Southwest pilot brings father's remains home from Vietnam 52 years later

[Baz]

Story here:
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/08/08/airport-terminal-comes-standstill-remains-hero-vietnam-war-pilot-return-home.html

[Sooner or later]

Wow

[RNajarian]

Colonel Knight flew the A-1 Skyraider, single engine propeller search and rescue aircraft, great plane, tough mission.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/602nd_Special_Operations_Squadron

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/vietnam-vets-remains-returned-to-the-united-states-on-a-flight-flown-by-his-son

Godspeed Colonel Knight

[speeder]

Can’t imagine how emotional that was for his son. I would have lost it if I was there, our next door neighbor was an AF guy killed in VN in ‘66 or ‘67. I still remember it, I was 7 years old.

[Baz]

[Baz]

[gsxrken]

Colonel Knight, thank you for your service.
This man had balls that clank:

From "Together we served"
Source:
Last Rank
Colonel
Last Primary AFSC/MOS
1355C-Flight Training Instructor
Last AFSC Group
Education and Training
Primary Unit
1967-1967, 14th Air Commando Wing
Service Years
1948 - 1967
Last Known Activity
Major Roy Knight enlisted in the Air Force in 1948, was trained and served as a personnel clerk until February 1953 when he entered Officer Candidate School at Lackland AFB.

He was commissioned on 11 September 1953, trained and served as a personnel officer until he entered flight school at Moore AFB in 1958, receiving his wings in April 1958. He then served at various bases

Then, Capt Knight served as a flight instructor with the 3645th Pilot Training Squadron at Laughlin AFB, Texas, from April 1963 to August 1966.

As a major, he completed A-1 Skyraider Combat Crew Training, and then deployed to Southeast Asia in February 1967.

Major Roy A. Knight, Jr. was a "Spad" pilot assigned to the 602nd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udorn Airbase, Thailand. On 19 May 1967, Knight was flying a mission over Laos when his plane was shot down in Houa Rhan Province in extreme northern Laos.

He was promoted to the rank of Colonel during the period he was maintained Missing in Action.

Air Force Cross

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Major Roy Abner Knight, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an A-1E aircraft of the 602d Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over Laos on 19 May 1967.

On that date, Major Knight led his flight in a strike against one of the most important and heavily defended target complexes in Southeast Asia. Against overwhelming odds Major Knight pressed his attack on the target, in spite of being cautioned by other pilots that a devastating barrage of anti-aircraft fire was directed at his aircraft. Major Knight acknowledged awareness of the situation, but continued his attack. His aircraft was struck, resulting in loss of control. Major Knight, fully realizing that he could not regain control, jettisoned his ordnance on the target in a valiant attempt to destroy it and his aircraft subsequently impacted in the target area.

Major Knight's unparalleled bravery and courage against virtually insurmountable obstacles were in the highest traditions of the military service. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Major Knight reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-393 (October 30, 1967)
Action Date: 19-May-67
Service: Air Force
Rank: Major Company: 602d Tactical Fighter
Squadron (Commando)
Division: Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand


Silver Star

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Roy Abner Knight, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Skyraider Pilot of the 602d Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando) Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in North Vietnam on 2 April 1967.

On that date, Major Knight entered an area of extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire in a low-level search for a downed crewman. Working at altitudes of less than two hundred feet in withering hostile fire for more than an hour, he continually exposed himself in an attempt to make visual contact with the pilot. It was only after darkness and the loss of radio contact made any further attempt futile that Major Knight withdrew from the area. His complete disregard for his own safety and outstanding courage in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest standards required of an Air Force pilot.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Knight reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: 2-Apr-67
Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
Company: 602d Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando)
Division: Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand


Distinguished Flying Cross

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Major Roy Abner Knight, Jr., United States Air Force, 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 anti-aircraft 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.

General Orders: Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-106 (August 9, 1967)
Action Date: 14-May-67
Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
Company: 602d Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando)
Division: Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

Comments/Citation
Notes/Links:

http://www.pownetwork.org/bios/k/k034.htm
http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.asp?ID=1180 (details of his service and training)
http://www.homeofheroes.com/members/02_AFC/cite_3rvnJ.html
http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3608 (awards)
http://www.findagrave.com