The  President  of  the  United  States takes  pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

for service as set fort in the following

                  CITATION:

                        "For  heroic achievement  in connection with  operations against the  enemy  in  the  Republic  of  Vietnam  while  serving  with  Marine  Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine  Aircraft Group  Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing.   On  26 January 1969,   Lance  Corporal Knox   launched  as  an   Aerial  Gunner aboard the second aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of a seriously wounded Marine from an area  in Quang Nam  Province, and en route  to the designated  location,  the lead aircraft  executed a crash  landing and exploded  on contact.   Despite flares which were dropped as Lance Corporal Knox's  transport hovered overhead, the dense  jungle canopy prevented  the members of  the  crew from  determining  if there  were  any  survivors.    Although  there  was  every  probability  of  hostile soldiers  in  the  vicinity,  and  fully aware  of  the  possible  consequences of  his selfless actions,  Lance Corporal Knox unhesitatingly volunteered to  be lowered into the crash  site by mechanical  hoist.   With  complete  disregard for his  own safety,  and  thinking  only to  be  of  assistance  to his  fellow  Marines,  he  was lowered through the treetops.  When the entire length of the cable was extended, he was still fifty feet above the ground and  the decision was made to return him to  the helicopter.   At  this  point, the  rewind mechanism  of  the  hoist  became inoperable, and  the only alternative  method of retrieving him  was to carry him to a  landing  zone and  lower  him to the  ground.   With Lance Corporal Knox dangling  from  the collar of  the hoist  by the  sheer strength  of his  hands  and arms, the pilot carefully raised him  from the jungle canopy, and  as the  Marine steadfastly  maintained his precarious grip,  he was transported  a distance of six miles  before  a  suitable  landing  zone  was  located.   Lance  Corporal  Knox's courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen and unwavering  devotion  to duty at great personal risk inspired all  who observed him  and were in  keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.