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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) David F. Knox (ASN: 0-461106), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 February 1945, in Germany. When an assault company was pinned down by intense enemy fire, First Lieutenant Knox’s company was assigned the mission of taking the other company’s objective. Refusing to be halted by the enemy fire, he moved to the head of his company, shouting encouragement to his men, many of whom were in combat for the first time. First Lieutenant Knox led his group across 800 yards of open ground to the objective. As a result of his great heroism, his company accomplished its mission and pressure was relieved on the other company. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by First Lieutenant Knox reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    119th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 19, 1944
    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 171 (June 27, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) David F. Knox (ASN: 0-461106), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 December 1944, in Belgium. First Lieutenant Knox gallantry refused to withdraw his company when the enemy was savagely pressing the attack but moved under extreme fire to encourage the men of the different platoons and to control them. When the company was at last forced to withdraw, he remained in the face of the intense fire until his men had all moved back and the enemy was only twenty-five yards from him before he himself withdrew. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Knox, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.