Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army (134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army)

Major Dan E. Craig, O-405700, Infantry, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from 15 to 19 July 1944.
Entered military service from Nebraska.


Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 28 (2 September 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army (134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army)

Lieutenant Colonel Dan E. Craig, O-405700, Infantry, United States Army, for heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in the vicinity of ***, France on 4 December 1944. The enemy had well-prepared defences of their terrain which lay on the far side of a broad expanse of water. Confronted with tactical problem, Colonel Craig made a personal reconnaissance for the planning of an attack which provided for moving one company in a frontal assault while manoeuvring another assault company to a position upon high ground from which it would attack the enemy flank. Advancing at an unorthodox hour, the two companies followed the plan outlined by Colonel Craig, which also precluded the use of preliminary artillery fire. By use of the element of surprise, not only was the objective successfully taken, but casualties in our forces were unusually minimized. Colonel Craig’s outstanding leadership, tactical acumen and his ability to coordinate a well-conceived plan of attack reflect credit upon his character as an officer and as a leader of men.
Entered military service from Nebraska.


For action performed on 4 December 1944, near Puttelange/Moselle department, region Lorraine, France.
Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 59 (31 December 1944).
This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

1st Battalion 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army (1st Battalion 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army)

Lieutenant Colonel Dan E. Craig, O-405700, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action near Habkirchen, Germany from 12 to 14 December 1944. On 12 December, the First Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, under the command of Colonel Craig, was given the mission of crossing the Blies, a river flowing along the French-German border, and establish a bridgehead near the German village of Habkirchen. It was due to brilliant and daring leadership of Colonel Craig that this task was successfully accomplished in the course of determined fighting extending over a period of three days. After directing the efforts of two companies to cross the river in assault boats in spite of a treacherous current and intense enemy fire which caused many casualties, Colonel Craig supervised the construction of a foot bridge, which, however, was destroyed by the accurate enemy artillery fire. Colonel Craig, nevertheless, succeeded in working out a plan whereby the hard pressed troops maintaining the small bridgehead received vital supplies, until finally on 14 December, a bridge could be constructed and armor sent to reinforce the depleted infantry companies. Throughout this action, Colonel Craig moved among his men with tireless energy and almost without respite, checking positions and crossing the river to inspire his men to their utmost efforts by his personal presence during fierce counterattacks by German SS troops. Colonel Craig’s outstanding planning, utter disregard for personal safety and gallant leadership are in accord with the best traditions of the United States Army.
Entered military service from Nebraska.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 7 (17 January 1945).