WORLD WAR II
ALTON WARREN KNAPPENBERGER (1923-2008)
CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
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 KNAPPENBERGER (1924-1944)
Normandy American Cemetery
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 (1846-1928) 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.
Allan had two older brothers who also served during World War II: John Doyle known as “Jack” (1913-1971) and Robert Thomas known as “Bob” (1917-2001).
Norm C. Richards writes, “I remember reading about Allan on the reports when I first obtained them a couple of years ago. It made a huge impact on me that a young guy would be assigned to a unit, not knowing anyone, in combat, far from home and then to be killed within four days. Terribly sad. God Bless Allan for his service and sacrifice.”
A commentary written by Tom Knappenberger, nephew of Allan, was written for the Oregonian and printed on Memorial Day, May 27, 2002. This was written to remind people for whom Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon was named: the sons and daughters of Portland who died in World War II. “My Uncle Allan is among them…. Allan Knappenberger was only 18 when he joined the Army 59 years ago right after graduating from Columbia Preparatory School in North Portland. A three-letter star athlete, he was elected both student body president and class president his senior year, 1943. Everyone loved Knappy. The pro at Columbia Edgewater said he could be a golf star. His grades were high. Clearly he could choose his future. He chose to serve his country… On July 5, 1944, PFC Allan Knappenberger was helping move a gun through the hedgerows of Normandy. It had been less than a month since D-Day. A German mortar shell exploded, killing him instantly. Allan was only 19 – the uncle I never knew….It is terrible to lose young lives in war. It is unimaginable to me, as a father, to have all of one’s children in harm’s way. And it must be life-scarring to lose a child to war. Yet many families across Oregon and America shared my grandparents’ pain. It was what had to be done.”
ALLEN JOSEPH KNAPPENBERGER (1926-2023 )
Allen Joseph was born 3 February 1926 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 20 February 2023 in Butler County, PA. 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 who served in the Revolutionary War. He entered the US Army Air Corps in February 1944 into their Aviation Cadet Program and was discharged November 1945. Allen was baptized by an Army Air Corps chaplain while he served during World War II. Joining days after his 18th birthday, he was stationed at various sites in the United States for aviation and preflight training and service. He was the youngest of three brothers who all served in the war; his elder brothers were John “Jack” Richards Knappenberger and Clifford William Knappenberger.
ALVIN J. KNAPPENBERGER (1921-2014)
Alvin J. was born 2 June 1921 and died 18 May 2014. He enlisted on 5 January 1943 in Pennsylvania with the United States Army. He served in the European Theater of Operations and was a tank mechanic in the Ordinance Department. He was honorably discharged as a Technician Third Grade. He was a member of the Foxburg American Legion Post #636.
ARNOLD CLAIRE KNAPPENBERGER (1916-2016)
Arnold Claire was born 11 June 1916 in Armstrong County, PA and died 23 November 2016 in Armstrong County, PA at the age of 100. He 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 J. KNAPPENBERGER (1922-1998)
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 DEAN KNAPPENBERGER (1916-1992)
Charles Knappenberger [Front Row, Far Left]
Chief Petty Officers at commission in New Orleans
Charles Dean was born 26 June 1916 in Hollidaysburg, PA and died 22 August 1992 in Virginia Beach, VA. 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. He also served during the Korean War and retired as a Chief Petty Officer from the Navy. Charles is the older brother of Bill J. Knappenberger [see above].
CHARLES W. KNAPPENBERGER (1925-2010)
Charles W. served with the U.S. Army and fought in the European Theatre of Operations. He received a Purple Heart medal. Charles was born 17 November 1925 in Carbon County, PA and died 6 April 2010 in Carbon County, PA. He was the son of James Howard Knappenberger (1894-1961) and grandson of William Abraham Knappenberger (1858-?).
CLAYTON HAROLD KNAPPENBERGER, JR (1926-2009)
Clayton, known by “Harold”, was born 2 September 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 great great great grandfather, Johann Henry Knappenberger (1744-1818) fought in the Revolutionary War.
CLIFFORD EUGENE KNAPPENBERGER (1927-1953)
Clifford Eugene was born 22 December 1927 in Oklahoma and died on 21 April 1953 in Texas. He enlisted on 26 March 1946 in Texas. His name is listed on the Veteran’s Memorial in Graham, Young County, Texas. His father, Alvin Floyd “A.F.” Knappenberger, served in World War I.
