David A. Christian’s SECOND Silver Star
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ESTABLISHED BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS 9 JULY 1918 (AMENDED BY ACT OF 25 JULY 1963) AND AWARDED BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SILVER STAR MEDAL
PRESENTED TO
FIRST LIEUTENANT (INFANTRY) DAVID A. CHRISTIAN
UNITED STATES ARMY
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) David A. Christian (ASN: 0-5345884), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Combat Support Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, on 27 October 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Lieutenant christian was serving as a Platoon Leader with his company while leading an eleven-man patrol approximately ten miles south of Quan Loi. As the friendly element approached an enemy base camp, they were subjected to an intense barrage of rocket-propelled grenade, small arms, and automatic weapons fire. After quickly analyzing the situation and employing his men at the most advantageous positions, Lieutenant Christian advanced 25 meters alone and armed with just three hand grenades and a bayonet managed to successfully overpower and destroy an enemy machinegun nest, thus enabling his men to relocate to more secure locations. Lieutenant Christian largely withstood a further heavy assault by the larger North Vietnamese force by firing a light anti-tank weapon, killing one and wounding several more of the aggressors. When his men again regrouped, Lieutenant Christian remained amid a heavy barrage of small arms fire to cover their movement, completely disregarding his own safety. Finally, he was able to direct supporting artillery and gunship fire to the enemy location, courageously leading and inspiring his men throughout the two hour duration of the conflict. First Lieutenant Christian’s unquestionable valor while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an insurgent force is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Home of record: Turnersville, N.J… His mother Dorothy was an Army aide for Gen. Douglas MacArthur during World War II… David enlisted at 17, and after being promoted to sergeant was selected for Officers Candidate School. Graduated at 18, making him the Army’s youngest second lieutenant… Attended the Army’s Airborne School and Special Forces training… One of 26th Infantry’s Rangers, he earned two Silver Stars and the Distinguished Service Cross within a span of just over a month… Also earned seven Purple Hearts… Medically retired as a 21-year-old captain in 1970