The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Technical Sergeant] Oliver D. Christensen (ASN: 0-2006915), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 5 January 1945, at Gambsheim, France. During the counterattack on the enemy bridgehead at Gambsheim, Sergeant Christensen was severely wounded by artillery fire while leading his platoon across open ground. Refusing medical aid until the wounded among his men were treated, Sergeant Christensen then consented to have his wound dressed. Although he could not walk because of his injury, he remained on the field for four hours crawling from one position to the other to direct his platoon’s movement and fire, and refusing evacuation until darkness. His gallantry and devotion to duty was an inspiration to his men.