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 (Field Artillery) William Barnard Craig, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy during the New Georgia, Solomon Islands Campaign. While assigned as an artillery air observer with the 192d Field Artillery Battalion, 43d Infantry Division, Lieutenant Craig was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire in the vicinity of Munda on 24 July 1943. He was picked up by a friendly boat, and the following day returned to his base. On 26 July, he again returned to the area as an observer. While adjusting fire for his battalion, he again was shot down by enemy fire in approximately the same location. In spite of minor burns he returned to his air base and requested that he be allowed to return to the air. On 2 August, Lieutenant Craig was placed on a duty status and he returned to the Munda area and continued to adjust fire from the air. His action and courage were an inspiration to the ground troops of the command of which he was a member, and his service as an artillery observer was praised by all commanders of the units for whom he had adjusted fire. First Lieutenant Craig’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 and the United States Army.