Knight, Robert C., Infantry United States Army, 336th Assault Helicopter Company, 13th Combat Aviation (Delta) Battalion, 164th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Knight distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as an aircraft commander and the leader of an assault helicopter platoon defending against the communist Lunar New Year offensive on Soc Trang. An enemy battalion reinforced by numerous local guerilla companies launched a coordinated mortar and ground assault on the city and the adjacent airfield. Captain Knight dashed through a hail of impacting rounds to reach his gunship as others took cover all around him. Airborne, he flew low over the enemy positions, locating several weapons emplacements from which devastating fire was hitting the air base. Without regard to the savage barrage directed at his ship, he sucessfully destroyed several vital enemy positions with rockets and machine gun fire. As other helicopters arrived, he organized them into a team and directed their assaults on the determined insurgents. As the siege on the air field lifted at dawn, he led his platoon toward the city whereViet Cong threatened to overrun vital military positions. Another officer was assigned the mission Captain Knight had ably performed throughout the night and early morning hours, but he refused to ground his aircraft for a deserved rest. Instead he joined in fierce attacks on enemy forces attempting to gain control of the area. For over twenty-eight consecutive hours, he repeatedly risked his life and braved withering fire to knock out hostile weapons postions and destroy the assaulting Viet Cong forces. His fearless efforts in the heat of battle inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and were instrumental in repelling the massive offensive. Captain Knight’s extraordinary heroism 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.