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) John N. Knight (ASN: 0-1339880), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 September 1950 in the vicinity of Am-Sin, Korea. On that date Lieutenant Knight was in command of a heavy machine gun platoon which was supporting a rifle company. The company was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force and orders were received to withdraw to a new main line of resistance. While he was in the process of moving his guns Lieutenant Knight observed a large concentration of hostile troops to his front. The rifle company was already starting its withdrawal to its new position. ordering his platoon to remain in place he opened fire on the enemy in an effort to cover the withdrawal of the rifle elements. Disregarding his personal safety he fearlessly moved from weapon to weapon pointing out targets for his gunners and giving encouragement to his men. The volume of fire delivered by his platoon halted the enemy attack, inflicting upon them approximately 100 casualties, and permitted the orderly withdrawal of the rifle company. He then led his platoon to its new positions. During the withdrawal he observed one of his men fall from a wound. Disregarding the severe enemy mortar and small arms fire sweeping the are a he moved to the wounded soldier and aided him to safety. The gallantry and inspiring leadership displayed on this occasion by Lieutenant Knight reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.


