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Christensen, George E.

Date of birth:
April 5th, 1920 (Hutchinson/Minnesota, United States)
Nationality:
American

Biography

Service number 20707664.

George Christensen was born on 5th April 1920. He was enlistes on 2nd September 1940 and became operational on 10th Februari 1941. On 15th January 1942 he left for Europe and arrived in Ireland on 26th January with 135th Infantry Regiment. He was active in North-Africa and Italy with 133rd Infantry Regiment. He was honorably discharged on 19th June 1945.
George Christensen was entitled to wear the to the 34th Infantry Division awarded French Croix de Guerre.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit:
Company F, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull"
Awarded on:
December 7th, 1944
Citation:
"For gallantry in action on 15th September 1944, in the vicinity of Santa Margherita, Italy. While part of his Company was digging in on a hill, enemy machine guns suddenly opened fire on them, wounding one of the men and forcing the others to seak cover. Sgt. Christensen, in order to save his comrades from further injury or death, left the comparative safety of his cover and in full vieuw of the enemy raced back to the weapons platoon, a distance of 300 yards. Enemy machine gun bullets were kicking up dirt at his heels, but he reached the platoon and returned with a machine gun, which he placed in a position where it could be effectively fired at the enemy. Sgt Christensen then ran back to his wounded comrade and singlehandedly carried him out of danger. The courage, leadership and devotion to a wounded comrade displayed by Sgt Christensen was outstanding and a source of inspiration to all who observed his actions."

No. 18726, presented on 7th January 1945.
General Order No. 150, 34th Infantry Division, 7th December 1944.
Citation APO-34, dated 12th December 1944.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)

General Order No. 20 135th Infantry Regiment (1944).
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded for the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Received with two bronze battle stars for ROme-Arno and the Northern-Appenines campaigns.
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

Sources

  • Photo 1: Gene Christensen
  • - APO-34, Headquarters 34th Infantry Division, 12th December 1944
    - Enlisted Record and Report of Separation/Honorable Discharge paper
    - Letter National Archives ans Records Administration

Photo