David DAVID Christian

The President of the United States of America, authorized by the Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) David A. Christian (ASN:0-5345884), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Combat Support Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, on 27 October 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam.  On that date, Lieutenant Christian was serving as a Platoon Leader with his company while leading an eleven-man patrol approximately ten miles south of Quan Loi. As the friendly element approached an enemy base camp, they were subjected to an intense barrage of rocket-propelled grenade, small arms, and automatic weapons fire. After quickly analyzing the situation and employing his men at the most advantageous positions, Lieutenant Christian advanced 25 meters alone and armed with just three hand grenades and a bayonet managed to successfully overpower and destroy an enemy machinegun nest, thus enabling his men to relocate to more secure locations. Lieutenant Christian largely withstood a further heavy assault by the larger North Vietnamese force by firing a light anti-tank weapon, killing one and wounding several more of the aggressors. When his men again regrouped, Lieutenant Christian remained amid a heavy barrage of small arms fire to cover their movement, completely disregarding his own safety. Finally, he was able to direct supporting artillery and gunship fire to the enemy location courageously leading and inspiring his men throughout the two hour duration of the conflict. First Lieutenant Christian’s unquestionable valor while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an insurgent force is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by the Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) David A. Christian (ASN:0-5345884), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Combat Support Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, on 23 September 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Lieutenant Christian was leading his platoon on a reconnaissance in force operation near Nu-Ba Cam Mountain, when an enemy base camp was discovered. As the platoon prepared to enter the camp, the men were suddenly pinned down by intense small arms fire. Observing that his men were unable to maneuver, Lieutenant Christian unhestatingly exposed himself to the hail of enemy rounds as he threw several hand grenades into the enemy positions, enabling his platoon to establish an effective base counterfire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Christian then led a rapid assault that routed the insurgents, and resulted in the capture of valuable documents and supplies. The courageous determination and professional leadership which he demonstrated were major contributing factors in the successful outcome of the encounter, in which no friendly casualties were sustained. First Lieutenant Christian’s unquestionable valor while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an insurgent force is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.