CPT Peter Stanley Knight (Posthumous Promotion to Major) was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Infantry Officer Candidate School Class 1-58 on 5 March 1958. At the time he was Killed in Action he was serving as Company Commander Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry,1st Infantry Division. CPT Knight was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

MAJ Knight’s highest military awards include: Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS CITATION: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Captain Knight distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1966 while serving as a company commander during a combat mission near Binh Duong Province. When Captain Knight's company was directed to assault a fortified base camp of an estimated Viet Cong battalion they advanced through the dense jungle and bamboo thickets toward the insurgent complex the platoon on his right flank received intense Viet Cong fire and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he rushed to the stricken platoon, reorganized his men and called his reserve platoon for assistance. As he led his reinforced unit on a renewed assault against the Viet Cong stronghold, the Viet Cong again opened with a suppressive barrage of fire. Although his company was staggered by the intense hostile fire, Captain Knight fearlessly exposed himself and rallied a small group of men in an attack on a Viet Cong emplacement. Inspired by this courageous attack, the remaining elements pushed forward in a final determined drive to rout the Viet Cong. Captain Knight, with complete disregard for his safety, continued to lead his company until he was mortally wounded by Viet Cong fire. Through his courage and outstanding leadership, he inspired his badly stricken company to continue the attack until the determined Viet Cong force was completely routed from its base camp. Captain Knight's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.