Thomas K. Craig

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas K. Craig, Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Craig distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea, on 1 February 1951. On that date, at approximately 0445 hours, a strong enemy force attacked friendly positions on Hill 335. Lieutenant Craig, with two squads of reinforcements, arrived as the enemy were driving a platoon back from the hill. Realizing that Hill 333 was the only natural defense line in the area, Lieutenant Craig reorganized the platoon and led them in a counterattack. Using bayonets, small-arms and grenades, they forced the enemy to retreat, then reestablished defensive positions. During the ten-hour battle that ensued, Lieutenant Craig continually demonstrated inspiring leadership and dauntless courage as he directed offensive and defensive actions against the numerically superior enemy. His gallant and persistent efforts were directly responsible for the enemy being driven from the hill, leaving an estimated 150 dead.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 366 (May 28, 1951)