AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert C. Knight for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Knight distinguished himself by heroic actions in the vicinity of Sa Dec, Republic of Vietnam, during an airmobile operation involving units of the 9th Division. Captain Knight, on two successive occasions, directed his fire team in an extremely hazardous attack to save a friendly unit pinned down by hostile fire. The attack was of such success that the friendly unit was able to regroup and counter attack the enemy. During the firing, his aircraft was the target of intense enemy ground fire. Expending his ammunition and ordnance Captain Knight returned to the stage field where he refueled, rearmed, and returned to the operational area. Upon his return he covered a medical evacuation helicopter by drawing all of the fire towards his aircraft while in an area where the enemy was using mortars and machine guns. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert C. Knight for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Knight distinguished himself while serving as a Fire Team Leader and Aircraft Commander in support of a rescue mission of the crew of an aircraft which was shot down at a friendly outpost surrounded by a large enemy force. The outpost was also under heavy enemy mortar fire. When an aircraft descended to put out screening smoke, Captain Knight directed his fire team to provide cover for the smoke ship. The unarmed rescue ship then started an approach into the outpost. Captain Knight provided the much needed suppressive fire which kept the rescue ship covered. On the third and final attempt the rescue ship completed the extraction and safely left the area, under Captain Knight's accurate and devastating cover fire. He was directly responsible for the successful completion of this mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert C. Knight for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Knight distinguished himself by valorous actions while serving as Fire Team Leader for a fire team of T-Birds defending Ten Thoi while under heavy enemy mortar; recoilless rifle and ground attack. Captain Knight immediately initiated a deadly accurate barrage of rockets and machine gun fire upon the enemy gunners. As he suppressed the enemy positions, his aircraft became the target of numerous automatic weapons fire. Because of their locations, he was unable to completely suppress the long range guns simultaneously. Nevertheless, he effectively drew enemy fire to his own aircraft. He had pressed his attack dangerously close to the enemy and was now the target of all enemy guns. Captain Knight returned to the outpost constantly throughout the night to provide vital support. Due to his courageous and skillful performance, the enemy's attack against the outpost was repulsed. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.