Edward C. Christl, Jr.
Born:
Home Town: Hennepin County, Minnesota
Status: KIA
Headquarters, 868th Field Artillery Battalion, 65th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 4 May 1945, in Austria. During an attack on Eferding, Austria, our troops met fierce resistance from German SS troops. Lieutenant Christl, although an artillery forward observer, heroically volunteered to lead an infantry squad into the bitterly defended town. With utter disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself to intense hostile automatic weapons fire and led his men in the successful accomplishment of their mission. Lieutenant Christl was killed in this action. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 65th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 273 (October 1, 1945)
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Edward C. Christl, Jr. (0-26591), First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with