The Reverend Dr. Gregory S. Clapper is Professor of Religion and Philosophy at the University of Indianapolis, and he also teaches United Methodist History and Doctrine at Christian Theological Seminary. He earned degrees from Carthage College, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and Emory University. While he continues his teaching career, he retired at the rank of Colonel from the Air National Guard after twenty-four years. During his military career he earned several decorations including the Iowa Meritorious Service Medal, the USAF Humanitarian Service Medal, two USAF Meritorious Service Medals, and the Legion of Merit. Dr. Clapper played himself in the ABC made-for-TV movie about the plane crash, Crash Landing: The Rescue of Flight 232, which starred Charlton Heston, Richard Thomas, and James Coburn (later released as A Thousand Heroes). His ministry after the crash was also prominently featured in the critically praised book Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival, by Laurence Gonzales (2014).
