Gordon was born on the 1st of August, 1929, in Brockton, Massachusetts, where he also grew up. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the US Army and was deployed to Korea shortly after the start of the Korean War with the 1st Cavalry Division. It was Gordon's actions during the Battle of Ka-san that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

Cpl. Craig, 16th Reconnaissance Company, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. During the attack on a strategic enemy-held hill his company's advance was subjected to intense hostile grenade, mortar and small-arms fire. Cpl. Craig and 4 comrades moved forward to eliminate an enemy machine gun nest that was hampering the company's advance. At that instance an enemy machine gunner hurled a hand grenade at the advancing men. Without hesitating or attempting to seek cover for himself, Cpl. Craig threw himself on the grenade and smothered its burst with his body. His intrepid and selfless act, in which he unhesitantly gave his life for his comrades, inspired them to attack with such ferocity that they annihilated the enemy machine gun crew, enabling the company to continue its attack. Cpl. Craig's noble self-sacrifice reflects the highest credit upon himself and upholds the esteemed traditions of the military service.

Gordon's actions contributed to the US success during the Second battle of Naktong Bulge yet it also led to his death on the 10th of September, 1950, at the age of 21 years old. His family received his Medal of Honor on the 25th of April, 1951 and Gordon Maynard Craig is buried in the Elmwood Cemetery in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts.