[1] Holzapple was born in 1914[2] in Peoria, Illinois, where he graduated from Bradley University in 1938 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.

He entered aviation cadet training in December 1940 and graduated in August 1941 with a commission as second lieutenant and his pilot wings.

He entered the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, in August 1949 and completed the Joint Operations Course there in January 1950.

He was reassigned in July 1961 to Headquarters U.S. Air Force as assistant deputy chief of staff for systems and logistics.

In September 1966 he returned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force as deputy chief of staff for research and development.

This article incorporates public domain material from Biographies: General Joseph R. Holzapple.