Paul E. Knapp is a major general in the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He resigned from his position as the adjutant general of the Wisconsin National Guard on June 6, 2024.
Career Maj. Gen. Knapp commissioned into the Air Force in 1992 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He started on active duty as a Special Agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He then attended navigator training at Randolph AFB, Texas, and Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida. After completing training, Knapp served two operational tours as an F-15E Strike Eagle weapon systems officer and one as an air liaison officer to the U.S. Army in South Korea. In August 2003 Knapp separated from active duty and joined the 95th Airlift Squadron of the 440th Airlift Wing, General Mitchell Air Reserve Station, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, flying the C-130H Hercules. He maintained various positions there until 2008. In February 2019, Knapp became the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander of Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. There he directed the Air Force's nuclear modernization, acquisition and sustainment programs with more than 1,300 personnel at 18 locations worldwide.
On March 5, 2020, Knapp was appointed Adjutant General of the Wisconsin National Guard by Governor Tony Evers. The position has a five-year term and a promotion to major general. Knapp took the command from Brig. Gen. Joane Mathews and Brig. Gen. Gary L. Ebben who both took turns serving as interim adjutants general since the dismissal of former state adjutant Maj. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar by Governor Evers. On November 18, 2020, Knapp was nominated for federal recognition and United States Senate confirmation of his promotion to major general. On December 14, 2020, his promotion was confirmed by voice vote of the full Senate.
Knapp has served as an instructor, evaluator, flight commander, squadron commander, deputy operations group commander and vice wing commander. He has 681 combat hours, more than 262 combat sorties supporting operations Allied Force, Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. Flying in 21 different aircraft, Knapp has over 3,000 flying hours.
Education Bachelor of Science, Political Science, Japanese minor, U.S. Air Force Academy Master of Science, Technology Management, University of Maryland, College Park Air War College
Personal life Knapp is a native of Antigo, Wisconsin. He currently resides in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, with his wife, Dr. Renee Knapp and their two children.
Awards and badges +Source:US Air Force Command Pilot BadgeParachutist Badge
Legion of MeritDistinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clustersMeritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clustersAir Medal with silver oak leaf clusterAerial Achievement Medal with oak leaf clusterAir Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf clusterAir Force Combat Action MedalGallant Unit CitationAir Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device and silver oak leaf clusterCombat Readiness Medal with three oak leaf clustersNational Defense Service Medal with bronze starArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalAfghanistan Campaign Medal with bronze starIraq Campaign Medal with bronze starGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalKorean Defense Service MedalHumanitarian Service MedalNuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal
Dates of rank Knapp commissioned into the Air Force in 1992. His current rank is major general in the Wisconsin National Guard. + Insignia Rank Date Second Lieutenant May 27, 1992 First Lieutenant May 27, 1994 Captain May 27, 1996 Major Dec. 1, 2002 Lieutenant Colonel Aug. 2, 2007 Colonel June 2, 2012 Brigadier General Dec. 12, 2018 Major General Mar. 5, 2020
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