
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*KNIGHT, NOAH O.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Company F, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Place and
date: Near Kowang-San, Korea, 23 and 24 November 1951. Entered service at:
Jefferson, S.C. Born: 27 October 1929, Chesterfield County, S.C. G.O. No.:
2, 7 January 1953.
Citation:
Pfc. Knight, a member of Company F, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and
indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He
occupied a key position in the defense perimeter when waves of enemy troops passed through
their own artillery and mortar concentrations and charged the company position. Two direct
hits from an enemy emplacement demolished his bunker and wounded him. Disregarding
personal safety, he moved to a shallow depression for a better firing vantage. Unable to
deliver effective fire from his defilade position, he left his shelter, moved through
heavy fire in full view of the enemy and, firing into the ranks of the relentless
assailants, inflicted numerous casualties, momentarily stemming the attack. Later during
another vicious onslaught, he observed an enemy squad infiltrating the position and,
counterattacking, killed or wounded the entire group. Expending the last of his
ammunition, he discovered 3 enemy soldiers entering the friendly position with demolition
charges. Realizing the explosives would enable the enemy to exploit the breach, he
fearlessly rushed forward and disabled 2 assailants with the butt of his rifle when the
third exploded a demolition charge killing the 3 enemy soldiers and mortally wounding Pfc.
Knight. Pfc. Knight's supreme sacrifice and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting
glory on himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.
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