Dale Eldon Christensen

Led a platoon through deadly machine-gun fire in New Guinea.

Dale Eldon Christensen earned the Medal of Honor for repeated actions along the Driniumor River in New Guinea from 16 to 19 July 1944. A second lieutenant in Troop E, 112th Cavalry Regiment, he reconnoitered and attacked enemy positions while keeping his men under cover.

Christensen was born in Cameron Township, Audubon County, Iowa, on 31 May 1920. His award was accredited to Gray, Iowa. He served in the United States Army during the Second World War.

On 16 July, he moved forward alone and disabled a machine gun with grenades. Three days later, he again advanced ahead of his platoon to identify weapons and select an assault route. Even after enemy fire knocked his rifle from his hands, he continued the reconnaissance. He then returned to lead the successful attack.

Christensen was killed near Afua on 4 August 1944 while leading another assault. His Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously under War Department General Orders No. 36, dated 10 May 1945. His father received it on 16 May 1945. Christensen is buried in Manila American Cemetery. His award recognizes leadership repeatedly demonstrated before his final battle.

Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty along the Driniumor River, New Guinea, from 16-19 July 1944. 2d Lt. Christensen repeatedly distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in the continuous heavy fighting which occurred in this area from 16-19 July. On 16 July, his platoon engaged in a savage fire fight in which much damage was caused by one enemy machine gun effectively placed. 2d Lt. Christensen ordered his men to remain under cover, crept forward under fire, and at a range of 15 yards put the gun out of action with hand grenades. Again, on 19 July, while attacking an enemy position strong in mortars and machine guns, his platoon was pinned to the ground by intense fire. Ordering his men to remain under cover, he crept forward alone to locate definitely the enemy automatic weapons and the best direction from which to attack. Although his rifle was struck by enemy fire and knocked from his hands he continued his reconnaissance, locating five enemy machine guns, destroyed one with hand grenades, and rejoined his platoon. He then led his men to the point selected for launching the attack and, calling encouragement, led the charge. This assault was successful and the enemy was driven from the positions with a loss of four mortars and 10 machine guns and leaving many dead on the field. On 4 August 1944, near Afua, Duch New Guinea, 2d Lt. Christensen was killed in action about two yards from his objective while leading his platoon in an attack on an enemy machine-gun position. 2d Lt. Christenson's leadership, intrepidity, and repeatedly demonstrated gallantry in action at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.