died 28 October 1996 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Jack was the son of J. Lee Knuppenburg (1881-1965) and grandson of Charles E. Knuppenburg (1852-1918). He served with the 97th Bombardment Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Force as a bombardier on a B-17.
John Richards known as "Jack" was born 23 March 1919 in
Westmoreland County, PA and died on 28 May 1990. He was the son of
John Jacob Shafter Knappenberger (1898-1950) grandson of John Hester Knappenberger
(1869-1939) and descends from Conrad Knappenberger of
Westmoreland County, PA. He was one of three brothers [Clifford,
Jack and Allen] who all served in World War II. Jack joined the US
Army Air Corps in April 1944 and was discharged in October 1945. KEITH M. KNUPPENBURG (1927-2005) Keith was born 14 May 1927
in Leroy, Michigan and died 20 July 2005 in Clinton Township, Macomb
County, Michigan. His ancestors fought in all the major wars of our
country. He was a son of Merle K. Knuppenburg (1896-1976) who
fought in World War I, grandson of
John Preston Knuppenburg who served in the Civil War and great-great
grandson of Philip "Adam" Knappenberger who fought in the
Revolutionary War. Keith
served in the US Navy during World War II and the Korean War. KENNETH LOYER KNAPPENBERGER (1919-1992)
Kenneth Loyer was born 4 February 1919 in Crawford County, Ohio and died on 9 September 1992 in Crawford County, Ohio. He was the son of Jesse Joseph Knappenberger (1881-1953) and the grandson of John George Knappenberger (1857-1928). Kenneth served with the US Army Airborne and landed at Normandy during the invasion of Europe by the Allied troops.
Laverne Jacob Knappenberger was born 1925 in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA and died 19 Jan 2007 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He was the son of Warren Webster Knappenberger (1898-1966) and grandson of Jacob Knappenberger (1873). Laverne enlisted on 7 May 1943. He served with the Army as a staff sergeant in the Italian campaign. He was a charter and founding member of the V.F.W. of Emmaus, PA. LLEWELLYN EDWIN KNAPPENBERGER (1890-?) Llewellyn Edwin Knappenberger was born 17 Feb 1890 in Carbon County, PA and died sometime after June 1945. At that time he returned on a troop ship 'Monticello" from Europe where he was listed as a Tec 3 in Ordinance with the U.S. Army. He was the son of William Abraham Knappenberger (1858) of Carbon County, PA and grandson of Abraham Knappenberger (1833-1904). LLOYD W. KNAPPENBERGER (1900-1987) Lloyd W. was born 17 June 1900 in Illinois and died 27 February 1987 in Dallas City, Hancock County, Illinois. He was the son of Clarence A. Knappenberger (1867-1940) and grandson of George W. Knappenberger (1827-1897) of Illinois. He was a veteran of World War II. As we learn more about his service record, more details will be added.
Paul Uncapher was born 19 August 1921 in Burrell Township, Armstrong County, PA and died in Armstrong County, PA on 17 February 1998. He is buried in Spring Church Cemetery in Armstrong County, PA. Paul served in the Army during World War II. He is the son of John Murry Knappenberger (1874-1965) and grandson of Samuel Augustus Knappenberger (1840-1920). He was one of three brothers who served during WW II (John Addison and Earl Oliver).
Ralph Edward was born 12 Sept 1920 in Sharpsville, Mercer County, PA and died 14 Feb 1983 in Loma Linda, California. He was the son of Edward Ellis Knappenberger (1886-1948) and grandson of David Hill Knappenberger (1862-1915). Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Army on the 2nd of September 1942 in Pennsylvania. RALPH JAMES KNAPPENBERGER (1918-2001) Ralph James was born 7 February 1918 and died 30 January
2001 in Interlachen, Florida. He was the son of George H.
Knappenberger (1893-1977) and grandson of Oliver Llewellyn
Knappenberger (born 1869) of Lehigh
County, PA. He served as a US Marine in the South
Pacific with the 4th Marine Division and fought in the battle of Iwo Jima.
