Craig, Malin, 1875-1945

Malin Craig (1875-1945) was born in St. Joseph, Missouri. He commissioned in the infantry after graduating from West Point in 1898. He served in the Santiago campaign in the Spanish American War, the expedition to Peking in 1900, and the Philippines, from 1900 to 1904. He graduated from the Infantry and Cavalry School in 1905 and the Army War College in 1910. During World War I, he was chief of staff of the 41st Division, then I Corps at the Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne offensives. He made brigadier general in February 1918 and reverted to major in August 1919. He rose to brigadier general again in April 1921 and then major general in July 1924. He served as chief of cavalry for the U.S. Army from 1924 to 1926. Between 1927 and 1935, he was commanding general of the Panama Canal Division, then IX Corps Area. After his promotion to general in October 1935, he became chief of staff of the Army, a position he held until his retirement in August 1939. In September 1941, the Army recalled him to active duty and appointed him chairman of the War Department Personnel Board. He directed the board until before his death on July 25, 1945. During his career, he received two Distinguished Service Medals.