The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Willis H. Knight (ASN: 20402349), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 8 October 1944 in France, when the company to which Technical Sergeant Knight was attached was given the mission of attacking a strongly fortified enemy held town. The platoon leader of Technical Sergeant Knight’s platoon was wounded and the advance temporarily stopped by the intense enemy fire. Technical Sergeant Knight assumed command of the platoon, secured a Browning Automatic Rifle from a fallen comrade and in company with one other man rushed headlong into the enemy machine gun nest, killing or wounding the enemy machine gun crew and even though mortally wounded, continued on into the enemy positions, firing as he ran onward. His action so inspired his platoon that they immediately followed him into the position and destroyed it. Technical Sergeant Knight died while being moved to the rear for medical treatment. His outstanding leadership, valiant courage, and unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.