The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Lieutenant Colonel George Grigsby McKnight (AFSN: 0-3051289), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 12 October 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel McKnight executed an escape from a solitary confinement cell by removing the door bolt brackets from his door. Colonel McKnight knew the outcome of his escape attempt could be severe reprisal or loss of life. He succeeded in making it through a section of housing, then to the Red River and swam down river all night. The next morning he was recaptured, severely beaten, and put in solitary confinement for two and a half years. Through his extraordinary heroism and willpower, in the face of the enemy, Lieutenant Colonel McKnight reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 6, 1965 – February 12, 1973
Lieutenant Colonel George Grigsby McKnight (AFSN: 0-3051289), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 6, 1965 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
602d Fighter SquadronDivision:
Bien Hoa Air Base (Vietnam)Action Date:
November 6, 1965
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain George Grigsby McKnight (AFSN: 0-3051289), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, in action near Vu Ban, North Vietnam, on 6 November 1965. On that date, Captain McKnight voluntarily re-crossed the entire width of heavily-defended North Vietnam while participating in search and rescue operations for a downed pilot. With complete disregard for his own safety, and knowing such tactics would impose great danger, Captain McKnight chose to repeatedly run a gauntlet of massive anti-aircraft fire which was zeroing in on his flight. During the course of the search operation, Captain McKnight’s aircraft was entrapped and downed by intense anti-aircraft fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain McKnight has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel George Grigsby McKnight (AFSN: 0-3051289), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in September 1966, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Lieutenant Colonel McKnight resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 1967 – December 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel George Grigsby McKnight (AFSN: 0-3051289), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period from August 1967 to December 1968, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Lieutenant Colonel McKnight resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
November 1965 – November 1969
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel George Grigsby McKnight (AFSN: 0-3051289), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 1965 to November 1969. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
January 1970 – December 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel George Grigsby McKnight (AFSN: 0-3051289), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement as a Prisoner of War while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam during the period from January 1970 to December 1970. In an atmosphere of enemy harassment and brutal treatment, he continued to establish and maintain communications through unusual and ingenious methods, which resulted in American and Allied prisoners presenting a posture of increased resistance to the enemy’s wishes, and, at the same time, improving prisoner morale. By his heroic endeavors and devotion to duty under adverse conditions of his environment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.