AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  CH-21C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Emmett F. Knight for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Knight distinguished himself by heroic action on 23 December 1961, while flying in support of a combat assault mission with the 57th Transportation Company in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Knight volunteered to serve as the Pilot of the lead aircraft in a flight of thirty CH-21C helicopters transporting Vietnamese troops in the first heliborne assault ever supported by the United States Army. Under heavy fire the troops were delivered to their objective area. Subsequently, Captain Knight made a second flight over the assault area to pick up a Vietnamese G-2 team that had information upon which success of the mission depended. After returning to the pickup site, he made another flight into the combat zone to offer further support and evacuate casualties. Captain Knight's decisive efforts in these fast moving situations contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the assigned mission. Captain Knight's courage under hostile fire reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Emmett F. Knight for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Knight distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 February 1967 while serving as Commander of a maintenance helicopter during a night mission to evacuate a downed helicopter near Tay Ninh. Although advised to turn back because of increasing enemy contact in the landing zone, Major Knight elected to continue the attempt to save the damaged aircraft. By dead reckoning and excellent pilotage, Major Knight and his crew found the landing zone which was located three hundred meters from the Cambodian border. An approach was made to a single blinking red light, as rifle fire crisscrossed the area. Scrambling from the helicopter, Major Knight assisted in securing the cumbersome rigging gear and waded toward the downed aircraft through four feet high grass in a field that had not been cleared for mines or booby traps. The rigging was accomplished swiftly and the helicopter was successfully lifted from the landing zone. Major Knight's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.