He received a Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Campaign Medal. RALPH WILLIAM KNAPPENBERGER (1920-1984) Ralph William was born 11 March 1920 in Dekalb County, Illinois and died 4 October 1984 in Evansville, Wisconsin. He was the son of Earl B. Knappenberger (1889-1978) and the grandson of Benjamin Henry Knappenberger (1860-1936). Ralph enlisted in the Coast Guard in early 1941 and was stationed in the Philippines in 1942 when Corregidor surrendered. He was a prisoner of war for 3½ years first in the Philippines and towards the end of war was moved to Japan as a prisoner. He received a number of honors plus the Purple Heart. 60 Years Ago (1945): Mr. and Mrs. Earl Knappenberger, this city, received a telegram Wednesday morning from the Provost Marshal General with the following message: “The following enemy propaganda broadcast from the Japanese government has been intercepted. “Dear Folks, just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope you are the same. I am enjoying good health and my spirits are fine. My best wishes to all. Am sure hoping to see you soon. Love, Ralph W. Knappenberger.” Knappenberger enlisted in the coast guard early in 1941 and was located in Corregidor when it fell into the hands of the Japanese. He was in a prison camp in the Philippines until last June when he was moved to Japan.”
Robert Nathan born 23 November 1925 in Mauch Chunk, Carbon County, PA and died 11 August 2005 in Carbon County, PA. He was the son of Nathan Edward Knappenberger (1880-1944) and grandson of James Henry Knappenberger (1855-1917). He served with the U.S. Army Calvary as a sergeant in the China-Burma-India Theatre during World War II.
Robert Thomas known as "Bob" was born 8 August 1917 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and died 18 April 2001 in Portland, Oregon. He is the son of Harvey Lester Knappenberger (1886-1948) and grandson of Alexander Knappenberger (1846) of Lehigh County, PA. Bob served in the Army in an engineering battalion. He was at Le Shima just off the coast of Okinawa and later in Korea after the war on police duty in the occupation forces. Bob was one of three brothers who served in World War II - John Doyle and Allan Francis (who died in Normandy).
Roy C. was born 17 February 1916 in Penalosa, Kansas and
died 29 October 2004 in Colorado. He was the son of Roy C. Knappenberger (1886-1951) and
grandson of Francis "Frank" J. Knappenberger (1853-1903) and descends from
Conrad Knappenberger of Westmoreland County, PA. Roy served in
the US Army Medical Corps, 96th Division, Special Troops Surgeon.
He did his jungle training in Oahu. Later he was reassigned to the
111th Infantry in Peleliu. RUSSELL L. KNAPPENBERGER (1916-1995) Russell L. was born 3 November 1916 in Penn Haven Junction, Carbon County, PA and died 17 April 1995 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He was the son of Charles Franklin Knappenberger (1875-1947) and grandson of James Henry Knappenberger (1855 - 1917). Russell was a Navy Seabee during World War II. He was stationed in the Solomon Islands and in the Philippines. VICTOR DAVID KNAPPENBERGER (1926-2007) Victor D. Knappenberger was born 26 June 1926 in Christmans, PA and died 16 Nov 2007 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He enlisted 6 December 1944. Victor served with the U.S. Army during World War II as a sergeant in the 1st Calvary Division in Japan. Victor was the son of Clinton Ray Knappenberger (1900-1985) and grandson of James Henry Knappenberger (1855-1917).
Walter Gordon Knappenberger was born 8 March 1916 in Allentown, PA. His father was George Henry Knappenberger (1893-1977) and his grandfather was Oliver Llewellyn Knappenberger (1869-1947). Walter entered the US Army on 10 January 1945 and was trained in the US and then shipped to the Asiatic Pacific Theatre where he took part in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa as part of the 559th ASG. He received the Meritorious Service Award as well as the Asian-Pacific Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. Later he was moved to the 8th Air Force until his service time ended in September 1946 with the rank of Sergeant.
Willard known as "Johnny" was born 2 June 1914 in Letart, Mason County, West Virginia and died 1 September 2003 in Canton, Stark County, Ohio. He was the son of Mathew Mathias Knappenberger and grandson of Jacob Knappenberger who served in the Civil War. Johnny served with the US Army as a special vehicle operator. His obituary stated, "He was the type of person who was always willing to lend a helping hand".
William S. was born 23 October 1906 in Netcong, New Jersey and died 11 March 1989 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He is the older brother of Edward Rule Knappenberger [also a veteran of World War II]. William was a Technical Sergeant in the Army during World War II and served in France and Germany with the 86th Division (Blackhawks).
