WCSR: Walberg Honors Local Vietnam Veteran

Congressman Tim Walberg has named Hillsdale resident Patrick Knight as the 5th Congressional District’s Veteran of the Month for July.

Knight served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970 as a search and rescue helicopter crewman. While stationed overseas with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7 — known as the “Sea Devils” — he helped rescue roughly 150 pilots shot down during the Vietnam War.

His service earned him several honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. In 1971, President Richard Nixon awarded the Sea Devils the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during rescue missions.

After leaving active duty, Knight spent 32 years with the Riverview Police Department, eventually retiring as chief of police. Today, he continues to serve his community on local boards for Hillsdale County emergency telephone services and the Hillsdale Senior Center.

Walberg presented Knight with an official copy of the Congressional Record recognizing his military and public service.