Frederick Niland - another paratrooper and Knight - would later inspire Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan.Ī member of Utica, New York, Council No. For his efforts, he was nominated for the Medal of Honor and received the Distinguished Service Cross. He was one of the thousands of paratroopers part of the Allied Invasion of Normandy -D-Day - and tended to the wounded. For that, he was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross.įather Sampson served as the 101 st Airborne Division’s chaplain. But not before becoming the first American fighter pilot to gain a victory in air combat over Europe. had to abandon his plane after it sustained heavy damage while supporting landings at Dieppe, France. Junkin - a member of Council 1034 in Natchez, Miss. He died on a Japanese prison ship after it was mistakenly bombed by Allied planes. Bianchi suffered through the Bataan Death March, but according to eyewitnesses, he was known for his compassion and focus on his comrades’ health. He survived the mission, suffering several wounds, but was later captured after the fall of Bataan in 1942. troops and Filipino scouts to eliminate two enemy machinegun nests. Patrick’s Council 1076, posthumously received the Medal of Honor after he led a group of U.S. For his “unhesitating willingness to sacrifice his life,” he received the Medal of Honor - the highest honor in the military.Ĭapt. Despite being struck five times by enemy bullets, he survived and captured the other machine-gun post. After capturing the first post, he advanced alone. However, there were several enemy posts with machine-guns. In one instance, he was tasked to fill a “large crater” in the only available route for vehicles. Kisters, a member of Bloomington Council 1096 in Bloomington, Ind., served in the Sicily campaign during the war. These are only a few of the many distinguished Knights who served during World War II:įirst Lt.
In total, more than 75,000 Knights served and many of them were recognized not only for their gallantry and bravery, but also their compassion and devotion to God. Patriotism is a core principle of the Knights of Columbus - which is why, after Nazis invaded Poland and after Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese, K of C members were among those fighting for freedom. Knights of the Second World War Many distinguished Knights were recognized not only for bravery, but devotion to God.īy Andrew Fowler Allied Invasion of Normandy Credit: Getty Images Latest News Columbia Knightline Faith Response Leave No Neighbor Behind Social Media Hub.Join Donate Find a Council Store College Councils.Charity Insurance Invest Programs Scholarships Churchloan.Our Mission Our Faith Our History Supreme Officers About Membership Video Library.