Gordon M. Craig
Gordon Maynard Craig | |
|---|---|
 Medal of Honor recipient Gordon Craig | |
| Born | August 1, 1929 Brockton, Massachusetts |
| Died | September 10, 1950 (aged 21) near Ka-san, Pusan Perimeter, Korea |
| Place of burial | Elmwood Cemetery, East Bridgewater, Massachusetts |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1950 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 16th Reconnaissance Company, 1st Cavalry Division |
| Battles / wars | Korean War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Gordon Maynard Craig (August 1, 1929 – September 10, 1950) was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 10, 1950, during the Battle of Ka-san.
Craig earned his Medal of Honor by jumping on a North Korean grenade as his squadmates helped to ambush a North Korean hill, buying them valuable time and sacrificing himself in the process.
Awards and decorations
|
Medal of Honor |
|
Purple Heart |
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, 16th Reconnaissance Company, 1st Cavalry Division
Place and date: Near Kasan, Korea September 10, 1950
Entered service at: Brockton, Mass. Born: August 1, 1929, Brockton, Mass.
G.O. No.: 23, April 25, 1951.
Citation:
Cpl. Craig, 16th Reconnaissance Company, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. During the attack on a strategic enemy-held hill his company's advance was subjected to intense hostile grenade, mortar and small-arms fire. Cpl. Craig and 4 comrades moved forward to eliminate an enemy machine gun nest that was hampering the company's advance. At that instance an enemy machine gunner hurled a hand grenade at the advancing men. Without hesitating or attempting to seek cover for himself, Cpl. Craig threw himself on the grenade and smothered its burst with his body. His intrepid and selfless act, in which he unhesitantly gave his life for his comrades, inspired them to attack with such ferocity that they annihilated the enemy machine gun crew, enabling the company to continue its attack. Cpl. Craig's noble self-sacrifice reflects the highest credit upon himself and upholds the esteemed traditions of the military service.[1]
See also
Notes
- ^ ""GORDON M. CRAIG" entry". Medal of Honor recipients: Korean War. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-03-10. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
References
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ""GORDON M. CRAIG" entry". Medal of Honor recipients: Korean War. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-03-10. Retrieved 2007-12-31.