We are pleased to have as our 2016 Veterans Day speaker 92 year old resident Carroll F. Knutson a true American hero.
Carroll’s story is of valor, laced with terror and patriotic service to our country as a WWII B-17 Co-pilot. He completed his pilot training in Dalhart, TX, in March, 1944. Later from Kearney, NE he and his crew ferried their B-17 to England. Carroll was assigned to the 447th Bomb Group. During their 13th mission, June 8th, 1944, they were shot down by flak over Hanover, Germany while bombing a synthetic fuel refinery. Miraculously, the entire crew parachuted to safety and all survived the war. Jumping from the burning B-17, Carroll sustained a leg injury that has left him with a limp as a reminder of that fateful day. He was captured and interned in POW camp in Poland. Later he was transferred to POW camp Stalag Luft 3 (made famous as the location of “The Great Escape”) until rescued at the end of WWII.
For his service to our country, 1st Lieutenant Knutson was awarded the Air Medal, Pow Medal, WWII Victory Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation and in 2014 The French Legion of Honor.
Carroll holds a BS, MS, and PHD from Stanford University with geology majors. He has also written numerous books and papers related to geology.
Carroll resides in Sun City Anthem, Henderson. NV. He has three sons and one daughter.