The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Ralph Waldo Christie (NSN: 0-8981/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commander Naval Forces, Western Australia; Commander Submarines, SEVENTH Fleet; and Commander of a Task Force from 1 March 1943 to 23 November 1944. A courageous and forceful leader, insistent on rigorous indoctrination and training, Rear Admiral Christie has consistently imbued in the officers and men under his command a high degree of initiative and self-reliance as evidenced by their outstanding success in executing numerous reconnaissance, evacuation, shore-bombardment and air-sea rescue missions in addition to their notable record in the primary duty of sinking vital Japanese shipping. By his remarkable professional skill, expert seamanship and tireless devotion to duty during these hazardous engagements, Rear Admiral Christie has been directly instrumental in furthering the progress of the war in the Southwest Pacific Area. His distinguished and valuable service throughout this period reflects the highest credit upon Rear Admiral Christie, his command and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear Admiral [then Captain]Action Date:
April 14 – December 23, 1942
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01627 (September 14, 1946)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Ralph Waldo Christie (NSN: 0-8981/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Submarine Squadron FIVE and subsequently as Commander Task Force FORTY-TWO, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, from 15 April to 23 December 1942. Demonstrating outstanding administrative ability and a thorough knowledge of submarine warfare, Rear Admiral Christie capably commanded the submarines operating from the east coast of Australia and contributed to their success in sinking thirty enemy ships totaling 181,800 tons and in damaging an additional twenty ships of 105,800 tons. In addition, he supervised the establishment of a base and the building of a submarine repair unit at Brisbane, Australia, to repair and supply submarines and rehabilitate their crews. As Commander Task Force FORTY_TWO, he skillfully coordinated the various Allied Naval vessels and shore establishments comprising his unit. By his efficient leadership throughout, Rear Admiral Christie contributed materially to the successful operations of his forces during the crucial phase of our war with Japan, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Submarines, 7th FleetAction Date:
June 1944
Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 6 (1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Rear Admiral Ralph Waldo Christie (NSN: 0-8981/1100), United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving as Commander, Submarines, SEVENTH Fleet, in action in the Southwest Pacific Area, in June 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.