Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Duane
Knapp
1897-12-26

–

1994-04-25

Born:

Moreland

, 

Georgia

Home:

San Antonio

, 

Texas

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Robert Knapp transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1953 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    December 1943 – 1945
    War Department, General Orders No. 74 (September 11, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Robert Duane Knapp (ASN: 0-10707), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander of the 12th Bomber Command from December 1943 to September 1944, and the 57th Bombardment Wing from 1944 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Knapp and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    321st Bombardment Group (M)

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, Northwest African Strategic Air Force, General Orders No. 10 (May 29, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Robert Duane Knapp (ASN: 0-10707), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Command Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1943. Colonel Knapp led an attack on an enemy convoy after part of the formation had been forced back to its base by bad weather. His B-25’s bombed from 5,000 feet and sank one large merchant vessel. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Knapp, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Robert Duane Knapp (ASN: 0-10707), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Bomber Pilot in action over enemy-occupied Europe during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.