The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Francis Selinger Craig, Jr. (MCSN: 0-20007), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 16 June and 11 July 1944. Frequently exposing himself to fierce enemy fire in order to lead his platoon against a strongly defended hostile position, Second Lieutenant Craig succeeded in wiping out the emplacement completely, thereby contributing materially to the success of his company’s mission. In action against the Japanese along the northern beach of the island on 11 July, Second Lieutenant Craig skillfully maneuvered his platoon across treacherous coral reefs and crevices in order to wipe out a group of the enemy dug in there and personally accounted for approximately ten of their number. By his resolute leadership and courageous fighting spirit, Second Lieutenant Craig rendered invaluable service to his platoon and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.