MOH

Medal of Honor: Jack L. Knight – U.S. Army – Burma – 1945

Blinded, bleeding, and still leading from the front. Even without sight, he drove the attack forward until the objective was won.

February 3, 2026

Name: Jack L. Knight
Rank: First Lieutenant
Branch: U.S. Army
Unit: 124th Cavalry Regiment, Mars Task Force
Place: Near LoiKang, Burma
Entered Service At: Weatherford, Texas
Born: Garner, Texas
General Orders: No. 44, 6 June 1945

Summary of Action

Near LoiKang, Burma, First Lieutenant Jack L. Knight led his cavalry troop against heavily fortified Japanese positions defended by concentrated mortar, artillery, and small-arms fire. After successfully seizing the troop’s initial objective, he immediately identified additional enemy pillboxes and foxholes threatening the right flank.

Without hesitation—and moving at least ten feet ahead of his men—1st Lt. Knight launched a direct assault. Acting entirely on his own initiative, he single-handedly destroyed two enemy pillboxes and killed the occupants of several foxholes.

While attempting to eliminate a third pillbox, an enemy grenade exploded near him, blinding him instantly. Despite his catastrophic injury and inability to see, 1st Lt. Knight refused evacuation. Instead, he rallied his platoon by voice alone and continued to lead the assault forward against the remaining enemy positions.

Still exposed to heavy fire and unable to see the battlefield, he pressed the attack until he was mortally wounded. His fearless leadership resulted in the destruction of most of the Japanese defensive positions and ensured the success of the mission.

Medal of Honor Citation

KNIGHT, JACK L.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Mars Task Force.
Place and date: Near LoiKang, Burma, 2 February 1945.
Entered service at: Weatherford, Tex.
Birth: Garner, Tex.
G.O. No.: 44, 6 June 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.