WHAT I CAN DO - I WILL -

The Douglas A1 Skyraider ("Spad") is a highly maneuverable, propeller driven aircraft designed as a multipurpose attack bomber or utility aircraft. The A1 was first used by the Air Force to equip the first Air Commando Group in counterinsurgency operations, and was later used in such diverse roles as electronic intelligence, antisubmarine warfare and rescue missions.

Maj. Roy A. Knight, Jr. was a "Spad" pilot assigned to the 602nd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udorn Airbase, Thailand. On 19 May 1967 Knight was flying a mission over Laos when his plane was shot down in Houa Rhan Province in extreme northern Laos. Although the U.S. believes the Lao could account for Knight, no information has been received regarding his fate.

Knight is one of nearly 600 Americans lost in Laos. When the Peace accords were signed in 1973, they did not provide for the release of any Americans held by the Lao, nor has their release been negotiated for since that time.

Roy A. Knight, Jr. was born in Garner, Texas, the fifth of seven children. He graduated from high school in Millsap, Texas, and joined the Air Force in 1948. In 1967, he was sent to Thailand to fly missions in Vietnam from the Udorn Air Base. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel during the period he was maintained Missing in Action.

Biographical and incident of loss information was obtained from either POW/NET and/or Task Force Omega, Inc (unless otherwise noted). Additional information may be found via remembrances at The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund or The Virtual Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial.