Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, assigned to 9th Battalion, 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), died as a result of wounds sustained from an attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport, where he was supporting noncombatant evacuation operations on Aug. 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Knauss was a native of Corryton, Tennessee. Knauss joined the U.S. Army in May 2016. Following Initial Entry Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, Knauss was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and deployed to Afghanistan in 2017 as an infantryman. Upon returning home, Knauss attended and completed the Psychological Operations Assessment and Selection Course and the Psychological Operations Qualification Course. After completing the course, Knauss was assigned to 9th Battalion, 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne). Knauss’ military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Psychological Operations Assessment and Selection Course, Psychological Operations Qualification Course, and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course (Level C). His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, and the Army Basic Parachutist Badge.

Proceeds from the SSG Ryan Knauss bracelet will be donated to Legacies Alive.