OTHER
KNAPPENBERGERS WHO ENLISTED If you can provide further
information about their service, Albert Arthur Knappenberger born 1922 enlisted on 21 October 1942 in Pennsylvania. Alton Woodrow Wilson Knappenberger born 1915 on 18 September 1843 in New York.. Alvin J. Knappenberger born 1921 enlisted on 5 January 1943 in Pennsylvania. Charles William Knappenberger born 1925 enlisted 10 January 1944 in Pennsylvania. Clair E. Knappenberger born 1927 enlisted 20 Dec 1945. Clifford Eugene Knappenberger born 1927 enlisted 26 March 1946 in Texas. Earl B. Knapenberger born 1908 enlisted 3 Oct 1942 in Pennsylvania. George T. Knappenberger born 1927 enlisted 9 Nov 1945 in Ohio. Harry C. Knappenberger born 1923 enlisted 22 April 1946 in Kansas. Henry M. Knappenberger born 1917 enlisted 7 April 1942 in Oklahoma. James E. Knappenburger born 1921 enlisted 17 Sept 1942 in Illinois. Marshall Edward Knappenberger born 1923 enlisted 13 Jan 1943 in Pennsylvania. Marvin D. Knappenberger born 1909 enlisted 1 Feb 1945 in Pennsylvania Paul Henry Knappenberger born 1918 enlisted 5 Dec 1944 in Pennsylvania. T.G. Knappenberger, Jr. born 1911 enlisted 22 April 1942 in Ohio. Vearl Lloyd Knappenberger born 1924 enlisted 20 March 1943 in Pennsylvania. |
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REVEREND CHARLES KNAPPENBERGER Charles, who was a chaplain during the Korean War, wrote a letter printed 25 June 2000 in the Philadelphia Inquirer in a section entitled Korea: The Forgotten War. The letter read as follows:
CLAYTON HAROLD KNAPPENBERGER (1926-2009) MARINE Clayton "Harold" Knappenberger, Jr. was born 2 Sept 1926 in Northampton Co., PA and died 20 Nov 2009. He served in World War II in the Navy (see above). He also served in the Korean War in the Artillery as a Sergeant with the Marines. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. For more information, see his listing under World War II. HAROLD W. KNAPPENBERGER (1928-1985) ARMY Harold W. was born 18 February 1928 and died 5 April 1985 in Carbon County, PA. He was the son of Wilson E. Knappenberger (1908-1954) and a descendent of Henry Knappenberger (1744-1818) - American Revolution Veteran. Harold was an Army Veteran of the Korean War having served with the 109th Engineering Battalion. JESSE MACKENZIE KNAPENBERGER (1930-1991) ARMY Jesse M. was born 25 September 1930 in Bradford, McKean County, PA and died 21 April 1991 in Meadville, Crawford County, PA. He is buried in Limestone Cemetery, Cattaraugus County, NY. Jesse served in the Army as a Corporal during the Korean War. He is the son of Guy Elmer Knapenberger and grandson of Josiah E. Knappenberger of Clarion County, PA.
BUDD ZERNIE KNUPPENBURG (1932- ) ARMY Budd Zernie was born 25 July 1932 in Michigan and is the grandson of John Preston Knuppenburg (1843-1922) - Civil War Veteran, great-great grandson of Philip Adam Knappenberger (1742-1823) - American Revolution Veteran, and descended from John Erhard Knappenberger (1704-1776). Budd was a Corporal and served with the Army from 29 August 1949 to 8 March 1957. He served with Company B, 25th Armored Engineering Battalion, 6th Armored Division. GILBERT R. KNAPPENBERGER (1931-2003) ARMY Gilbert R. Knappenberger was born 4 Nov 1931 in Ohio and died 26 March 2003 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. He served in the Army during the Korean War Conflict. He was the brother of Ronald Henry Knappenberger who also served in the Korean War. (see below). Gilbert was the son of Clyde Bowers Knappenberger (1909-1964) and great-grandson of Jacob Knappenberger (1814-1898) who found in the Civil War.
