SGM McKnight’s outstanding valor was rewarded. In the heat of battle, he was awarded the Bronze Star by General Eisenhower and the Silver Star by General Patton.
A fellow Ranger was wounded during the intense combat. He was lucky to be fighting along side of SGM McKnight, who carried and cared for the injured soldier for twelve days.
On January 5, 1945, SGM McKnight was seriously wounded near the Siegfried Line on the Rhine River. A German mortar barrage hit his position causing severe leg wounds to SGM McKnight. For this, he was awarded the Purple Heart.
After discharge at Fort Bliss, Texas, in May, 1945, he worked as a carpenter. In 1948, SGM McKnight began work for the US Postal Service and retired in 1988 after a forty year career.
In 1956, SGM McKnight joined the MSARNG as a member of Company A, 108th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He transferred to the new Company E, 20th Special Forces in Jackson in October, 1963, one month after the unit was organized. He was promoted to Sergeant Major of the Jackson unit in 1964.
SGM McKnight became Sergeant Major of Company C, Columbus, in 1977. During his tenure as Sergeant Major of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), he advised not only his commanders, but anyone who he thought needed his input. SGM McKnight was a most positive role model to all of the troopers of C Company and beyond. His legacy will endure as long as the United States Army and the Mississippi Army National Guard Special Forces.
Upon retirement in July, 1983, SGM McKnight was presented the Meritorious Service Medal and the Mississippi Magnolia Cross for exceptional service.
SGM McKnight also served his fellow man at Ackerman Baptist Church. For those in need of inspiration to live better lives, he founded the Ackerman Chapter of AA. He participated in the Life Line Service, which monitors senior citizens. He died on January 6, 2001 and is buried in Enon Cemetery in Ackerman. He and his wife Opal, have two daughters, LaFrance (Frenchie) Graham of Jackson and Sophia Martin of Grenada.