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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Francis Selinger Craig, Jr. (MCSN: 0-20007), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. When concentrated enemy mortar, machine-gun, antitank and rifle fire had halted the advance of his company and one of three supporting tanks had been hit and set afire, First Lieutenant Craig courageously jumped onto one of the remaining tanks and, standing exposed for twenty minutes in the face of hostile fire, directed the tanks in destroying the Japanese antitank gun, and two enemy machine gun positions. By his gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty, he contributed to his company’s success in seizing the high ground in its zone of operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    25th Marines

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    June 16 & July 17, 1944
    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 13031 (September 25, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Francis Selinger Craig, Jr. (MCSN: 0-20007), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 16 June and 11 July 1944. Frequently exposing himself to fierce enemy fire in order to lead his platoon against a strongly defended hostile position, Second Lieutenant Craig succeeded in wiping out the emplacement completely, thereby contributing materially to the success of his company’s mission. In action against the Japanese along the northern beach of the island on 11 July, Second Lieutenant Craig skillfully maneuvered his platoon across treacherous coral reefs and crevices in order to wipe out a group of the enemy dug in there and personally accounted for approximately ten of their number. By his resolute leadership and courageous fighting spirit, Second Lieutenant Craig rendered invaluable service to his platoon and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.