USS Knight

Austin Melvin Knight, born in Ware, Mass., 16 December 1854, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1873. After service as a Passed Midshipman, he was commissioned Ensign 16 July 1874. He served in various sea and shore assignments over the next two decades, including tours at the Naval Academy, and in Tuscarora, Constellation, Chicago, Monadnock, and Lancaster.

During the Spanish-American War he served in Puritan, blockading the coasts of Cuba and Puerto Rico. After attending the Naval War College at Newport in 1901, he commanded several ships during the next decade including Yankton, Washington (ACR-11), and Castine. Knight was promoted to Captain in 1907 and was commissioned Rear Admiral 29 January 1911. Subsequently he served twice as Commander in Chief, Atlantic Reserve Fleet, and commanded the Special Squadron and the Narragansett Bay Naval Station.

From 15 December 1913 to 16 February 1917 he served with distinction as President, Naval War College. On 22 May 1917, he took command of the Asiatic Fleet with the rank of Admiral (temporary); he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal during Allied naval operations at Vladivostok, Siberia. He transferred to the retired list 16 December but subsequently served on active duty from 13 March 1919 until 30 June 1920 as Senior Member, Board of Awards. He died 26 February 1927, at Washington, D.C., and was buried at the Naval Academy Cemetery. On 17 November 1930, Austin Melvin Knight was commissioned Admiral posthumously on the Retired List from 26 February 1927.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Knight (DD-633)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.