"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call
of duty, on 11 July 1943 at Favoratta, Sicily. 2d Lt. Craig voluntarily undertook the
perilous task of locating and destroying a hidden enemy machine gun which had halted the
advance of his company. Attempts by 3 other officers to locate the weapon had resulted in
failure, with each officer receiving wounds. 2d Lt. Craig located the gun and snaked his
way to a point within 35 yards of the hostile position before being discovered. Charging
headlong into the furious automatic fire, he reached the gun, stood over it, and killed
the 3 crew members with his carbine. With this obstacle removed, his company continued its
advance. Shortly thereafter while advancing down the forward slope of a ridge, 2d Lt.
Craig and his platoon, in a position devoid of cover and concealment, encountered the fire
of approximately 100 enemy soldiers. Electing to sacrifice himself so that his platoon
might carry on the battle, he ordered his men to withdraw to the cover of the crest while
he drew the enemy fire to himself. With no hope of survival, he charged toward the enemy
until he was within 25 yards of them. Assuming a kneeling position, he killed 5 and
wounded 3 enemy soldiers. While the hostile force concentrated fire on him, his platoon
reached the cover of the crest. 2d Lt. Craig was killed by enemy fire, but his intrepid
action so inspired his men that they drove the enemy from the area, inflicting heavy
casualties on the hostile force."
From 2d Lt. Craig's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on May 26, 1944.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
"Robert Craig Memorial Bridge" (foreground)
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