Hubbard Clapper Jr.

I am proud to be able to call Dennis Daggett my friend; he was a great pal when we were in school and we stayed in touch for many years. Needless to say, I was shocked to learn of his death (posted as 1987) just recently, but I think the date is not correct, as we attended the 20th. class reunion, along with several other class members.

Dennis could drink more beer and remain sober, than the whole Irish Army and he was always there to lend a helping hand. His other buddies, who were also friends of mine, included: Don Macy (class of 1967), Bill Green (class of 1966) and Richard Vincent (class of 1968), Mike Meyer (class of 1967) and Wayne Fillo (class of 1967) would all have similar memories and comments about him.  

He joined the US Army in the summer of 1967 and he always wanted to be in the 82nd. Airborne Division, like his Dad, who was with them during the second World War, but due to a knee issue, he was not able to get in the airborne. He did, however, show proficientcy in foreign languages and he held a critical MOS, becoming a "CRYPTOGRAPHER" or coded message translator. He learned to speak Russian and Chinese while in the Army and he held a "TOP SECRET" security clearance. I know that he served in the US for a number of years before going to Germany, for 6 years, followed by Korea for 4 years and then to US Embassy in London for 2 more years. He retired from the US Army with 20 years of honorable service in 1987, but he was always very reserved about discussing exactly what role he played during the Cold War, likely for security reasons.

After he retired, he moved to Penascola, FL and was employed at the Central Intelligence Agency training facility which was at that time on the US Navy base there, teaching "Cryptography" to CIA Officers. In time we lost touch, but I think the DOD is wrong, because I remember seeing him after that date. Perhaps, it was in 1997 and not 1987, but I can't be sure.

He was a simple, unassuming and proud man, with a strong determination to succeed. Because he was a big guy in school, dressed in coveralls and could be gruff to those he did not know, he probably scared some people. He was a loyal friend and considering his life accomplishments, he proved his detractors all wrong.

I believe that he met and exceeded every expectation anyone may have had for the future, during his short stay on this earth and he achieved a lot to be proud of and that's why I wanted to share what I knew about his life, with all of you.

I salute you Dennis and bid you a fond farewell.

H.G. "Hub" Clapper

Larry King

I was saddened to hear of Dennis's passing.  Dennis and I were also in the first graduation class of Lancaster elementary school.  We walked many miles together up and down the streets of Sky Lake and back and forth to Sky Bowl. He was a good friend.