CLIFFORD JAMES KNAPPENBERGER (1925-1993)
Clifford James Knappenberger
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.
* “July 31, 1945, Sgt. Clifford J. Knappenberger of Mauch Chunk has been recommended for the Soldier’s Medal for heroic conduct not involving conflict with the enemy. On the afternoon of June 15, 1945, at Linz, Austria, Sgt. Knappenberger exhibited exemplary courage and heroism by saving a young girl from drowning. The girl was swimming in a harbor about 100 yards from his guard post. He dove into the water fully dressed with heavy boots to rescue her. On reaching shore, it was necessary for the soldier to apply artificial respiration and the girl was successfully revived.”
CLIFFORD WILLIAM KNAPPENBERGER (1921- 2006)
Clifford William Knappenberger
Clifford William was born 9 June 1921 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 5 September 2006 in Canton, Cherokee County, 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 who was a Revolutionary War veteran. 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 in Canton, Georgia. He was one of 3 brothers who served during the war in the US Army Air Force.
DEAN SLOAN KNAPPENBERGER (1907-1998)
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 KNAPPENBERGER (1923-1996)
Earl Franklin Knappenberger
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 from 6 November 1942 through 16 November 1945. Earl was deployed abroad from 2 February 1944 to 12 November 1945. He was the son of John Murry Knappenberger (1874-1965) and grandson of Samuel Augustus Knappenberger (1840-1920). He was one of four brothers who served during WW II (John Addison Knappenberger, Paul Uncapher Knappenberger, Vearl Lloyd Knappenberger).
EDWARD RULE KNAPPENBERGER (1914-1987)
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 T. 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]
FRANCIS “JAY” KNAPPENBERGER (1927-2011)
Jay was born 3 July 1927 in Kingman County, Kansas and died 13 March 2011 in St. Louis Missouri. Jay served in World War II in the U.S. Navy on the cruiser U.S. Boston in the occupation of Japan. He was the son of Harry Cable Knappenberger (1890-1970) and grandson of Francis Jeremiah Knappenberger (1853-1903). Jay wrote a family history of the Francis Jeremiah Knappenberger family.
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 KNAPPENBERGER (1917-1997)
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 CLAYTON KNAPPENBERGER (1923-2015)
Clayton was born 24 April 1923 in Penalosa, Kansas and died 6 April 2015 in Plano, Texas. He enlisted with the Army on 22 April 1946 in Kansas.
HAROLD J. KNAPPENBERGER (1927-2010)
Harold J. was born 12 April 1927 in Mauch Chunk, Carbon County, PA and died 9 November 2010 in North Port, Florida. 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 KNAPPENBERGER, SR. (1910-1997)
Homer Peter 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, DVM (1916-1973)
Jack Ross 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. / KLINGENSMITH (1920-1983)
James Harvey was born 29 August 1920 in Phoenix, Arizona. At a young age, after his parents died, he was adopted by his grandaunt and granduncle 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 (1908-1991)
Limestone Cemetery,
Carrollton, Cattaraugus County, New York
Jesse, known by “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 (1918-2020)
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 KNAPPENBERGER (1903-1979)
John Addison was born 12 November 1903 and died 11 January 1979. He served in World War II as a Private with the US Army from 22 August 1942 to 19 April 1943. He was the son of John Murry Knappenberger (1874-1965) and grandson of Samuel Augustus Knappenberger (1840-1920) of Armstrong County, PA. Together with Earl Oliver Knappenberger, Paul Uncapher Knappenberger, and Vearl Lloyd Knappenberger, he was one of four brothers who served during WW II.
JOHN DARWIN KNAPPENBERGER (1922-2018)
John Darwin was born 12 May 1922, died 3 April 2018, 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 KNAPPENBERGER (1913-1971)
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 (1846-1928) 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; Allan Francis died in Normandy.
JOHN E. “JACK” KNUPPENBURG (1914-1996)
John E., 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 KNAPPENBERGER (1919-1990)
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 who served during the Revolutionary War. 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 Knappenberger
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 (1925-2007)
Laverne Jacob was born 1925 in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA and died 19 January 2007 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He was the son of Warren Webster Knappenberger (1898-1966) and grandson of Jacob Knappenberger (born 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 (1890-1965)
Llewellyn Edwin was born 17 February 1890 in Carbon County, PA and died in 1965. He volunteered to serve on 7 December 1941, the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and he was sent abroad on 2 November 1942. In 1945, he returned on the troop ship Monticello from Europe where he was listed as a Tec 3 in Ordnance with the U.S. Army, and he was discharged on 30 June 1945. 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.
