Peter R. Clapper ’49

Pete died May 3, 2015, of cancer at his home in Denver.

He served as a Marine Corps lieutenant in the Korean War, commanding an infantry platoon and then an anti-tank company. He led his men bravely and successfully, and received a Purple Heart. But he later suffered for many years from the effects of combat, among them post-traumatic stress disorder.

After the Korean War, Pete worked as a reporter for CBS News in Washington and New York and later as a public-affairs officer for several government agencies. In Denver, he loved the outdoors and became deeply involved in environmental protection. He studied at the University of Southern California, from which he received a master’s degree in 1975.

At his funeral, for his service, he received full military honors at the National Cemetery at Fort Logan, Colo.

Pete is survived by his daughter from his first marriage, Gail, and by his second wife, Montine Hansl. He is fondly remembered by his many friends for his wit, his strong convictions, his courage, and his devotion to both the Marines and to Princeton, where he established the Peter R. Clapper scholarship for seniors who need financial aid.