Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) George Harris Craft (ASN: 0-1297146), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving an Infantry Company of the 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in France, in 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    502d Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1944

    Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 19 (March 14, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) George Harris Craft (ASN: 0-1297146), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 21 September 1944 in the vicinity of Saint Oedenrode, Holland. When his platoon came under enemy small arms fire, Lieutenant Craft raced across the distance separating him from the enemy position, firing his weapon into the enemy foxholes routing them from their positions, and capturing five of them. As his platoon continued to move forward, it came under the fire of an estimated enemy company. With total disregard for personal safety, Lieutenant Craft charged forward across an open field, his troops deploying behind him. The fury of his charge carried his platoon forward and caused the enemy to break. In overrunning the enemy position, his platoon captured thirty eight of the enemy. While his platoon reorganized, Lieutenant Craft pushed forward on a personal reconnaissance of a nearby house. Observing it to be an enemy headquarters, he charged forward alone, and by the use of hand grenades, drove out the enemy and captured eleven prisoners. First Lieutenant Craft’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.