The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Edward A. Craig (MCSN: 0-196), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 with a landing force during the operations against the enemy on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 20 March 1945. During the planning phase, beginning on 13 October 1944, Colonel Craig was charged with the responsibility of formulating and preparing the detailed plans for the operation, and exhibited great professional skill in the performance of that difficult task. From D-Day until the island was secured he had charge of operation orders for the entire landing force, and displayed technical ability and resourcefulness of a very high degree. He frequently visited units in contact with the enemy in order to determine by personal observation the progress of the battle, and by his exemplary conduct contributed immeasurably to the success of the operation. His outstanding enterprise, initiative, sound judgment and inspiring devotion to duty at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralRegiment:
1st Provisional Marine Brigade (Rein.)Division:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
July 7 – September 13 & September 14 – December 31, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Edward A. Craig (MCSN: 0-196), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced) during action against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean Area, from 7 July 1950 to 13 September 1950; and as Assistant Division Commander of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced) from 14 September to 31 December 1950. As Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Craig displayed outstanding ability in preparing the Brigade for combat and in supervising its rapid embarkation and movement overseas and assembly in the combat area. He led the Brigade in a series of effective actions within the Pusan bridgehead in South Korea, including two decisive attacks wherein his forces routed the enemy in the Chinju Area and the heroic action in which his forces attacked and destroyed numerically superior enemy forces holding a bridgehead east of the Naktong River, driving the remnants of the enemy force from key positions within our perimeter. As Assistant Division Commander, he rendered invaluable assistance to the Division Commander during the planning and execution of an amphibious landing by the Division against strongly defended Inchon and during the inland advance and seizure of Kimpo Airfield and Yongdungp’o. Brigadier General Craig further assisted in supervising and coordinating the crossing of the Han River against stubborn enemy opposition, and the subsequent defeat of hostile forces in Seoul, Korea. He continued to render invaluable assistance during operations of widely separated Division Units, directing the administrative support of forward elements of the Division that were isolated from their source of supplies. Upon retirement of the Division from the Chosin Reservoir Area, he coordinated the movement of various Division elements, supervising not only the preparation of bivouac areas to receive the returning troops but also the arrangements for embarkation of Division Units. His personal courage, professional skill and inspiring leadership throughout these operations reflect the highest credit upon Brigadier General Craig and the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelRegiment:
9th MarinesDivision:
3d Marine DivisionAction Date:
July 21 –August 10, 1944
SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 00893 (SofN Signed September 18, 1947)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel Edward A. Craig (MCSN: 0-196), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, from 21 July to 10 August 1955. An Aggressive and inspiring leader, Colonel Craig constantly directed his men in combat in the face of intense enemy fire from the time of landing with the assault elements of his regiment until organized resistance ceased. On 30 July, charged with capturing a portion of high ground on the force beachhead line and making contact with the Army on Mount Tenjo, Colonel Craig remained with his leading assault elements during the entire advance and, by his coolness under fire, provided inspiration for his officers and men. Personally directing the final assault on Mount Chachao, he kept casualties at a minimum by his expert judgment. When of his battalions encountered heavy enemy resistance near an important road junction during the advance to the northern end of Guam on 3 August, he took a position beside a tank advancing with the assault troops and, despite a constant stream of rifle and machine-gun fire, fearlessly remained there throughout the entire action of several hours to direct the attack which annihilated several hundred of the enemy. His outstanding ability, courageous leadership and devotion to duty were important factors in the success of the campaign and reflect the highest credit upon Colonel Craig and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
September 15, 1950
Headquarters, Far East Command, General Orders No. 50 (October 27, 1950)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Brigadier General Edward A. Craig (MCSN: 0-196), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Assistant Division Commander, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in the amphibious landing resulting in the capture of Inchon, Korea, on 15 September 1950 in the Inchon-Seoul operation. His actions contributed materially to the success of this operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
September 13 – November 2, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Brigadier General Edward A. Craig (MCSN: 0-196), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Division Commander of the FIRST Marine Division, Reinforced, Fleet Marine Force, prior to and during the amphibious assault on Inchon, Korea, the subsequent attack and liberation of Seoul, Korea, and the continuation of the advance to Wonsan, Korea, from 13 September to 2 November 1950. General Craig discharged his responsibilities wisely and with meticulous attention to detail, effectively supervising the preparatory stages of the Division participation in the operations and by his actions contributed materially to the success of the operation. On numerous occasions he fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire when visiting the assault units to gain first hand knowledge of the progress of the attack and was of outstanding assistance in solving the many complex and difficult problems of tactics and joint action with other United Nations units. General Craig’s skilled service and exemplary conduct throughout this period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Brigadier General Craig is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)