Jack L. Knight

First Lieutenant · U.S. Army

U.S. Army, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Mars Task Force

2 February 1945 · LoiKang, Burma

Branch: U.S. Army
Era: World War II
Home state: Texas
Action: LoiKang, Burma

The citation

Official citation

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.

Sources

U.S. Army Medal of Honor citation index
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