Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    161st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 27, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 485 (December 13, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Louis K. Christian (ASN: 0-2042863), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with an Infantry Company of the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in striking paralyzing blows at enemy resistance during the drive on Munda Airfield, New Georgia, Solomon Islands. Skillfully leading a platoon in an offensive on 27 July 1943, his men suddenly were pinned down by heavy fire from an effectively-concealed machine gun. By personal reconnaissance, Lieutenant Christian spotted the source of fire beneath tree roots. When rifle grenades fired at the position failed to explode, he ordered his platoon to stand fast while he crawled forward alone, hurling grenades until the gun was silent and its crew was dead. His discovery of the gun disclosed the enemy’s main line of resistance which, along with a large communication center, was then destroyed by artillery and mortar fire. Crawling forward to observe the effects of the fire, Lieutenant Christian was killed. His valor and self-sacrifice set a high standard for battle conduct and infused his men with the determination necessary to overrun the Japanese position.