Birth date: Mar 29, 1937 Death date: Aug 21, 2014
ROGER KNAPPER, Colonel, United States Marine Corps (Retired), of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away on August 21, 2014 at the age of 77. Roger was born on March 29, 1937 in Grayson County, Kentucky to the late William and Laura Kna Read Obituary
Colonel Knapper was the battalion commander of 2/3 in Kaneohe , Hi in 1976 and led me to captain the battalion's team and win the 1976 Smith Trophy. He was a superb officer and a fine man. Rest In Peace sir. William Fraser
My sincere condolences to the family of Roger Knapper. I served with Roger as an advisor in MACV during the 1967 - 1968 timeframe. Roger came to MACV as a Captain, and he had seen combat before coming to MACV. I was a Marine First Lieutenant at the time of Roger's arrival, and had only been in country for three months, and one of only four Marines assigned to the 4th Regiment of the 1st ARVN Division. I knew Roger well and learned from him. The night of 31 March 1967 my battalion came under heavy rocket and mortar fire. I contacted, by radio, the regimental command post to call in artillery on the enemy. There was an Army Major I talked to over the radio who informed me that he "DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING COMING FROM OUR BATTALION'S POSITION." He implied that I did not need support. I said things to that Major that I have never said to another person in my life, and used words that only a combat Marine under fire would use. Roger happened to be out of the field that night and in the command post, and he took the radio from that Major. Roger answered my call for preplanned artillery and began giving us support. Minutes later Roger came back on the air and said he could send some C-47 Spooky Aircraft over my position because they were returning from action at Dong Ha. I said great, we stopped our artillery, and used the C-47 for flares and guns. By Roger's initiative and action he saved our 3-man (all 3 of us Marines who were wounded) advisory team, and saved many more ARVN casualties. This was a great example of Marines knowing one another and trusting one another. I wish I had maintained contact with Roger. He was a good man and an outstanding Marine. Sincerely, Jack (Skip) Moore, USMC (Ret), and USNA 1965.
I served under Colonel Knapper when he commanded the 4th Marines on Okinawa. Made two deployments to Korea. An officer and gentleman of the old school. RIP and Semper Fi Colonel...I'll always remember you.
To the family of Colonel Knapper:
I only knew Roger for a period of about three years, but as a reserve officer serving in the Marine Command Center as my "drill station" (1982-1986) in the reserves he provided wise guidance and imparted a great deal of knowledge to me and the reservists that served with me. He was one great Marine.
We continued email contact over the years.
I am sorry to hear of his passing, which I learned of in the magazine of the Military Officers Assn of America.
Rspy,
Bob Ballantyne
Colonel, USMCR(Ret)
Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Dear Kurt, Marc and Family,
My sincerest condolences. Roger was gratefully known to many, none more so than the Marines he commanded in combat. There is no better tribute to a Marine than his legacy. Rest in peace and Vaya con Dios,
Joe Gibbs and Family
We send our warmest condolences to Col. Roger Knapper's family. Col. Roger Knapper was the epitome of a great neighbor. He was a loving,caring, and generous man. Everyone enjoyed his great personality and with such little effort he became everyone's favorite neighbor. Roger was very kind and always willing to give us advice on school or career decisions.We appreciated the opportunity in getting to know Roger. We pray Col. Roger Knapper may Rest in Peace and we will continue to pray for his family.
Our thoughts are with you,
Gebre Family
Kurt & Marc,
Sadly, many friends come and many friends go in our lifetime. My friendship with your Dad was special over the fifteen years I knew Roger. ... Funny as it might sound today, but I know I spent more quality time with your Dad than I ever spent with any friend. .. Every morning for all those years was time spent that I will never forget. Roger was "Special", and I miss my buddy. .. Your Dad was a loyal friend, and he truly loved you boys (his sons) and your families. My wife Nancy and Roger also had a special bond
that at times was more than comical, he was quite a character.
Ed and Nancy Connor
Dear Kurt and Marc,
We are so very sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad. We used to live across the street from him when he was on Anchor Court. We surely attended more than one party at his home. When he moved to Orleans, still in Lake Ridge, we finally found him again after many years including four years when were were overseas. We saw him a couple of years or so ago and were sorry that his health and taken a hit. We kept in touch for a while via email and, unfortunately, as often happens, we failed to keep that going. Someone did a great job on the tribute video! Thanks for doing that. We know he was so proud of both his sons and his grandsons. God bless him. We surely are saddened by his death.
Warm regards and Prayers,
Linda and Jack Christie
