He registered for the WW II draft on 30 June 1942, and he was listed as employed by the National Biscuit Co., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was 6' 3" tall; weighed 180 pounds; had brown hair, hazel eyes and a 'light' complexion. It was noted: "Scar on right eye. Big scar on left knee."

He entered the service on 28 November 1942 from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the Air Corps as a Private; he had four years of high school education, was single, without dependents and his civilian occupation was listed as: "Shipping and receiving clerks".

We have Sergeant Tappe listed on the 437th TCG Special Orders #195, dated 27 December 1943. These were the orders generated at Pope Field (Fort Bragg, NC) for the first phase of movement by air and by rail of the 437th personnel to their eventual overseas deployment.

He is also listed on General Order #09, dated 31 March 1944, that authorized the award of the Good Conduct Medal to various 437th TCG personnel.