Navy Federal Credit Union

Jack Knight entered active duty in the U.S. Army from the Texas National Guard. His brother, Curtis L. Knight, earned the Silver Star in World War II. Another brother, Roy Abner Knight, earned the Air Force Cross posthumously during the Vietnam War.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Cavalry)

    Regiment:

    124th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    Mars Task Force

    Action Date:

    February 2, 1945

    War Department, General Orders No. 44, June 6, 1945

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) Jack Llewellyn Knight, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty on 2 February 1945, while serving as Commanding Officer of Troop F, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Mars Task Force, in action at Loi-Kang, Burma. First Lieutenant Knight led his cavalry troop against heavy concentrations 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 ten feet, he immediately led an attack Single-handedly 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. First Lieutenant Knight’s gallantry and intrepidity were responsible for the successful elimination of most of the Japanese positions and served as an inspiration to officers and men of his troop.