Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Thomas
Merritts
Knoles
, III
December 27, 1927

–

October 22, 1998

Born:

Flagstaff

, 

Arizona

Home:

Phoenix

, 

Arizona

Thomas Knoles attended the University of Arizona before enlisting in the Army Air Forces in 1946. He retired in 1976 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General in 1976.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    October 14, 1968 – April 30, 1971

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Thomas Merritts Knoles, III, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief, Cost Division, Directorate of Budget, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 14 October 1968 to 30 April 1971. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Knoles were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. Colonel Knoles personal leadership substantially contributed to the justification for and effective use of Air Force resources. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Knoles reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    February 22, 1968

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Merritts Knoles, III, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-100D Tactical Fighter Pilot at Ap Tan Hoa, Republic of Vietnam on 22 February 1968. On that date, Colonel Knoles was scrambled from the alert facility at Phan Rang Air Base to participate in a close air support mission in support of elements of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam which were heavily engaged with a hostile force. Despite the compounding problems of restricted run-in headings, restricted maneuverability, known battle damage, and heavy automatic weapons fire he delivered his ordnance accurately in close proximity to the friendly forces neutralizing the hostile thrust. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Colonel Knoles has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 21, 1971 – April 30, 1973

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Thomas Merritts Knoles, III, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina from 21 June 1971 to 30 April 1973. In this critical assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and courage consistently displayed by Colonel Knoles were essential in the rapid development of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing to combat ready status, the highly praised wing deployment to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, its outstanding success and furtherance of United States objectives in Southeast Asia. The superior initiative, leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Knoles reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    September 2, 1974 – July 31, 1976
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-462 (June 24, 1976)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Thomas Merritts Knoles, III, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Knoles distinguished himself as Deputy Director of Operations, United States Readiness Command, from 2 September 1974 to 31 July 1976. In this important assignment, General Knoles’ dedication, unerring judgment, broad vision, and superb leadership have contributed significantly to the command’s effective response to crisis situations and greatly enhanced the operational readiness of the forces of component commands. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Knoles culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    May 1, 1973 – August 14, 1974

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Thomas Merritts Knoles, III, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations for Control and Support and Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations for Operations Training, Headquarters Tactical Air command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, from 1 May 1973 to 14 August 1974. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Brigadier General Knoles were instrumental factors in the resolution of many diverse and complex problems throughout the Tactical Air Command. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Brigadier General Knoles reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    July 23, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. 1520 (April 16, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Merritts Knoles, III, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Tactical Fighter Pilot near Kach Kien, Republic of Vietnam on 23 July 1968. On that date, Colonel Knoles was scrambled to support allied forces engaged in conflict with a well entrenched hostile force. Despite marginal weather conditions and intense hostile ground fire, Colonel Knoles aggressively delivered his ordnance with exceptional professional skill, achieving pinpoint accuracy. Colonel Knoles expert deliveries were instrumental in halting the hostile attack, enabling friendly forces to secure a significant victory. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Knoles reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.