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The MI Corps Association has introduced a statue of MI Corps Hero, LTC Thomas Knowlton. As shown here, this memento is available for sale at the MICA Store online and in the MI Museum. “Having a statue to represent the historic legacy of Thomas Knowlton with his deep ties to the MI and Ranger communities has been a long-time goal,” MICA President Chuck Atkins said. MICA has worked diligently with a local entrepreneur to bring this historic product to fruition.

The Knowlton Statue is available as an appropriate gift for MI and Ranger unit farewells, retirements, and other occasions to recognize the professional excellence and devotion to duty of today’s Soldiers as embodied in the Commander of the first US Army unit dedicated to hazardous Intelligence and Reconnaissance functions – Knowlton’s Rangers.

In 1776, General George Washington established this organization and selected Knowlton as commander based on his heroic leadership at the Battle of Bunker Hill and daring January 1776 raid on Charlestown to capture British soldiers for interrogation. During one of their first active operations, LTC Thomas Knowlton was killed in action leading his Regiment in combat against British Army forces during the Battle of Harlem Heights. From the ranks of Knowlton’s Rangers, Captain Nathan Hale volunteered to perform espionage operations on British forces in and around New York City. When detained for questioning, notes on the British Army were found on his person, and he was charged as a spy. At the time, undercover spies were considered illegal combatants and CPT Hale was executed the next day.

General Washington’s use and staunch advocacy of intelligence operations coupled with the distinguished service and ultimate sacrifice of LTC Knowlton and CPT Hale serve as a constant reminder to all MI Corps and Ranger Soldiers of their proud lineage as well as the hazards of the Intelligence profession.