Samuel H. Craig was born in New Market, New Hampshire, and later traveled to Chicago, Illinois, where he entered the United States Army. By 1886, he was serving as a Sergeant with Company D of the 4th U.S. Cavalry. His unit was stationed in the Southwest during a period of intense conflict between the U.S. military and Apache groups led by Geronimo.

On May 15, 1886, Sergeant Craig was part of a detachment engaged in a high-stakes operation in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Mexico. His unit launched an attack on a hostile Apache camp situated in difficult, mountainous terrain. During the heat of the engagement, Craig distinguished himself through “conspicuous gallantry,” demonstrating remarkable leadership and bravery under fire.

The skirmish was intense, and during the assault, Sergeant Craig was seriously wounded. Despite the severity of his injuries, his actions contributed to the mission’s objectives during the final phases of the Geronimo Campaign. For his valor in this engagement, he was later recognized with the nation’s highest military honor.