THE WALL OF FACES

I was one year older, and a year ahead of Phil at Oneida high school. We both played football for Oneida as left ends. and vied for playing time. Phil entered navy flight training around the same time as I did only I was in the Marine Corps. I remember that my cousin Bill Reames, who was also a marine aviator as was I. was home on leave the same time as Phil and we shared drinks at the Oneida hotel. Phil was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor. His loss was a loss for all of us.

Commander Philip Charles Craig, Served with Attack Squadron 15 (VA-15), Carrier Air Wing 10 (CVW-10), USS Intrepid, Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. I am heartened you were returned home after the passage of so many years though I wish it had been under different circumstances. May you rest in eternal peace.

My dad went to college then went to war with Phil. They were in the same squadron VA-15 on the Intrepid and bunked together. Phil's loss forever left a hole in my dad's heart. I've seen his name on the Memorial Wall many times wondering how the world changed for Phil and my dad on 7/4/1967. I hope my dad and Phil now are both reunited. I've documented their story in a YouTube video titled "Dad's Vietnam, Letters Home". https://youtu.be/rQqUhS_2xnk

CDR Philip Charles Craig is buried in Section D of the Woodlawn Cemetery in Canisteo, NY. He is buried in the Craig Family Plot. He was interred May 2, 1987.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

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