James Knapp graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1939. He retired in 1972 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.
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James Knapp graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1939. He retired in 1972 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) James Barclay Knapp (ASN: 0-21890), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 767th Bombardment Squadron, 461st Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 9 August 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Knapp led a wing formation on a bombing mission against vital strategic enemy installations in Hungry. Approaching the target, his aircraft was severely damaged by intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire. However, realizing the vital importance of his lead position, Lieutenant Colonel Knapp courageously continued on course. Despite continued heavy enemy fire, displaying outstanding leadership and airmanship, Lieutenant Colonel Knapp brought his entire wing formation through the enemy defenses for a highly successful bombing run. Under his superior direction, the bombs from his wing were concentrated in the immediate target area, inflicting grave damage to vital enemy supplies, equipment and installations. En route to base, he skillfully maneuvered his formation through severe and adverse weather conditions for a safe landing without further damage or loss. By his outstanding courage, professional skill and intense devotion to duty in the face of heavy enemy fire, as evidenced throughout his combat career, Lieutenant Colonel Knapp has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General James Barclay Knapp (ASN: 0-21890), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Knapp distinguished himself as Commander, Chanute Technical Training Center, Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, from 25 August 1969 to 31 July 1972. During this period, General Knapp’s superior knowledge, leadership, and managerial ability greatly enhanced the quality of the technical training, increased the efficiency of all support functions, and expanded the community relations of Chanute Air Force Base. His dedication to duty, professional engineering capability, resourcefulness, and concern for the living and working conditions of his people resulted in major improvements at this Center. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Knapp culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General James Barclay Knapp (ASN: 0-21890), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Knapp distinguished himself while serving in consecutive positions as Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Headquarters Strategic Air Command; Chief of Staff, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, and Senior Member, United Nations Command, Military Armistice Commission, from 15 October 1964 to 10 August 1969. In these vital assignments, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by General Knapp contributed immeasurably to the increased capability of the United States Air Force and the defensive strength of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Knapp and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General James Barclay Knapp (ASN: 0-21890), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Civil Engineering, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, from 1 July 1957 to 31 July 1963. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty consistently demonstrated by General Knapp were instrumental factors in the development and acceptance of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles into the Strategic Air Command’s operational force inventory. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Knapp and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General James Barclay Knapp (ASN: 0-21890), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, SIXTEENTH Air Force, from 1 August 1963 to 14 October 1964. In this important position, the outstanding leadership, command ability, and devotion to duty consistently demonstrated by General Knapp were instrumental in the maintenance of the Strategic Air Command’s war deterrent capability. He made extraordinary contributions to mutual respect and understanding between the military forces of the United States and those of Spain and Morocco. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Knapp and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General James Barclay Knapp (ASN: 0-21890), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 23 July 1953 through 30 June 1957. As Commander, 4082d Strategic Wing, Goose Air Base, General Knapp contributed immeasurably to world peace and security of the Nation. His outstanding knowledge of air power was an instrumental factor in the development of a strategic base of great importance to the United States. General Knapp, as Commander of Good Air Base during operation FULLHOUSE, was responsible for many factors concerned in the execution of a simulated combat mission. The support of this operation required the control and coordination of numerous units and was in full substantiation of the feasibility of conducting operations of this type at Goose Air Base. The superior skill, initiative and devotion to duty displayed by General Knapp reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.