Danny R. McKnight (born April 9, 1951) is an American retired colonel who served in the United States Army. He is best known for his role as commander of the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in the Battle of Mogadishu. His participation in the battle was also heavily portrayed in the film Black Hawk Down, where his role was played by Tom Sizemore.
Early life Danny R. McKnight was born in Columbus, Georgia, on April 9, 1951. His family later moved to Rockledge, Florida, in 1959. McKnight graduated from Cocoa High School in 1969 and Brevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College) in 1971.
Early military career It was during his undergraduate studies that McKnight's military career began to take shape. He was recognized as a distinguished military graduate by Florida State University in 1973, shortly after earning his bachelor's degree in management. He eventually went on to complete the Basic Officer Leaders Course and graduated from the United States Army Airborne School and Ranger School. In 1985, he earned his master's degree in higher education from the University of Florida while being simultaneously assigned as an assistant professor of military science in the university's Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps department.
Overseas deployments In 1989, McKnight was deployed to Panama as part of the United States invasion of Panama.
McKnight was deployed again in 1993 to Mogadishu, Somalia. During this time, he served as commander of the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment as part of a special operations detachment tasked with peacekeeping operations on behalf of the United Nations security forces. It had already been the second United Nations intervention in the Somali Civil War at the time of McKnight's deployment.
Situations in Mogadishu eventually devolved and escalated, resulting in the Battle of Mogadishu. McKnight participated in the battle by commanding the 450 soldiers of the 75th Ranger Regiment and leading the coalition convoy through the city. He sustained injuries in the neck and arm during the battle.
Awards and decorations COL McKnight's awards include:
Combat Infantryman Badge with Star (denoting 2nd award)Legion of Merit with 1 Oak leaf clusterBronze Star with "V" devicePurple HeartMeritorious Service MedalArmy Commendation MedalArmy Achievement MedalNational Defense Service Medal with 1 Service starArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Arrowhead deviceHumanitarian Service MedalArmy Service RibbonArmy Overseas Service RibbonMaster Parachutist Badge with 1 combat starPathfinder Badge3rd Ranger Battalion Combat Service Identification Badge75th Ranger Regiment Distinctive unit insigniaRanger tab Expert Infantryman Badge
See also Operation Just Cause Battle of Mogadishu William F. Garrison Jeff Struecker Michael D. Steele Black Hawk Down
References