The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant] Patrick D. Knight (ASN: US-55060191), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Chuktae-ri, Korea, on 20 October 1951. His company had the mission of attacking and securing an enemy-held objective. Sergeant Knight, Platoon Sergeant, led his men forward but as they reached the base of the hill, they were subjected to an intensely concentrated enemy mortar barrage and became pinned down by automatic weapons crossfire. Realizing the need for immediate action, Sergeant Knight charged the first enemy position, firing his weapon with devastating accuracy, and destroyed it with hand grenades, killing its five occupants. He continued his advance to the first emplacement but finding it impossible to approach within throwing distance, he circled the position. With concussion grenades jarring the ground all around him, he crawled to the bunker and as he came directly below it, armed a grenade and tossed it into the position, killing the enemy troops inside. With these key positions destroyed, the mission was completed with a minimum of casualties. Sergeant Knight’s courageous actions, exemplary leadership and selfless performance of duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.