Robert Craig

On July 11, 1943, when enemy machine-gun fire threatened to halt his company's advance and a vastly superior enemy force threatened his platoon, Craig made a decision that would cost him his life but save the men under his command. Rather than retreat to safety, he repeatedly placed himself directly in the path of enemy fire, choosing the survival of his soldiers over his own.

Born in Scotland on June 7, 1919, Robert Craig eventually made his home in the United States and answered the call to military service during the Second World War. He joined the United States Army in February 1941 and earned his commission as a second lieutenant on December 1 of that year. Assigned to Company L, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, he became part of an army preparing to confront the Axis powers across the European and Mediterranean theatres.

Craig's wartime service took him through North Africa and into the Allied campaign to liberate Sicily. By July 1943, the 3rd Infantry Division was engaged in Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily. It was here, near Favoratta, that Craig performed the extraordinary acts of courage for which he would be remembered.

On July 11, his company's advance was stopped by a concealed enemy machine gun. Three other officers had already attempted to locate the weapon and had been wounded. Recognising the danger facing his men, Craig volunteered to find and eliminate the position. Moving forward under intense fire, he crawled to within approximately 35 yards of the enemy emplacement before being discovered. He then charged directly towards the machine gun, reached its position and killed all three members of the crew with his carbine. His action removed the obstacle and allowed his company to continue its advance.

But the battle was far from over.

Shortly afterwards, Craig and his platoon advanced down an exposed ridge and encountered approximately 100 enemy soldiers. With virtually no cover or concealment, his men faced overwhelming fire. Craig understood that their survival depended on giving them an opportunity to withdraw. He ordered his platoon to fall back towards the protection of the ridge while he deliberately remained exposed, drawing the enemy's attention towards himself.

As hostile fire concentrated on his position, Craig continued to fight. Advancing towards the enemy, he reached a position approximately 25 yards away, where he killed five enemy soldiers and wounded three others. His extraordinary resistance gave his platoon the precious time it needed to reach safety. Craig was struck by enemy fire and killed, but his sacrifice inspired his men to resume the fight and drive the enemy force from the area, inflicting further casualties.

For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, Robert Craig was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration for valor. His award was officially announced in War Department General Orders No. 41, dated May 26, 1944, and was presented to his father, William F. Craig.

His service and sacrifice were also associated with the Purple Heart, recognizing his ultimate sacrifice in combat. His military honours reflect his participation in the Second World War campaigns in North Africa and Sicily, including the European-African-Middle Eastern theatre.

Robert Craig was only 24 years old when he gave his life in Sicily. He was laid to rest at Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania, Ohio. Although his battlefield service lasted only a few years, his actions on July 11, 1943, left an enduring example of leadership, selflessness and courage under fire.

Some soldiers become remembered for the battles they win. Others are remembered for the lives they save. Second Lieutenant Robert Craig belongs among those whose greatest victory was ensuring that the men entrusted to his command had the chance to return home. His Medal of Honor stands as a lasting tribute to a young officer who faced overwhelming odds, refused to abandon his soldiers and made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others.