On September 10, 1945, Curtis was presented the Silver Star. The citation read:
First Sergeant Curtis L. Knight (ASN 20822937), US Army. For gallantry in action 2 February 1945 near Loi-Kang, Burma. Seeing his troop executive officer wounded, and knowing that there were no other officers available, Sergeant Knight, being the highest ranking non-commissioned officer present, with complete disregard for his own life and under constant enemy small arms fire, assumed the duties of troop executive officer, and led an attack on a strong enemy position. Wounded, and unable to move, Sergeant Knight continued to direct the attack from his stretcher, not permitting himself to be evacuated until all other wounded were brought to safety. The courage and bravery of Sergeant Knight reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Curtis was discharged with only ten percent medical disability. He took a job with Texas Power and Light in the Weatherford office. Curtis played baseball for Weatherford in the summer of 1946, in what would be classified now as semi-pro ball. I saw him hit three home runs in one game against Mineral Wells. He transferred to Denison, Texas, and played baseball for the Denison team in 1947. He was offered a job with the minor league Sherman-Denison Twins in the East Texas League. He thought it was too late for that and soon after went back into the army for a long career, most of his time as first sergeant of food service schools and on TDY with post baseball teams. During 1952-54, he served a three year tour of duty in Japan, during which he was able to reach a more just state-of-mind about the Japanese people.
When Curtis returned to the States, he was assigned to the food service school at Fort Hood, Texas. I was overjoyed to be in his company. I had signed up for the school during basic training, knowing that it was time for him to rotate and the likelihood that he would be assigned to the school. Everything went well except the morning Curtis chewed us out for dirty latrines and a guy behind me in formation cussed him in a loud whisper. I didn’t know who it was, but I have always regretted not seeking him out, and trying to kick his ass.
Curtis finished his career at Fort Hood, eventually taking the job in charge of fish and wildlife conservation and propagation. After he retired from the army, he kept the same position, authorized under civil service, and continued in it for several years. He cooperated with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to conduct research.
Curtis lost his dear companion, Joyce, on May 7, 2001, after almost 59 years of marriage. She succumbed to the ravages of diabetes.