Richard Leonard was born 5 August 1930 in Coopersburg, Lehigh County, PA and died 9 July 2004 in Ft. Collins, Colorado. He was the son of Leonard Alfred Knappenberger (1911-1995) and grandson of Harvey Edgar Knappenberger (1874-1924) and descends from J. Michael Knappenberger through his son Henry Knappenberger (1744-1818) who fought in the Revolutionary War. Richard served in the US Navy during the Korean War and specialized as a submarine sonar operator. ROBERT CARL KNAPPENBERGER, SR. (1931-2001) ARMY Robert Carl was born 30 September 1930 in Lehigh County, PA and died 7 August 2001 in Newark, Delaware. He was the son of Dr. Fred Charles Knappenberger and Hilda [Flory] Knappenberger and a descendent of Henry Knappenberger (1744-1818) - American Revolution Veteran. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War. ROBERT A. KNAPPENBERGER (1933-2009) ARMY Robert A. Knappenberger was born February 1933 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA and died 21 November 2009 in Lehigh County, PA. He was a Korean War Army veteran and a member of the Hellertown and Walnutport VFW. Robert was the son of Robert E. Knappenberger and Helen L. Rader. He descends from J. Michel Knappenberger through his son Henry Knappenberger (1744-1818) who fought in the Revolutionary War.
Ronald Henry Knappenberger . was born 3 January 1934 in Canton, Stark County, Ohio and died there on 16 March 2003. He was a Korean War army veteran and was a member of the VFW Post #693. Known as "Knapp", he was the son of Clyde Bowers Knappenberger, grandson of Mathew Mathias Knappenberger, and great-grandson of Jacob Knappenberger who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Ronald was also the descendent of Conrad Knappenberger (1748-1818) who was a veteran of the Revolutionary War.
Harvey Hawse Knuppenburg was a pilot for the Air Force from 1953-1955
with the 39th Air Rescue Squadron - ending his career as a Captain. He piloted an Albatross (SA-16)
made by the Grumman Company. Harvey was born 27 November 1919 in
Spokane, Washington and died 9 June 1962 in Marin County,
California. His parents were Darle Hawse Knuppenburg and Sophia
Erickson and his grandfather is believed to be Myron N. Knuppenburg who
was born 1864 in Pennsylvania.
COLD WAR YEARS (mid 1940s to early 1970s) DEAN FRANCIS KNAPPENBERGER (1934-2006) Dean Francis Knappenberger was born 11 November 1934 in Williams County, Ohio and died 6 April 2006 in Maricopa County, Arizona. He served in the US Navy from 1954-1958 on the USS Los Angeles as a Seaman with the Second Division. Dean was the son of Ernest Elmer Knappenberger ( 1899-1972) and grandson of William Jeremiah Knappenberger (1857-1945).  Dean Francis Knappenberger JOHN GEORGE KNAPPENBERGER (1938- ) John George was born 3 December 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio. John is the son of Cleo Walter Knappenberger (1908-1986) and grandson of George Harvey Knappenberger (1883-1960). He served four years in the US Navy from September 1958 to September 1962. During this time, he spent three years aboard the USS Essex which was in support of the rebels during the ill fated Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba. John George Knappenberger is the great-great-grandson of Johan Georg Knappenberger who immigrated from Wuerttemberg, Germany to Crawford County, Ohio about 1847.
LELAND FRANCIS KNUPPENBURG II ( 1945-2006) Leland Francis known as Lee was born 4 March 1945 1945 and died 9 March 2006 in Dryden, New York. He joined the US Army and was with the 3rd Armored Division from 1961 to 1965. Lee was in Germany during Operation Big Life and guarded President Kennedy when he visited Germany. Lee was a marksman and drove tanks. He was the son of Leland Francis Knuppenburg I and grandson of Myron James Knuppenburg, Sr. KIRK RANDALL KNAPPENBERGER (1960) Kirk joined the Air Force in 1979 as part of the Air Force Security Police. His first duty assignment was at Malmstrom Air Base in Great Falls, Montana. He then was stationed at Ramstein Air Force base in Germany and then back to Malmstrom. He served for 13 years until 1993 and was an E-5 Staff Sergeant. Kirk is the son of Albert Augustus Knappenberger, Jr. and grandson of Albert Augustus Knappenberger, Sr. He descends from Conrad Knappenberger.
BLAIR ROBERT KNAPPENBERGER, JR. (1942-2006) Blair Robert Knappenberger, Jr. was born 30 July 1942 in Homestead, PA and died 26 November 2006 in Arlington, Texas. Blair was a Marine and served in Vietnam. His military training as a radar technician lead him to a career of computer repair, working initially for NASA and finally starting his own business, Micro-Fix in Arlington. Blair was the son of Blair Robert Knappenberger, Sr. (1913-1982) and grandson of Robert "Scott" Knappenberger (1893-1968). Blair was buried in Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery.
