Herbert F. Christian

He drew enemy fire so twelve ambushed comrades could escape.

Herbert F. Christian received the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life to protect his patrol in Italy during World War II. Born in Byesville, Ohio, on June 18, 1912, he served as a private in Company E, 15th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division.

Near Valmontone in the early hours of June 3, 1944, Christian’s patrol was caught in an ambush. He stood and signaled his comrades to withdraw, drawing concentrated enemy fire. Even after suffering a devastating leg wound, he continued firing and advancing. His citation credits his actions with enabling twelve comrades to escape. He was killed while maintaining the diversion.

Christian’s posthumous Medal of Honor was presented to his son, Herbert H. Christian, at his widow Katheryn’s request. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Byesville. His award commemorates his decision to place his comrades’ survival above his own.

Official Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 2-3 June 1944, at 1:00 A.M., Pvt. Christian elected to sacrifice his life in order that his comrades might extricate themselves from an ambush. Braving massed fire of about 60 riflemen, three machine guns, and three tanks from positions only 30 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled to the patrol to withdraw. The whole area was brightly illuminated by enemy flares.

Although his right leg was severed above the knee by cannon fire, Pvt. Christian advanced on his left knee and the bloody stump of his right thigh, firing his submachine gun. Despite excruciating pain, Pvt. Christian continued on his self-assigned mission. He succeeded in distracting the enemy and enabled his 12 comrades to escape. He killed three enemy soldiers almost at once.

Leaving a trail of blood behind him, he made his way forward 20 yards, halted at a point within 10 yards of the enemy, and despite intense fire killed a machine-pistol man. Reloading his weapon, he fired directly into the enemy position. The enemy appeared enraged at the success of his ruse, concentrated 20-mm machine-gun, machine-pistol and rifle fire on him, yet he refused to seek cover. Maintaining his erect position, Pvt. Christian fired his weapon to the very last.

Just as he emptied his submachine gun, the enemy bullets found their mark and Pvt. Christian slumped forward dead. The courage and spirit of self-sacrifice displayed by this soldier were an inspiration to his comrades and are keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.