At Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky, where he was attached to the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, Craw undertook a two-month preparatory course in February 1920 for entry into the United States Military Academy.

While attending the Military Academy he received his lifelong nickname of "Nick", shortened from "Nicodemus" (a word play on his given name), and developed an ambition to fly.

Craw graduated on June 12, 1924, ranked 371 in general order of merit in his class of 405 members, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant, Coast Artillery Corps.

Craw joined the 1st Pursuit Group at Selfridge Field, Michigan, transferred his commission to the Air Corps on March 21, 1928, and was promoted to first lieutenant on January 3, 1930.

In September 1937, Craw was assigned as a student to the Air Corps Tactical School at Maxwell Field, Alabama, graduating June 20, 1938.

His tour at Langley included temporary duty as an air observer for the War Department in the Netherlands East Indies, China, Romania, and India.

He returned to Egypt and observed the campaign against the Afrika Korps in June 1941, then was assigned as deputy executive officer of the II Bomber Command at Fort George Wright, Washington.

After the truck was extricated by a detachment of combat engineers, they attempted to continue their mission but were forced to return to the beach when caught in the exchanges of French artillery and naval gunfire from Task Group 34.8 of the United States Navy.

After several contacts with French troops to obtain directions, and requesting a guide (which was refused), the jeep proceeded cautiously approximately six miles into Port Lyautey.

As they came over a rise on the outskirts near the French headquarters, a hidden machine gun position took them under sustained fire and killed Craw instantly with a burst to the chest.

[5] Colonel Craw's official Medal of Honor citation reads:[6] For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty.

Other entities named in commemoration were: Demas T Craw Marker Mehdia Beach Morocco 1952 / Current location or existence unknown.