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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 9, 2026
CONTACT: Kevin Larsen, Media Coordinator, 605-773-6000, Kevin.Larsen@state.sd.us
Over 500 Vietnam War Era Photographs Donated to State Archives
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota State Archives has received over 500 Vietnam War era color slide photographs taken by South Dakota native and Vietnam Veteran Harry Knapp. This is a remarkably large and detailed collection that documents an important era in our country’s history.
Knapp was born in Webster in 1944 to Francis and Dora Knapp and grew up on the family farm in Day County. He graduated from Webster High School in 1962 and from South Dakota State University in 1966 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In August 1966, he married Denice Gilbertson of Webster. Knapp served in Vietnam from August 1967 to August 1968, assigned to 3rd Platoon, B Company, 14th Combat Engineer Battalion. He earned two Bronze Stars for his meritorious achievement in connection with ground operations against a hostile force while serving in Vietnam.
State Archivist Chelle Somsen said, “We have seen a gradual increase of Vietnam related collections being donated to the State Historical Society. We are grateful to Mr. Knapp for his donation. His contributions will help keep an important piece of history alive”
The slides and other documents concerning Knapp’s time in Vietnam were included with the archive’s donation. The museum of the State Historical Society received period uniforms and a Fujica Half camera, which Harry used to take the 500 plus images.
If you would like to donate materials to the South Dakota State Historical Society, you can contact Matthew T. Reitzel, manuscript and photo archivist at 605-773-3615, matthew.reitzel@state.sd.us or Katy Schmidt, museum curator of collections at 605-773-6013, katy.schmidt@state.sd.us.
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About the South Dakota State Historical Society
The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education. The State Historical Society, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution since 2013, is headquartered in Pierre. For questions or memberships, call (605) 773-3458 or visit history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.