The amazing life of one of the Marine Corps' premier combat leaders in
World War II and Korea.
Marine Lieutenant General Edward A. Craig served in the Corps from 1917
until 1951. He was one of the "old Corps" Marines, serving in the Banana
Wars, World War II where he was commanding officer, 9th Marine Regiment,
Bougainville and Guam, and Korea, where he led the "Fire Brigade" which
many historians attribute to having saved the Pusan Perimeter, enabling
the U.S. and her allies to save South Korea. He was also instrumental in
making the amphibious landing at Inchon successful. Craig was considered
one of the premier combat leaders in the Marine Corps.
Marine historian Dick Camp knew Craig personally and has woven Craig's
own account of his service into context. Craig's recollections are more
than recitations of facts, his account of leading in World War II
provides the perspective of a combat leader balancing the mission
objectives with responsibility for the men he leads. His account of
fighting during the Korean War section provides insight into how
unprepared the United States was and how a determined, well-led Marine
brigade was able to stop the North Korean advance and prevent them from
overrunning South Korea.