CLIFFORD W. KNAPPENBERGER, JR. (1944- ) Clifford W. Knappenberger, Jr. was born 8 January 1944 and is the son of Clifford W. Knappenberger [see above under World War II] and grandson of John Jacob Shafter Knappenberger. He descends from Conrad Knappenberger. Clifford enlisted in the US Army in June 1969 and was honorably discharged in December of 1971 as a Sergeant. He served in Vietnam for 11 months with the III and IV Corps of South Viet Nam and Cambodia as a Weapons Support Radar Maintenance Technician working with Counter Battery/Counter Mortar radar device called a "Q4". Clifford received the Bronze Star Medal as his father did in World War II. DALE RUSSELL KNAPPENBERGER (1943-2005) Dale R. Knappenberger was born 5 August 1943 in Allentown,
PA and died 5 December 2005 in Port Jervis, New York. He was the son
of Russell L. Knappenberger (see World War II veteran) and grandson of
Charles Franklin Knappenberger. Dale was a U.S. Navy veterans
of the Vietnam Era and achieved rank of noncom petty officer.
Gary Earl was born 9 May 1938 in Janesville, Wisconsin and died 25 July 1969 at Travis AFB. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was a Sergeant in the Air Force. After his accidental death, the Air Force promoted him to Staff Sergeant. Gary was the son of Arthur Earl (1915-1994), grandson of Earl B. (1889-1978) and great-grandson of Benjamin Henry (1860-1936) of DeKalb County, Illinois.
Dennis Ralph was born 6 September 1944 and was a brother of Gary Earl (see above). Dennis is the son of ARthur Earl (1915-1994) and grandson of Earl B. (1889-1978). He enlisted in the Air Force in 1963 and served until 1989. He retired as a Master Sergeant and served in Germany, Panama, the Philippines, Spain and throughout the United States.
Edward F. was born 11 August 1940 in Philadelphia, PA. He is the son of Benjamin David (1910-1992) and grandson of Edward Benjamin (1886-1973) of Lehigh County, PA. Ed served in the US Air Force from 1959 to 1964 and then reenlisted in the service from 1970 to 1980 serving in South Dakota, Alaska, and as an Air Force Recruiter from 1976 to 1980 in Lansing, Michigan. He received two Air Force Commendation medals. He left the Air Force as a Tech Sergeant working as a nuclear weapons technician. DALE ROBERT KNAPPENBERGER (born 1969) Dales Knappenberger was born 25 April 1969 in Houston, Texas. He served in the US Army from 27 July 1988 to 26 July 1992. He supported the 1st Calvary Division as a Calibration Technician in Operation Desert Shield/Storm (service in southwest Asia) from 11 October 1990 to 13 April 1991. He is the son of Blair Robert Knappenberger, Jr. (1942-2006) who served in Vietnam [see above] and was the grandson of Blair Robert Knappenberger, Sr. (1913-1982).
Jason Scott served in the US Marine Corps from 6 August 2001 to 5 August 2005 and ended his service with the rank of Corporal. He was a member of the Infantry, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division and served two tours of duty in Iraq. Jason Scott is descended from a long line of Knuppenburgs who have served their country including: his grandfather, Budd Zernie Knuppenburg, who served in the Korean War; John Preston Knuppenburg who served in the Civil War; and Philip Adam Knappenberger who served in the American Revolution. WILLIAM M. KNAPPENBERGER (born 1981) William M. known as "Bill" Knappenberger spent
four years in the US Marine Corps
from September 1999 to August 2003. He left the Marine Corps as a Lance Corporal
and joined the Army National Guard in August 2003. During his first
deployment, Bill was attached to the 28th Infantry Division from May 2006
to August 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq. He is currently on a work up for his
second tour in Iraq. Bill's home unit is the 728th Combat Sustainment
Support Battalion out of Lock Haven, PA. His current rank
(as of January 2009) for the Army is Sergeant. Bill has been in
the military for approximately ten years and is about to reenlist again for another
six years. His father is William Gene Knappenberger and his
grandfather is William F. Knappenberger. He descends from Thomas
Henry Knappenberger of Lehigh County, PA.
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The Knappenberger Family honors its veterans by listing them and providing information related to their branch of service, time in the service, honors, rank, etc. If you know of anyone in your family that you want to be sure is included, please contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net |
We salute our men and women in uniform as they serve this nation. We currently have Knappenberger military "cousins" serving our nation today during the Iraqi conflict. Our thoughts are with them and their families. |