The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas A. Craigg, Jr. (MCSN: 295526), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous intrepidity in action while serving as Squad Leader, Batter C, Company L, 4th Battalion, 4th Regiment, Bataan, Philippine Islands on the morning of 24 January 1942, the Commanding Officer, Battery C, mounted a patrol of 75 Marines and Sailors to investigate an enemy Japanese force. The patrol encountered the enemy, which was far superior in number and well-equipped with heavy machine guns and supporting mortars. The Commanding Officer dispatched a runner to the nearest antiaircraft battery for reinforcements with instruction for the gun captain to report to the commanding officer’s position on the bluff overlooking Laplay Point. Private First Class Craigg arrived with his 13 man squad and engaged two enemy gun emplacements which had the main body pinned down and were dropping mortar and howitzer rounds among the patrol. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private First Class Craigg repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while directing the fire of the Marines in eliminating one gun position. He laid down covering fire which enabled the patrol to disengage from the main enemy Japanese force and withdraw to another position. By his extraordinary heroism in the face of extreme danger, Private First Class Craigg reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.