"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and
beyond the call of duty. On 2–3 June 1944, at 1 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, 3
machine guns, and 3 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 sub machine 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 3 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 sub machine 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 in keeping with the highest
traditions of the armed forces."
From Pvt. Christian's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on May 30, 1945.
A true ass kicker in every way and a man who put his comrades above all else,
Brian
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