The Forgotten Hero

Albert Knapp, also known as “Arcata’s Patriotic Legend,” shows medals he received for his service in Company A, 14th engineer comabat battalion, in World War II. His duties included both the demolition and front-line construction of roads and bridges as well as clearing mine fields. photos by Kevin Bell

His name is Albert Knapp, also known as “Arcata’s Patriotic Legend.” His 21-year military career includes serving in the Navy during World War II and in the Army during the Korean Conflict.

As a member of Company A, 14th engineer combat battalion in Korea, Albert applied his skills and courage to the demolition of bridges, laying and clearing mine fields, road and bridge repair and constructions, and on the front line as an infantryman.

Albert has been a member of the local chapter of the Vetern’s of Foreign Wars for 45 years.

Albert eagerly invited me around to the side of his house to view his incredible back yard. The landscaping is impecable with hedges perfectly hand-trimmed in a plethora of shapes. As we continued our tour he pointed out his favorites: the liberty bell ivy that surrounds the cherry tree he once cut down, the evening star and the heart of ivy that is next to the front door. The legacy of Betsy Ross’ creation waves all about the yard. Some flap in neat rows. Others are lone flyers. A wooden Uncle Sam stands sternly proud.

Albert and his wife, Jean, live in the same house where Albert was born in June of 1924.

The Arcata Eye profiled Albert on his birthday. They dubbed him “Arcata’s Patriotic Legend.”

“When I’m out here, I am closer to the folks. It is kind of sentimental,” Albert said, his blue eyes welling up with tears. “My dad is here, and my mom is here. Dad was strict, but was good looking, honest and had a lot of pride. He would always be there for you. Lots of memories are out here.”

After a short pause, Albert begins to lead me into his house which is a museum with in a museum.” Patriotic mementos and artifacts surround the interior — drawing me in closer wanting to see more. I spent time looking at the photos, memorabilia and the many war medals. Lincoln, Truman and Eisenhower calmly gaze from their framed homes on the walls. Collected Statues of Liberty stand tall about the room. Lady Liberty holds her torch high amist one of stars and strips of one flag.

As I looked over the hundreds of items representative of the history of the United States, I turned to Albert and asked him which one was his favorite. I thought it would be difficult to pick one, but Albert quickly pointed to a huge picture of two flags crossing. One flag has 13 stars on it, and the other has 48.

“Our forefathers worked so hard to put things together,” he said.

“You have to look at people — as they aren’t all bad,” Albert said. “Everyone has a little good in their heart.”

One of Albert’s concerns is that people don’t know enough about the county’s history and that they don’t have an appreciation of all the lives that have been lost and the hundreds of thousands of men and women who fought for our freedom. He said he wishes people would care more about each other and for those who have fought so hard. Even through all that he has seen and experienced, however, he still has a bright outlook on life.

“You have to look at people — as they aren’t all bad,” Albert said. “Everyone has a little good in their heart. I love what I do and what life is all about. We all need help some time of another. I like helping other people. You don’t close the door on anybody. Many people in the world today need help. We are fortunate that we live in such a wonderful country.”

Albert then touched on what is currently happening in the world, which makes him saddened and hurt. I saw pain in his eyes.

“It’s tough, very tough. Sometimes when I am walking, I feel so hurt inside I get where I feel so hurt I am crying inside. The last couple times my wife saw my tears come down and everything, but I tell her ‘I hurt more inside than the tears can show. I look at life a little different than a lot of people. And if you feel it inside you will show it,” he said.

Although it is apparent that Albert hurts for the world around him, I sensed love and happiness between he and his wife. I feel privileged to be interacting with these two amazing people. They were so kind and gracious.

Jean made sure I didn’t leave empty-handed, and she handed me a bag filled with small flags that she thought I would like. I also got several big hugs as I was leaving. Both Albert and Jean told me to be sure, and come back to visit sometime.

As I drove home, I saw an older man in his 80s walking down the sidewalk. I wondered if he hurt inside the way that Albert does. I got a lump in my throat because when I took the time to listen, I became more understanding of why so many of our elders feel so badly and so deeply.

We have a hero living amoung us who have been forgotten by most. Albert is one of those guys you see every day, but don’t take the time to know. He walks everywhere and enjoys spending time downtown inquiring about the lives of others. You will know him when you see him, as he often wears a ball cap that reads, “Albert, Arcata’s Patriotic Legend.”