AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-1E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Roy A. Knight Jr. for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E Skyraider Pilot in Southeast Asia on 14 May 1967. On that date, while flying as high element lead consisting of four A-1Es and two HH-3C helicopters, Major Knight conducted search and rescue operations that resulted in the successful recovery of a downed pilot. Major Knight led the rescue force through rugged mountainous terrain, poor visibility and extremely intense and accurate antiaircraft fire to the area of the downed pilot. He successfully located the downed pilot and directed the helicopters in for the rescue under extremely adverse conditions. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Knight reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.