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Archie Knight graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1940. He retired in 1968 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    57th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Archie Joyce Knight (ASN: 0-23236), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 57th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    57th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 13, 1943

    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 58 (June 28, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Archie Joyce Knight (ASN: 0-23236), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 57th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, on 13 May 1943. During a fighter mission, Major Knight’s formation was attacked by five ME-109’s of which by superior airmanship, he managed to damage at least three. During the attack his aircraft suffered considerable damage while still over enemy lines, forcing him to attempt to return to safety. Upon seeing another aircraft being attacked by an enemy fighter and jeopardizing his own safety, he engaged it and sent it crashing into the sea. As a result of his gallant action he was forced to crash land while still on territory under enemy fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Knight, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.