Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
World War II - U.S. Army
Jack Llewellyn Knight
Details
- Rank: First Lieutenant
- Conflict/Era: World War II
- Unit/Command:
124th Cavalry Regiment,
Mars Task Force - Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
- Medal of Honor Action Date: February 2, 1945
- Medal of Honor Action Place: near Loi-Kang, Burma
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. Singlehandedly he knocked out two 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. First Lt. Knight's gallantry and intrepidity were responsible for the successful elimination of most of the Japs' positions and served as an inspiration to officers and men of his troop.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Weatherford, Parker County, Texas
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: June 15, 1945
Camp Wolters, Texas - presented by Major General Bruce Magruder to his Father - Born: May 29, 1917, Garner, Parker County, TX, United States
- Died: February 2, 1945, Burma
- Buried: Holders Chapel Cemetery (MH) , Cool, TX, United States