The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Everett Clyde Knight (ASN: 34472936), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 4 October 1944, in the vicinity of Collina, Italy. When his platoon was stopped by intense enemy machinegun fire, Staff Sergeant Knight, accompanied by two of his men, advanced toward the hostile positions. One of his men was wounded by the heavy enemy fire. Leaving his remaining man to cover his approach, Staff Sergeant Knight continued his advance alone. Reaching a point fifteen yards from one of the enemy machine gun nests, he arose in full view of the enemy and fired his submachine fun into the enemy dugout, killing two Germans and wounding a third. He the whirled about and threw a hand grenade which killed the two Germans crawling toward him through a ditch. He next charged the second enemy dugout and captured two Germans. Staff Sergeant Knight called to the enemy in a third position to emerge and surrender. Heeding his demands, two more Germans surrendered to him. Single-handedly, Staff Sergeant killed four and captured fire more of the enemy. The enemy machine guns silenced, the platoon was able to advance and take its objective. That evening when his company commander was captured by an enemy soldier, Staff Sergeant Knight opened fire with his submachine gun and killed the German, enabling the officer to escape. Staff Sergeant Knight’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.