Columnist Roddy Stinson once wrote this about Lt. Col. Leslie Knapp USAF (Ret.), If my safety or the safety of my family were at risk, I would call Les, the retired lieutenant colonial who lives across the street. He doesn't move as fast as he once did, but he can be depended on in a pinch, and he would be at my house in a blink. Stinson was writing about our 911 system, but his words are a testimony to the quiet hero who never hesitated for a moment when called upon by his friends, family or country. Leslie E. Knapp, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at age 83 on September 27, 2008. At his side was his loving wife of 55 years, Lois Mae Knapp. Knapp is survived by his wife and four children, Deborah Knapp, Gregory and Cristy (Mitchell) Knapp, Rebecca Knapp and Douglas Knapp. He is also survived by his ten wonderful grandchildren, Alicia and Austin Bonilla, Kristin, Matthew, Sarah and Daniel Knapp, Monica and Mathew Hefti, Geronimo, Autumn and Kyle Mitchell and two great grand daughters. Col. Knapp was born in Independence, Iowa, 17 November 1924 to Leslie E. Knapp Sr. and Lucy A. (Dozark) Knapp of Aurora, Iowa. He was the oldest of four children followed by Norbert Knapp, Richard Knapp and Joanne Knapp (McMasters). Knapp was pre-deceased by his parents and his brothers Norbert and Richard. Col. Knapp grew up in Aurora, IA and enlisted in the Army Air Corps at age 18 in Dec. 1942. He flew fighter aircraft (P-38) over Germany and returned to the USA in 1945. He left service for the active reserve in 1947 and attended Upper Iowa University where he obtained a double degree, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics (cum laude) and a Bachelor of Arts Degree (cum laude) in History. After attending the University of Iowa in Graduate Nuclear Physics for a year and a half he was recalled to active duty in the United States Air Force. Knapp married Lois M. Power of Manchester, Iowa on 29 Dec. 1952. They were assigned to Japan in 1953 where Knapp flew the L-20 aircraft in support of early warning radar sites around Japan and Korea. After returning to the US in 1956 Knapp attended Stanford University and obtained a Masters of Science Degree in Mathematical Statistics and Computer Science. Knapp was next assigned to Research and Development (Computers and Bionics) at Wright Patterson, AFB, Dayton, Ohio. While assigned there, Knapp flew a P-38 fighter aircraft from Kelly, AFB, TX to WPAFB, Ohio where it is on display at the Air Force Museum. In 1964 Knapp was assigned to the University of Michigan to obtain a Doctorate in Bio-Engineering. In 1968 Knapp was assigned as a Forward Air Controller flying the O-1E in Vietnam. Knapp arrived in Vietnam in January 1968 in plenty of time to enjoy the fireworks displayed during the Tet Offensive. After flying 350 missions as a Forward Air Controller, Knapp was reassigned to the Aerospace Medical Division at Brooks AFB, Texas as Chief of R&D plans for AMD. Col. Knapp retired August 1972. Knapp was a Command Pilot and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with four silver clusters, Commendation Medal, and several more medals and citations. Knapp always said he was proud to be an American and have an opportunity to serve the country he loved and hopefully to make the world a little safer for his loving family and for everyone. A wonderful and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, Leslie Knapp will be dearly missed. He was an inspiration to all who were blessed to know him. Our family wishes to thank the wonderful doctors and staff at CTRC, UTHSC and LifeCare Hospital. SERVICES A visitation will be held from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. A church service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with interment to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. The family requests that memorials in honor of Leslie Knapp be sent to the Salvation Army (P.O. Box 12568, San Antonio, TX. 78212). Mission Park Funeral Chapels North.