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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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World War II - U.S. Army Air Corps

Demas Thurlow "Nick" Craw

Details
  • Rank: Colonel
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    XII Ground Air Support Command
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army Air Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 8, 1942
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Port Lyautey, French Morocco
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. On 8 November 1942, near Port Lyautey, French Morocco, Col. Craw volunteered to accompany the leading wave of assault boats to the shore and pass through the enemy lines to locate the French commander with a view of suspending hostilities. This request was first refused as being too dangerous, but upon the officer's insistence that he was qualified to undertake and accomplish the mission he was allowed to go. Encountering heavy fire while in the landing boat and unable to dock in the river because of shellfire from shore batteries, Col. Craw, accompanied by one officer and one soldier, succeeded in landing on the beach at Mehdia Plage under constant low-level strafing from three enemy planes. Riding in a bantam truck toward French headquarters, progress of the party was hindered by fire from our own naval guns. Nearing Port Lyautey, Col. Craw was instantly killed by a sustained burst of machine-gun fire at point- blank range from a concealed position near the road.

Medal of Honor Recipient Demas Thurlow "Nick" Craw
Medal of Honor Recipient Demas Thurlow "Nick" Craw
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Michigan
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Born: April 9, 1900, Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, MI, United States
  • Died: November 8, 1942, Near Port Lyautey, French Morocco
  • Buried: Cremated ashes scattered over Weisbaden, Germany 24 June 1949
 

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