Myrtle Beach in Horry County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Brigadier General Thomas Merrit Knoles III
Brigadier General Thomas M. Knoles, a command pilot in the United States Air Force, was born in 1927 in Flagstaff, Arizona, and graduated from Flagstaff High School in 1945. He attended the University of Arizona prior to enlisting in the Army Air Forces in March 1946. He received his commission as a second lieutenant and his pilot wings through the aviation cadet program in June 1948. He graduated from the Air Tactical School in 1950 and the Air War College in 1967.
In June 1971, Brigadier General Knoles was assigned as Commander of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing with headquarters at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. A year later, he led the wing when it was deployed to Thailand to participate in the final stages of the United States involvement in Southeast Asia and support for Operation Linebacker in December 1972.
Brigadier General Knoles retired from the Air Force in 1976 with 30 years of commendable service. His military decorations and awards include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with two oak clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with 15 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Army Commendation.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Valor in Aerial Operations series list.
Location. 33° 40.165′ N, 78° 56.258′ W. Marker is in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in Horry County. Memorial is at the intersection of Johnson Avenue and Knoles Street, on the right when traveling north on Johnson Avenue. Located in Market Common. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Myrtle Beach SC 29577, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colonel Warren R. Lewis (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 353rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (about 500 feet away); Avionics Maintenance (about 500 feet away); Colonel Edsel J. "Coupe" DeVille (about 500 feet away); Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment (about 600 feet away); Colonel Joseph R. Nevers (about 600 feet away); Jack Walker (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Myrtle Beach.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 246 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 21, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.