Correctional Officer Joseph B. Waldrupe

Joseph B. Waldrupe

Correctional Officer Joseph Waldrupe succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained several days earlier during an attack by inmates while supervising a crew building the new United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas.

One of the inmates had located a gun hidden by a former inmate and fired at the guard box containing Officer Waldrupe.

Officer Waldrupe was able to return fire, killing the suspect, but was struck by one last round fired by the man. Although critically wounded, Officer Waldrupe fought off several other inmates who were attempted to gain control to the guard box.

Officer Waldrupe had served with the Federal Bureau of Prison for one year. He was survived by his wife.