Dale Eldon Christensen | |
|---|---|
 Dale E Christensen | |
| Born | (1920-05-31)May 31, 1920 |
| Died | August 4, 1944(1944-08-04) (aged 24) near Afua islet),Dutch New Guinea |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1940 - 1944 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 112th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Dale Eldon Christensen (May 31, 1920 – August 4, 1944) was aUnited States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—theMedal of Honor—for his actions inWorld War II.
Christensen joined the Army fromGray, Iowa in October 1940,[1] and by July 16, 1944, was serving as asecond lieutenant in Troop E of the112th Cavalry Regiment during theBattle of Driniumor River. On that day, along theDriniumor River inNew Guinea, he single-handedly attacked and silenced an enemymachine gun. Three days later, hereconnoitered an enemy strong point alone, then led hisplatoon in an assault which successfully destroyed the position. He waskilled in action on August 4, while again leading his platoon in an attack against an enemy position. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on May 10, 1945.
Christensen was buried at theManila American Cemetery inManila, thePhilippines.
Second Lieutenant Christensen's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty along the Driniumor River, New Guinea, from 16-July 19, 1944. 2d Lt. Christensen repeatedly distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in the continuous heavy fighting which occurred in this area from 16-July 19,. On July 16, his platoon engaged in a savage fire fight in which much damage was caused by 1 enemy machinegun effectively placed. 2d Lt. Christensen ordered his men to remain under cover, crept forward under fire, and at a range of 15 yards put the gun out of action withhand grenades. Again, on July 19, while attacking an enemy position strong inmortars and machineguns, his platoon was pinned to the ground by intense fire. Ordering his men to remain under cover, he crept forward alone to locate definitely the enemy automatic weapons and the best direction from which to attack. Although his rifle was struck by enemy fire and knocked from his hands he continued his reconnaissance, located 5 enemy machineguns, destroyed 1 with hand grenades, and rejoined his platoon. He then led his men to the point selected for launching the attack and, calling encouragement, led the charge. This assault was successful and the enemy was driven from the positions with a loss of 4 mortars and 10 machineguns and leaving many dead on the field. On August 4, 1944, nearAfua,Dutch New Guinea, 2d Lt. Christensen was killed in action about 2 yards from his objective while leading his platoon in an attack on an enemy machinegun position. 2d Lt. Christensen's leadership, intrepidity, and repeatedly demonstrated gallantry in action at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.
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This article incorporatespublic domain material from websites or documents of theUnited States Army Center of Military History.