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Craig, Francis Selinger, Jr.

Date of birth:
May 11th, 1918 (Mansfield/Louisiana. United States)
Date of death:
October 7th, 2005
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Enrolled in Louisiana State University. He received his BA in 1938 and a his law degree in 1940. Became a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1940 and served in the Milwaukee and then the Los Angeles office where he was serving when Pearl Harbor was attacked in December 1941. Although exempt from military service because of his FBI position, he decided that he should take a more direct part in the fight against the enemies and in December of 1942 he enlisted in the Marine Corps. After his Marine Corps service he married Beverly in 1945 and lived in Baton Rouge where he was a bank president.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Second Lieutenant
Unit:
Company F, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:
September 25th, 1947
Citation:
"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, Marianas 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."

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 13031
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Citation:
"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."

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 31268

Sources

  • Photo 1: Claire Craig
  • - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
    - "Recollections of Frank S. Craig, Jr." by Frank S. Craig, Jr. and Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, Baton Rouge chapter
    - Francis Craig - Recipient -

Photo