Harold J. Christopher’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to

Harold Jensen Christopher

Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve)

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. NEVADA (BB-36), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Ensign Christopher, realizing his services at his regular battle station on the U.S.S. NEVADA were not needed at the time, he, on his own initiative, assumed duties on the five-inch broadside battery and effectively controlled his part of that battery until killed by a bomb explosion. The conduct of Ensign Christopher throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.