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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Thomas Aloysius Christopher, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron THIRTY-FOUR (VP-4), operating in the Bismarck Sea in the vicinity of strongly-defended Japanese bases on 15 January 1944. Lieutenant Commander Christopher led a five-aircraft attack on a strongly escorted enemy convoy attempting to cross the straits. He made a masthead attack at extremely close range and personally accounted for one 6,800-ton merchantman, while the remainder of the flight destroyed two more. His leadership in seeking out the enemy and pressing home the attack under heavy fire, his outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    May 1967 – July 1968
    All Hands (November 1968)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Thomas Aloysius Christopher, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Manned Spacecraft Recovery Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, from May 1967 to July 1968.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Patrol Squadron 34 (VP-34)

    Action Date:

    December 31, 1943 & January 22, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 330 (September 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Thomas Aloysius Christopher, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron THIRTY-FOUR (VP-4), operating in the Bismarck Sea in the vicinity of strongly-defended Japanese bases on the nights of 31 December 1943 and 22 January 1944. On 31 December 1944 Lieutenant Commander Christopher attacked and damaged one enemy vessel during a night patrol. Again, on 22 January 1944 he attacked and damaged an enemy vessel at night, receiving damage from heavy AA fire resulting in injury to one crewmember. Lieutenant Commander Christopher pressed home his attacks despite adverse weather conditions, enemy aircraft and heavy anti-aircraft fire which damaged his plane on both occasions. His leadership in seeking out the enemy and pressing home the attack under heavy fire, his outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.