Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John S. Christiansen (NSN: 0-304147), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SIXTEEN (VF-16), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in an attack on the enemy battleship near Kokosuka, Honshu, on 18 July 1945. He skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a dive bombing attack against the enemy battleship scoring a direct hit which contributed materially to the serious damage inflicted during the attack. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 16 (VF-16)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Randolph (CV-15)

    Action Date:

    June 12 & 19, 1944
    Commander Fast Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0362 (July 8, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign John S. Christiansen (NSN: 0-304147), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands on 12 and 19 June 1944, as pilot of a carrier based fighter plane. When our naval forces were heavily attacked by large numbers of enemy carrier based planes, he pressed home determined attacks upon enemy formations in the face of fighter opposition, shot down one torpedo plane and probably destroyed another, thus contributing materially to the breaking up of the enemy attack. In addition, during an attack against an enemy base, he shot down one enemy dive bomber. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.