The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Virgil E. Craven (ASN: 0-34824), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, and later, as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, 2d Infantry Division, in Korea, from 15 July 1951 to 10 April 1952. Displaying a mastery of tactical science and decisive judgment, Colonel Craven effected an aggressive command which acquitted itself in a superior manner under rigorous combat conditions. Characteristic of his operational skill was his adroit night offensive maneuvers during the bitter fighting in the Punchbowl, Bloody Ridge, and Heartbreak Ridge actions and, through indomitable application of his professional concepts as an infantryman and superb leadership.t he command secured all assigned objectives with maximum expediency. Subsequent to his brilliant command achievements, Colonel Craven, serving as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, initiated and implemented a Combat Leaders Training Program which augmented the division’s combat potential by more than 1,000 key personnel and enhanced military operations against a numerically superior foe. His exemplary achievements reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
June 1952 – August 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Virgil E. Craven (ASN: 0-34824), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from June 1952 to August 1966 culminating as Assistant Chief of Staff for Security, Plans and Operations, 22d Field Army Support Command, Fort Lee, Virginia. During this period, Colonel Craven demonstrated outstanding qualities of loyalty, integrity, keen insight, perseverance, and devotion to duty. The position as Assistant Chief of Staff for Security, Plans and Operations, was most challenging in view of the fact that all CONUSA missions of the 2d Logistical Command were transferred to the newly formed 22d FASCOM. In spite of serious personnel shortages, new concepts to be advanced, and the number of missions to be performed in the short time available, Colonel Craven constantly attained successful results. Particularly outstanding were the continued maintenance of contingency plans for support of major wartime operations and implementation of readiness procedures under his supervision as well as the highly successful execution of LOGEX 66. The many laudatory comments by senior officers on the successful conduct and significance of LOGEX 66 attested to Colonel Craven’s noteworthy accomplishments. Colonel Craven’s distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Division:
34th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 39 (May 19, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Virgil E. Craven (ASN: 0-34824), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 34th Infantry Division, in actin against the enemy on 3 November 1943, in the vicinity of *****. Captain Craven was given the mission of selecting a suitable crossing for personnel and vehicles preparatory to an attack later that night across the Volturno River. Accompanied by a runner, he went forward across 2,500 yards of open terrain under excellent enemy observation and small arms fire and located a small trail which he discovered to be mined and which had barbed wire entanglements on the opposite side of the river. Moving downstream another 400 yards, he found a second suitable crossing, but after wading the river found the banks heavily mined with booby traps. Continuing his search, Captain Craven found a shallow ford with not trail leading to it, but he determined that a road could be quickly built. Making the crossing, he returned and took the transportation officer and an engineer officer to the selected location. A road was quickly improvised and Captain Craven led the leading elements of his company across the 20-yard-wide river, but while moving forward he was seriously wounded by artillery fire; however, he refused to be evacuated until he had passed on to his executive officer the necessary information for him to continue to his objective. By the use of this crossing, two battalions of his regiment were able to make their objectives without a single casualty from mines or booby traps. Captain Craven’s resourcefulness and bravery in the face of grave danger is exemplary and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
23d Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 13 – October 31, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 739 (November 19, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Virgil E. Craven (ASN: 0-34824), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of 3d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the period 13 September to 31 October 1951 near Suim-myon, Korea. On these dates he was commanding an infantry unit whose mission was to lead the assault on a critical portion of “Heartbreak Ridge”. With absolute disregard for his personal welfare, Colonel Craven led the men of his command in the decisive victory that turned the tide of this critical battle, resulting in the final victory of the United Nation’s forces. Throughout this action, gallantry that would normally be outstanding was commonplace. In the face of desperate resistance and unremitting counterattacks by the enemy, the inspired leadership of Colonel Craven actuated his men into superhuman efforts and final victory. The gallantry and selfless devotion to the welfare of his men displayed by Colonel Craven on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.