Major Hubbard G. Clapper Sr. passed away on May 11, 2019; he was 98 years old.
He was born May 17, 1920 in Meridian, MS to Lee K. and Georgia Grimes Clapper, both deceased. He was the remaining member of the family, consisting of 4 brothers and 1 sister and they were raised in Birmingham, AL. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor L. Clapper, in 2010. They met at and graduated from Woodlawn High School.
He entered military service with the Alabama National Guard in the 31st. Inf. Div., in 1936 and it was ordered to active duty in November 1940 and he was commissioned as a 2nd. Lieutenant from OCS at Ft. Benning GA., in 1941. He trained in the southeastern US, with the 100th. Inf. Div. and went to the 2nd. Ranger School, in TN. He was deployed to North Africa and assigned to the 179th. Inf. Regt. in the 45th. Inf. Div., fighting in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. He took part in 4 major campaigns including the invasion of Sicily, battle of Anzio, Operation Dragoon (the invasion of southern France) and the invasion of the Rhineland.
He returned to the states in October 1945 and married Eleanor L. Emerson (Petie) in 1947, while stationed at Charleston, SC. In 1948, he and his wife were transferred to Germany and their son Hubbard Jr., was born at Giessen, Germany, in 1949. During the Cold War, he served in the 14th. ACR on West Germany’s eastern border, for 4 years and returned to the US, with the family in 1952.
In 1953, he was transferred to Korea and served in KMAG (Korean Military Advisor Group) for 2 years, returning to Ft. Rucker, AL in 1956. He then transferred to Ft. McPherson in Atlanta, GA in 1957 and retired from HQ, 3rd. US Army, in 1960.
His medals and awards include: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation, European North African & Middle Eastern Campaign with 4 battle stars and 2 beachhead invasion arrows, Army of Occupation with Germany clasp, Good Conduct, American Defense Service, National Defense, Armed Forces Reserve, Alabama National Guard Faithful Service Cross, Combat Infantry Badge and holds the rank of Chevalier (Knight) of the French Legion of Honor.
He and his family moved to Orlando, FL in 1960, where he was employed by the US Postal Service for 25 years and retired in 1986. Considering his back-ground, he retired with 50 years of US Government service.
He is survived by his son Hubbard G. Clapper Jr. and his wife Jerry Anne Clapper and granddaughter Jessica Lynn Clapper, all of Marion, SC and grandson James L. Clapper and his wife Anna Clapper both of Columbia, SC.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 11-AM., at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, located at 1413 South Semoran (Hwy. 436), Orlando, FL 32807, with a interment, including the last rites and requiem with full military honors at Greenwood Cemetery, in Orlando.
A remembrance luncheon will be held in his honor and is provided for all participants, family members and attendees, following the service, at a downtown restaurant, in Orlando.
For additional information and or directions call 407-277-6700 or 843-496-4447.
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