COL Danny R. McKnight
U.S. Army (Ret.)
 
 
       

 
  Biography  
 
     
 
 

Download the Biography here.

 

COL Danny R. McKnight, USA (Ret.)

 

Colonel Danny R. McKnight, U.S. Army, Retired, was born in Columbus, Georgia…moved to Rockledge, Florida in 1959…graduated from Cocoa High School in 1969 and Brevard Community College in 1971.  He was a Distinguished Military Graduate from Florida State University in 1973, where he earned a BS Degree in Management.  In 1985, Danny earned his Masters Degree in Higher Education from the University of Florida while assigned as an Assistant Professor of Military Science in the ROTC Department.  Among his numerous military assignments were the following:

 

Executive Officer, 3rd Ranger Battalion, Fort Benning, GA

Executive Officer, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, GA

Battalion Commander, 4th Battalion 27th Infantry, Schofield Barracks, HI

Battalion Commander, 3rd Ranger Battalion, Fort Benning, GA

Student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA

Chief of Staff, First U.S. Army, Fort Gillem, GA

 

His military career also included combat duty on two occasions – Panama 1989 and Somalia 1993 (basis for the Book and Movie “Black Hawk Down”).  Colonel McKnight’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (2 awards), the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Ranger Tab, the Master Parachutist Badge with Combat Star, and the Pathfinder Badge.  After completing 28 and one-half years of service to our country, Colonel McKnight returned to his hometown in Florida.  He has served in two Homeland Security related positions in Brevard County…as the Homeland Security Coordinator for the County’s Emergency Management Office, then as the Homeland Security Training Coordinator in the Criminal Justice Center at Brevard Community College.  Colonel McKnight now focuses all his efforts on being a nationwide motivational speaker.  He and his wife, Linda, reside in Rockledge, Florida.  

 

Colonel McKnight brings his experience to others through his presentation that provides a better understanding of the unparalleled commitment and leadership required to be successful when executing operations in the most difficult and severe situations.  Many key values associated with successful leadership will be highlighted and referenced throughout the presentation.  The real world experiences associated with his involvement in the event of October 1993 in Mogadishu, Somalia, will be expounded on to relate the commitment and leadership necessary to achieve mission success.

 

Military Biography

 

COLONEL DANNY R. MCKNIGHT

U.S. Army (Retired)

 

            Colonel Danny R. 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.

 

            Colonel McKnight 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 this tour, COL 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, 14th Infantry; S5, 75th Ranger Regiment; Executive Officer, 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; and Executive Officer, 75th Ranger Regiment.  He 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 ½ years.  His final assignment was as the Chief of Staff, First U.S. Army, serving for 19 months before retiring on January 1, 2002.

 

            Colonel McKnight’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (2OLC), the Bronze Star Medal W/V Device, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal (5OLC), the Army Commendation Medal (1OLC), the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal w/Arrowhead and Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Ranger Tab, The Master Parachutist Badge w/Bronze Star and the Pathfinder Badge.

 

Colonel McKnight and his wife Linda reside in Rockledge, Florida.