The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Dan E. Craig (ASN: 0-405700), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany from 12 to 14 December 1944. On 12 December, the 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, under the command of Colonel Craig, was given the mission of crossing the **** , a river flowing along the French-German border, and establish a bridgehead near the German village of ****. It was due to the brilliant and daring leadership of Colonel Craig that this task was successfully accomplished in the course of determined fighting extending over a period of three days. After directing the efforts of two companies to cross the river in assault boats in spite of a treacherous current and intense enemy fire which caused many casualties, Colonel Craig supervised the construction of a foot bridge, which, however, was destroyed by the accurate enemy artillery fire. Colonel Craig, nevertheless, succeeded in working out a plan whereby the hard pressed troops maintaining the small bridgehead received vital supplies, until finally on 14 December, a bridge could be constructed and armor sent to reinforce the depleted infantry companies. Throughout this action, Colonel Craig moved among his men with tireless energy and almost without respite, checking positions and crossing the river to inspire his men to their utmost efforts by his personal presence during fierce counterattacks by German SS troops. Colonel Craig’s outstanding planning, utter disregard for personal safety and gallant leadership are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.