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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Kervin Craig (ASN: 0-2262305/RA-37525183), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Craig distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea, on 1 February 1951. On that date, at approximately 0445 hours, a strong enemy force attacked friendly positions on Hill 335. Lieutenant Craig, with two squads of reinforcements, arrived as the enemy were driving a platoon back from the hill. Realizing that Hill 333 was the only natural defense line in the area, Lieutenant Craig reorganized the platoon and led them in a counterattack. Using bayonets, small-arms and grenades, they forced the enemy to retreat, then reestablished defensive positions. During the ten-hour battle that ensued, Lieutenant Craig continually demonstrated inspiring leadership and dauntless courage as he directed offensive and defensive actions against the numerically superior enemy. His gallant and persistent efforts were directly responsible for the enemy being driven from the hill, leaving an estimated 150 dead. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Second Lieutenant Craig on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Second Lieutenant (Infantry)Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
23d Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 18, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 611 (October 18, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas K. Craig (ASN: 0-2262305/RA-37525183), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Chaun-ni, Korea. On this date Lieutenant Craig’s company was given the mission of covering the withdrawal of two friendly battalions making their way out of an enemy trap. During this withdrawal, Lieutenant Craig skillfully deployed his men, directing and leading them in effecting accurate fire upon enemy positions. He tenaciously held his unit in position, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy, until friendly elements had successfully completed their withdrawal. Then, upon order, withdrew his own unit in a manner which insured the return of all his men. As a result of Lieutenant Craig’s outstanding leadership, friendly battalions were able to reach an area of comparative safety with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Craig on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Sergeant First ClassBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
23d Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 16, 1950
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 20 (January 25, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant First Class Thomas K. Craig (ASN: 0-2262305/RA-37525183), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 16 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date his company was attacking strong enemy defensive positions in the Naktong River salient. During the advance his platoon sergeant was wounded. Sergeant Craig, the platoon guide, immediately assumed command and reorganized the platoon. As the attack progressed, it became necessary for him to commit his support squad. Fearlessly exposing himself to the intense enemy fire raking the entire area, he led the squad in a charge which overran the enemy and allowed his platoon to seize its objective. His courageous leadership under fire was a source of great inspiration to his comrades and was instrumental to the success of his unit in accomplishing its mission. The heroism displayed on this occasion by Sergeant Craig reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.