John R. Craig

Lieutenant Commander John Rich Craig (September 13, 1906 – March 22, 1943) was an officer in the United States Navy.[1]

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Craig graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1930 and received flight training the following year. During 1935 and 1936 he underwent submarine training. Prior to the outbreak of World War II, he commanded USS R-17 (SS-94). He took command of USS Grampus (SS-207) September 16, 1942. During the next 6 months he led the submarine on high risk attacks against Japanese shipping. While on her sixth war patrol, Grampus was lost in the Southwest Pacific with all hands on March 22, 1943. He was declared dead on March 23, 1944.[1]

Lt. Comdr. Craig was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his extraordinary heroism.

USS John R. Craig (DD-885) was named for him.[1]

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.