David Alexander “Alex” Knapp

Specialist, United States Army

March 12, 1986 – October 2, 2010
Age – 24
Shelby Township, MI

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died of a heart attack

Army SPC David (Alex) Knapp was on his final mission in Iraq before going on leave when he lost both legs in an IED explosion on March 14, 2008. The convoy he was riding in was hit with an IED injuring soldiers and trapping SPC Knapp in the vehicle. After being removed from the truck by his squad, Alex was triaged for medevac and tried to refuse treatment when he learned his Team Leader was also severely injured. Even then, he was a selfless hero that put the needs of others before his own.

After arriving at the Casualty Extraction Point, he fell unconscious and awoke nine days later to find himself at Walter Reed, not knowing he had arrived there via Landstuhl, Germany.

He enjoyed mono-skiing, sled hockey and wheelchair basketball. Alex suffered a fatal heart attack doing one of the things he loved most – competing in a game of sled hockey.

Alex was an unassuming person with a great big smile and wonderful sense of humor. He and his mom Jeanette were enthusiastic advocates for Homes For Our Troops and continued to help other injured veterans by helping raise awareness to the mission. Alex touched all of our lives and we will be forever grateful for his service, sacrifice, and friendship.