Navy Federal Credit Union

Two months before his death Lieutenant Christensen wrote a letter, delivered by his commander after he died. In that letter to his parents, Christensen informed them that he had established a savings account that, were he to die, would provide the necessary funds to provide “a little more education” for his three brothers and his sister. “I couldn’t have asked for a better life,” he also wrote. “The four years I have been in the army I do not feel have been wasted.”

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    112th Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    July 16 – 19, 1944

    War Department, General Orders No. 36, May 10, 1945

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Dale Eldon Christensen (ASN: 2036049), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Troop E, 112th Cavalry Regiment, along the Driniumor River, New Guinea, from 16 – 19 July 1944. Second Lieutenant 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 – 19 July. On 16 July, his platoon engaged in a savage fire fight in which much damage was caused by one enemy machinegun effectively placed. Second Lieutenant 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 with hand grenades. Again, on 19 July, while attacking an enemy position strong in mortars 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 five enemy machineguns, destroyed one 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 four mortars and ten machineguns and leaving many dead on the field. On 4 August 1944, near Afua, Dutch New Guinea, Second Lieutenant Christensen was killed in action about two yards from his objective while leading his platoon in an attack on an enemy machinegun position. Second Lieutenant 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.