Col. Danny McKnight, USA, Ret., is a well sought after speaker on subjects not limited to his experience in Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down) but also on Leadership, Management, and Homeland Security.

Colonel McKnight was a distinguished military graduate from Florida State University in 1973. He graduated with a B.S. in Management, then completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne and Ranger Schools.

He was assigned to the Mountain Ranger Camp in March 1974 where he served as a company Executive Officer and Instructor. Upon completion of the Infantry Officer Advance Course, he served in Korea as a Battalion Adjutant and was Aide-De-Camp to the Commanding General, 2D Infantry Division.

Following the Korea tour, Colonel McKnight returned to Fort Benning where he served as Aide-De-Camp for the same General officer who was the Commanding General at Fort Benning. While at Fort Benning, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion 58th Infantry (MECH) where he commanded Company C for 22 months. Next he was assigned as an assistant professor of Military Science at the University of Florida ROTC Department. While at the University, Col. McKnight earned his Masters degree in higher education and administration. He then attended Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Following this, Col. McKnight returned to Fort Benning where he served as the Adjutant, 75th Ranger Regiment; S3, 3D Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; and Executive Officer, 75th Ranger Regiment.

Col. McKnight departed Fort Benning for Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where he commanded 4-27th Infantry for 19 months. Upon his return from Hawaii, he assumed command of 3D Ranger Battalion on 11 February, 1993 where he commanded for 17 months. He then attended the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA. After graduation from the War College, he was assigned as the Senior Adviser at the 29th Infantry Division, Fort Belvoir, VA. He then assumed duties as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Training, First U.S. Army, Fort Gillem, GA. For 2 years.

Col. McKnight’s final assignment was as the Chief of Staff, First U.S. Army, Serving for 19th months before retiring on January 1, 2002.

Awards and Decorations:

• The legion of Merit (2OLC)
• The Bronze Star with V device
• The Purple Heart
• The Meritorious Service Medal (5OLC)
• The Army Commendation Medal (1OLC)
• The Army Achievement Medal
• The National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
• The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Arrowhead and Bronze Star
• The Combat Infantryman’s Badge
• The Ranger Tab
• The Master Parachutist Badge with Bronze Star
• Pathfinder Badge

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