PAUL UNCAPHER KNAPPENBERGER (1921-1998)
Paul Uncapher was born 19 August 1921 in Burrell Township, Armstrong County, PA and died in Armstrong County, PA on 17 February 1998. He served in the Army during World War II from 5 August 1942 through 27 October 1945. Paul was deployed abroad from 4 June 1943 to 20 October 1945. He is the son of John Murry Knappenberger (1874-1965) and grandson of Samuel Augustus Knappenberger (1840-1920). He was one of four brothers who served during WW II (John Addison, Earl Oliver, Vearl Lloyd).
RALPH EDWARD KNAPPENBERGER (1920-1983)
Ralph Edward was born 12 September 1920 in Sharpsville, Mercer County, PA and died 14 February 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. Ralph was part of the infamous Bataan Death March. He was a prisoner of war for 3½ years – first at the prisoner of war camp at Cabanatuan in the Philippines, and towards the end of the war on 25 August 1944 he was transported aboard the “Hell Ship” Noto Maru to Japan as a prisoner. On 18 October 1945, Ralph returned to San Francisco on the Storm King. Ralph received a number of honors plus the Purple Heart.
In 1945, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Knappenberger received a telegram from the Provost Marshal General with this 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 KNAPPENBERGER (1925-2005)
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 KNAPPENBERGER (1917-2001)
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 (1846-1928) 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. KNAPPENBERGER, MD (1916 -2004)
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.
VEARL LLOYD KNAPPENBERGER (1924-1992)
Vearl Lloyd was born 2 June 1924 and died 9 October 1992. He was drafted on 20 March 1943 in Pennsylvania. He served domestically in the Army Air Corps from 28 March 1943 until 26 January 1945. Vearl was the son of John Murry Knappenberger (1874-1965) and grandson of Samuel Augustus Knappenberger (1840-1920) of Armstrong County, PA. Together with Earl Oliver Knappenberger, Paul Uncapher Knappenberger, and John Addison Knappenberger, he was one of four brothers who served during WW II.
VICTOR DAVID KNAPPENBERGER (1926-2007)
Victor D. was born 26 June 1926 in Christmans, PA and died 16 November 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).
VIOLA RUTH KNAPPENBERGER BASLICK (1924-1996)
Viola Ruth was born 12 January 1924 in Berks County, PA and died 14 March 1996 in Berks County, PA. Viola served during World War II with the Women’s Army Corp as a Private first class from 28 September 1944 to 19 December 1945. Her husband, John Baslick, also served, and both of their grave markers indicate that they were veterans.
WALTER GORDON KNAPPENBERGER (1916-2011)
Walter Gordon was born 8 March 1916 in Allentown, PA and died in Lehigh County, PA on 27 June 2011. 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 WILBUR KNAPPENBERGER (1914-2003)
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. KNAPPENBERGER (1906-1989)
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 WITH THE US ARMY DURING WORLD WAR II
If you can provide further information about their service, please contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net.
Albert Arthur Knappenberger born 1922 enlisted on 21 October 1942 in Pennsylvania.
Alton Woodrow Wilson Knappenberger born 1915 on 18 September 1943 in New York.
Charles William Knappenberger born 1925 enlisted 10 January 1944 in Pennsylvania.
Clair Elmer Knappenberger born 1927 enlisted 20 December 1945.
Earl B. Knappenberger born 1908 enlisted 3 October 1942 in Pennsylvania.
George T. Knappenberger born 1927 enlisted 9 November 1945 in Ohio.
Henry M. Knappenberger born 1917 enlisted 7 April 1942 in Oklahoma.
James E. Knappenburger born 1921 enlisted 17 September 1942 in Illinois.
Marshall Edward Knappenberger born 1923 enlisted 13 January 1943 in Pennsylvania.
Marvin D. Knappenberger born 1909 enlisted 1 February 1945 in Pennsylvania.
Paul Henry Knappenberger born 1918 enlisted 5 December 1944 in Pennsylvania.
T.G. Knappenberger, Jr. born 1911 enlisted 22 April 1942 in Ohio.