Jack L. Knight

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Jack L. Knight
May 29, 1917(1917-05-29)February 2, 1945 (aged 27)
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Jack L. Knight, Medal of Honor recipient
Place of birth Garner, Texas
Place of death near LoiKang, Burma
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank First Lieutenant
Unit 124th Cavalry Regiment
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Medal of Honor

Jack L. Knight (May 29, 1917February 2, 1945) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

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[edit] Biography

Knight joined the Army from Weatherford, Texas, and by February 2, 1945 was serving as a first lieutenant in the 124th Cavalry Regiment, Mars Task Force. On that day, near LoiKang, Burma, he single-handedly destroyed two Japanese pillboxes. Despite being wounded, he led his platoon in an attack on other enemy positions but was again wounded, this time fatally. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor four months later, on June 25, 1945.

Knight, aged 27 at his death, was buried at the Holders Chapel Cemetery in Cool, Texas.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

First Lieutenant Knight's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

He led his cavalry troop against heavy concentrations of enemy mortar, artillery, and small arms fire. After taking the troop's objective and while making preparations for a defense, he discovered a nest of Japanese pillboxes and foxholes to the right front. Preceding his men by at least 10 feet, he immediately led an attack. Single-handedly he knocked out 2 enemy pillboxes and killed the occupants of several foxholes. While attempting to knock out a third pillbox, he was struck and blinded by an enemy grenade. Although unable to see, he rallied his platoon and continued forward in the assault on the remaining pillboxes. Before the task was completed he fell mortally wounded. 1st Lt. Knight's gallantry and intrepidity were responsible for the successful elimination of most of the Jap positions and served as an inspiration to officers and men of his troop.

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