1LT Jack L. Knight

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

First Lieutenant Jack L. Knight, Cavalry, Army of the United States, near Loi Kang, Burma, on 2 February 1945, led his cavalry troop against a heavy concentration of enemy mortar, artillery, and small arms fire.

After taking the troop’s objective and while making preparations for a defense, he discovered a nest of Japanese pillboxes and foxholes to the right front. Preceding his men by at least 10 feet, Lieutenant Knight immediately led an attack.

Single-handed he knocked out two enemy pillboxes and killed the occupants of several foxholes. While attempting to knock out a third pillbox he was struck and blinded by an enemy grenade. Although unable to see, he rallied his platoon and continued forward in the assault on the remaining pillboxes.

Before the task was completed, he fell mortally wounded. Lieutenant Knight’s gallantry and intrepidity were responsible for the successful elimination of most of the Japanese position and served as an inspiration to the officers and men of his troop.