George Grigsby Mcknight

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to George Grigsby McKnight, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 12 October 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel McKnight executed an escape from a solitary confinement cell by removing the door bolt brackets from his door. Colonel McKnight knew the outcome of his escape attempt could be severe reprisal or loss of life. He succeeded in making it through a section of housing, then to the Red River and swam down river all night. The next morning he was recaptured, severely beaten, and put in solitary confinement for two and a half years. Through his extraordinary heroism and willpower, in the face of the enemy, Lieutenant Colonel McKnight reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. (When he was shot down and captured on 6 November 1965, Lieutenant Colonel McNight was serving as a pilot in the 602d Special Operations Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, SEVENTH Air Force.)