George H. Craft
Born:
Home Town: Owosso, Michigan
Status:
headquarters, he charged forward alone, and by the use of hand grenades, drove out the enemy and captured eleven prisoners. First Lieutenant Craft's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 19 (March 14, 1945)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George H. Craft (0-1297146), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 21 September 1944 in the vicinity of Saint Oedenrode, Holland. When his platoon came under enemy small arms fire, Lieutenant Craft raced across the distance separating him from the enemy position, firing his weapon into the enemy foxholes routing them from their positions, and capturing five of them. As his platoon continued to move forward, it came under the fire of an estimated enemy company. With total disregard for personal safety, Lieutenant Craft charged forward across an open field, his troops deploying behind him. The fury of his charge carried his platoon forward and caused the enemy to break. In overrunning the enemy position, his platoon captured thirty eight of the enemy. While his platoon reorganized, Lieutenant Craft pushed forward on a personal reconnaissance of a nearby house. Observing it to be an enemy