A Life of Distinguished Service

A Life of Distinguished Service

Career & Education

• Perry L. Knight began his military journey after graduating from the Virginia Military Institute in 1982, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Defense Logistics Agency+1.

• He earned a bachelor’s degree in English (with a minor in economics) and subsequently a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College Defense Logistics Agency+1.

Assignments & Leadership

• Knight held significant roles across military logistics and operational domains, including duties at the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Pentagon, and as Director of Logistics Operations at U.S. Forces Command at Fort McPherson, Georgia Defense Logistics Agency+1.

• He also served in commanding officer capacities in Germany and Georgia, as well as brigade operations officer in Rotterdam, Netherlands Defense Logistics Agency+1.

• His leadership extended within the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley in roles such as division logistics officer, combat support battalion executive officer, division transportation officer, support operations officer, and aviation brigade operations officer Defense Logistics Agency+1.

• Additional assignments included positions on the Department of the Army staff in the Pentagon, serving as aide‑de‑camp, and various roles in the Netherlands, Germany, and Iraq Defense Logistics Agency+1.

Accolades & Recognition

• His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with four oak leaf clusters), Joint Service Commendation and Achievement Medals, and multiple Army Commendation and Achievement Medals Defense Logistics Agency+1.

• He was also authorized to wear the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Department of the Army Identification Badges Defense Logistics Agency.

Civilian Leadership

• Beyond his military career, Colonel Knight continued to serve through the Defense Logistics Agency. He transitioned into civilian leadership while holding the role of Chief of Staff from July 2006, and became Acting Deputy Commander in January 2020. He officially assumed the role of Deputy Director (Deputy Commander), DLA Distribution, as a member of the Senior Executive Service Defense Logistics Agency+1Potomac Officers Club.

Impact & Legacy

• Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Keith Reventlow commended Knight’s leadership, describing his commitment to the organization, mission, and warfighter as “evident in all that he does”—appreciating not only his leadership and knowledge but also his “upbeat sense of humor” Defense Logistics Agency.

In Memoriam

Colonel Perry L. Knight’s career exemplified the values of duty, honor, and service. From his early years as a young officer to his senior civilian leadership at DLA, his contributions were both deep and wide—spanning global operational support and organizational leadership of critical logistics systems.

If you’d like, I can help locate official obituaries, statements from DLA, or resources honoring his life and accomplishments.

Please share if there’s anything else you’d like to discuss or reflect upon regarding his legacy.

My sincere condolences to those affected by his passing.