*CHRISTENSEN, DALE ELDON
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant,
U.S. Army, Troop E, 112th Cavalry Regiment. Place and date: Driniumor River, New
Guinea, 16-19 July 1944. Entered service at: Gray, lowa. Birth: Cameron
Township, lowa. G.O. No.: 36, 10 May 1945.
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
1 enemy machinegun 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
machineguns, 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, located 5 enemy
machineguns, destroyed 1 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 4
mortars and 10 machineguns and leaving many dead on the field. On 4 August 1944, near
Afua, Dutch New Guinea, 2d Lt. Christensen was killed in action about 2 yards from his
objective while leading his platoon in an attack on an enemy machinegun position. 2d Lt.
Christensen'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.
