The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robert Clyde Knight (ASN: 0-5312436), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 4 June 1968. Captain Knight distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as fire team leader and aircraft commander of two armed helicopters, in support of a friendly infantry company. Captain Knight volunteered gunship cover for a MEDEVAC mission. Arriving at the scene of battle, he quickly identified enemy emplacements and directed attacks against them. He then brilliantly ordered the imposition of an obscureantic smoke screen, to obliviate the medical evacuation to the eyes of the enemy. In doing this, he fearlessly braved enemy fire, maneuvering directly in front of their positions. He escorted the MEDEVAC to the landing zone at low level in order to further confuse the befuddled enemy. Orbiting about the rescue site, he made repeated rocket attacks to silence enemy sniper fire until the evacuation was completed. Upon rearming, he returned to the area when notified of an enemy ambush site. He immediately engaged the enemy with devastating rocket and machine gun fire, causing them to panic and flee in mortal terror. He pursued the scurrilous insurgents with vengeful ferocity, skillfully mauling their ranks and killing several. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robert Clyde Knight (ASN: 0-5312436), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 8 May 1968. Captain Knight distinguished himself by valorous actions while serving as fire team leader for a fire team of “T-Birds” defending Ten Thoi while under heavy enemy mortar, recoilless rifle and ground attack. Captain Knight immediately initiated a deadly accurate barrage of rockets and machine gun fire upon the enemy gunners. As he suppressed the enemy positions, his aircraft became the target of numerous automatic weapons fire. Because of their locations, he was unable to completely suppress the long range guns simultaneously. Nevertheless, he effectively drew enemy fire to his own aircraft. He had pressed his attack dangerously close to the enemy, and was now the target of all enemy guns. Captain Knight returned to the outpost constantly throughout the night to provide vital support. Due to his courageous and skillful performance, the enemy’s attack against the outpost was repulsed. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

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 Captain (Infantry) Robert Clyde Knight (ASN: 0-5312436), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Knight distinguished himself by heroic actions in the vicinity of Sa Dec, Republic of Vietnam, on 17 November 1967, during an airmobile operation involving units of the 9th Division. Captain Knight, on two successive occasions, directed his fire team in an extremely hazardous attack to save a friendly unit pinned down by hostile fire. The attack was of such success that the friendly unit was able to regroup and counterattack the enemy. During the firing, his aircraft was the target of intense enemy ground fire. Expending his ammunition and ordnance Captain Knight returned to the stage field where he refueled, rearmed, and returned to the operational area. Upon his return he covered a medical evacuation helicopter by drawing all of the fire towards his aircraft while in an area where the enemy was using mortars and machineguns. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robert Clyde Knight (ASN: 0-5312436), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 6 January 1968. Captain Knight distinguished himself during a mortar attack on Soc Trang Airfield. After running through the incoming mortar rounds, he effectively took off and proceeded to search out the enemy with his search light. After locating the enemy positions, he continued to orbit the area, effectively containing the fleeing enemy. Even though under heavy enemy fire, he continued to suppress the enemy positions thus allowing the implementing of an airborne combat assault of Vietnamese troops. He was also responsible for the successful counter attack upon the enemy forces that brought an immediate stop to the attack on the airfield. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.