During the chaos of World War I, the 3rd Infantry Division of the United States Army became renowned as the “Rock of the Marne” for its unwavering defense against German advances.
Their determination played a crucial role in halting the enemy’s progress, marking a critical turning point in the battle.
Interestingly, despite their extraordinary bravery, not a single member of this division was awarded the Medal of Honor during this conflict.
However, in the subsequent war, the 3rd Division would shine brightly, garnering an impressive total of 61 Medals of Honor—more than any other division—thus propelling Audie Murphy to the status of the most decorated soldier in U.S. history.
2nd Lt. Robert Craig’s Early Life and Service
Among those who displayed incredible courage in World War II was 2nd Lt.
Robert Craig.
His service, although tragically brief, was characterized by remarkable heroism.
Craig joined his fellow soldiers, including Murphy, in deploying to French Morocco with the 1st Battalion of the 15th Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division on November 8, 1942.
At that time, Murphy held a private’s rank in Company B, while Craig served in Company L.
Born in Scotland, Craig and his family immigrated to Toledo, Ohio in 1923.
With rising global tensions prompting the U.S. to consider entering the war, Craig enlisted in the Army in February 1941.
Just a year later, his regiment was ordered to Europe, taking part in Operation Torch, the Allied landings in French Morocco, where they would gain invaluable combat experience against Vichy French forces.
Courage during Operation Husky
Fast forward to July 10, 1943.
Under the command of General George S. Patton Jr., the 3rd Infantry Division was tasked with capturing Sicily during Operation Husky.
By the end of the first day’s operations, the division managed to seize Licata and fend off a counterattack by the Italian 528th Coastal Defense Battalion, all while sustaining fewer than 100 casualties.
On the following day, as they continued their advance, Craig’s Company L faced intense resistance near Favorotta.
The challenging landscape, devoid of cover, hindered their progress as they encountered a stubborn Italian machine gun crew.
Repeated attempts to neutralize the enemy position ended in failure, with injuries to their commanding officer compounding their setbacks.
In a moment of extraordinary bravery, Craig stepped forward to lead yet another assault.
His citation later revealed that he bravely approached to within 35 yards of the enemy position before being detected.
With his M1 carbine in hand, Craig charged into the fray, decisively taking down all three members of the machine gun crew.
With the immediate threat neutralized, Craig rallied his platoon and urged them onward.
Yet soon after, they faced a daunting obstacle—approximately 100 Italian soldiers.
In a selfless act, Craig directed his men to take cover while he drew enemy fire toward himself.
From 25 yards away, he fired at the adversaries, managing to kill five and wound three others before ultimately succumbing to enemy fire.
The Legacy of Robert Craig
Though Craig’s life was cut short, his valiant actions left an indelible mark of inspiration.
His sacrifice allowed his platoon to regroup and successfully dislodge the enemy from their position, inflicting significant losses on the opposition.
On May 26, 1944, Robert Craig was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic deeds on the Italian coast.
His father accepted the award on his behalf.
Today, Craig rests in Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania, Ohio, and his legacy is preserved through the USAT LT Robert Craig Victory ship and the Craig Memorial Bridge, which spans Route 280 over the Maumee River, both serving as lasting tributes to his courage and sacrifice.
Source: Militarytimes