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 (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] Douglas K. McKnight (ASN: 0-769165), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving as a Bombardier of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 423d Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in action against an armed enemy on 21 November 1944, in Germany. Colonel McKnight demonstrated fortitude, professional skill, and complete disregard for his own safety while engaged in a combat mission. When the aircraft crew took off from Mertzbeg, Germany, and was unable to proceed to the target, a secondary target was chosen. As the aircraft turned toward the initial point, two bursts of flak disabled the outboard engines and set them on fire. While falling back from the formation, the aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters and the navigator was seriously wounded. Simultaneously, the other two engines went out. Although the pilot succeeded in keeping the plane airborne until the crew had jumped, Colonel McKnight refused to bail out until he administered first aid to the wounded navigator, affixed a parachute to him, and pushed him out of the disabled aircraft. Although Colonel McKnight and the crew became prisoners of war for five months and separated, it was learned at a later date that the wounded navigator had been taken to a hospital and recovered. Colonel McKnight’s conspicuous gallantry and deep concern for his fellow soldier are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.