Jack Llewellyn Knight
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
World War II

First Lieutenant Jack Llewellyn Knight (29 May 1917 - 2 February 1945) was a U.S. Army officer who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during World War II.

Jack Llewellyn Knight was born on 29 May 1917 in Garner, TX. He joined the Army from Weatherford, TX. On 2 February 1945, he was serving as a First Lieutenant in the 124th Cavalry Regiment, Mars Task Force. Near LoiKang, Burma, that day he single-handedly destroyed two Japanese pillboxes. Despite being wounded, he led his platoon in an attack on other enemy positions but was again wounded, this time fatally. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Mars Task Force.

Place and date: Near LoiKang, Burma, 2 February 1945.

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.

Death and Burial

First Lieutenant Jack Llewellyn Knight was killed in action on 2 February 1945. He is buried at the Holders Chapel Cemetery in Cool, TX.