| Jack L. Knight | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 29, 1917 Garner, Texas |
| Died | February 2, 1945 (aged 27) near LoiKang, Burma |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1940 - 1945 |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit | 124th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Jack Llewellyn Knight[1] (May 29, 1917 – February 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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Knight joined the Army from Weatherford, Texas in November 1940[2] 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.
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.