Robert D. Knapp
Robert D. Knapp | |
|---|---|
Brigadier General | |
| Commands held | Air Corps Primary Flying School, Brooks Field 44th Observation Squadron 7th Observation Squadron 321st Bombardment Group 57th Bomb Wing |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star |
Robert Duane Knapp, Jr. (December 26, 1897 – April 25, 1994) was a
Early life
Robert D. Knapp was born in
Wright Brothers stayed in his home for a short time while consulting with professors at nearby Alabama Polytechnic Institute, an event which shaped Knapp's future career.[2]
Military career
After completing his studies at
92d Aero Squadron (Bombardment), in August 1918, but failed to see action in World War I due to a late shipment of propellers for his unit's Handley Page O/400 bombers.[2]
After returning from Europe, Knapp was assigned to the
San Antonio, Texas, where he was a flying instructor at the flight school. Having been promoted to commandant of the Air Corps Primary Flying School at nearby Brooks Field in 1929, he was appointed commanding officer of the 44th Observation Squadron in the Panama Canal Zone in 1931. He later commanded the 7th Observation Squadron, also in Panama, before returning to Kelly Field in 1934 as Director of Flying Training.[3]
Knapp in 1937 led a 98-aircraft squadron of Advanced Flying School students on a cross-country tour to recruit
Langley Field near Hampton, Virginia in 1940.[1]
World War II
After the United States entered
brigadier general and given command of the 57th Bomb Wing, a position he held for the remainder of the war.[1]
Later life
After the war, Knapp became chief of the US Air Force Mission to Argentina. He retired from the Air Force in 1953, and returned home to Auburn, Alabama. Robert D. Knapp died in Alabama on April 25, 1994.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d Patterson, Michael Robert (2022-12-26). "Robert Duane Knapp - Brigadier General, United States Air Force". Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
- ^ a b Auburn University, Aerospace Education and Research at Auburn University – From the Wright Brothers' Flight School to the Space Station, retrieved March 8, 2008.
- ^ Air University, "Robert D. Knapp", retrieved March 8, 2008
External links
- Air University, Robert D. Knapp