b. 29/05/1917 Garner, Texas. d. 02/02/1945 near Loi-Kang, Burma.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 02/02/1945 near Loi-Kang, Burma.
Jack L Knight MOH
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.
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. The Medal was presented to his father at Camp Wolters, Texas on June 15, 1945 by Major General Bruce Magruder.
MOH 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.
BURIAL LOCATION: HOLDERS CHAPEL CEMETERY, COOL, TEXAS.
Just Inside Gate Closest To Church.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
