Jack L. Knight

Jack Llewellyn Knight (May 29, 1917 – February 2, 1945) was an American National Guard officer who was killed in action during World War II. He was awarded the United States highest military decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor, posthumously. He was inducted to the Texas Military Hall of Honor in 1980, awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor posthumously on May 31, 1999.[1][2]

Jack L. Knight
Born(1917-05-29)May 29, 1917
Garner, Texas
DiedFebruary 2, 1945(1945-02-02) (aged 27)
near LoiKang, Burma
Place of burial
Holders Chapel Cemetery, Cool, Texas
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Army
Years of service1940 - 1945
RankFirst Lieutenant
Unit124th Cavalry Regiment
Battles/warsWorld War II
Awards

Biography

Knight was born in Garner, Texas. He graduated from Weatherford Junior College, in Weatherford, Texas, in 1938, and joined the Texas National Guard with his brother Curtis on November 18, 1940.[1][3]

World War II

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

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

Medal of Honor

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 Japanese positions and served as an inspiration to officers and men of his troop.

Texas legislative Medal of Honor

He was awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor on May 1999. The medal was given to sister who was to take it to his brother Curtis who also fought in the battle.[4][5]

Building Dedication

Jack L Knight was honored with a building named after him at Weatherford College on November 11, 2014.[6]

See also
  • "Jack L. Knight". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
  • "Medal of Honor recipients - World War II (G–L)". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Retrieved 2008-01-22.

References
 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
  1. Texas State Historical Association. Knight, Jack Llwellyn
  2. "Hall of Honor". TMFM.
  3. WWII Army Enlistment Records
  4. Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine Laredo Morning Times, June 1, 1999, Page 6A, "Veterans honored during ceremonies"]
  5. Texas Code, Subtitle C, Chapter 431, Sub chapter J, Awards, Sec. 431.131 Texas Legislative Medal of Honor
  6. "WC Veterans Day program to include 1st Lt. Jack L. Knight Building dedication". Retrieved 5 December 2014.
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