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Knight, Jack Llewellyn

Date of birth:
May 29th, 1917 (Garner/Texas, United States)
Date of death:
February 2nd, 1945 (LoiKang, Burma)
Buried on:
American War Grave Holders Chapel Cemetery
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant
Unit:
124th Cavalry Regiment, Mars Task Force (MTF), China-Burma-India Theater (CBI), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
June 6th, 1945
"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 Japanese positions and served as an inspiration to officers and men of his troop."

Awarded posthumously
Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant
Unit:
124th Cavalry Regiment, Mars Task Force (MTF), China-Burma-India Theater (CBI), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
May 1999

Posthumously awarded
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor

Sources

  • Photo 1: Findagrave.com
  • Jordan, Kenneth N., Yesterday’s Heroes, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., USA, 1996.

Photo