Louis K. Christian
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army

On 27 July 1943, Second Lieutenant Louis K. Christian was serving with the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in the South Pacific Area.

On that day, 2LT Christian's unit was in action against Japanese forces striking paralyzing blows at enemy resistance during the drive on Munda Airfield, New Georgia, Solomon Islands. While leading a platoon in an offensive, 2LT Christian's men were pinned down by heavy fire from a well-concealed machine gun. By personal reconnaissance, 2LT Christian spotted the source of fire beneath tree roots. When rifle grenades fired at the position failed to explode, he ordered his platoon to stand fast while he crawled forward alone, hurling grenades until the gun was silent and its crew was dead. 2LT Christian's discovery of the gun revealed the enemy's main line of resistance which, along with a large communication center, was then destroyed by artillery and mortar fire. 2LT Christian was killed while crawling forward to observe the effects of the fire. His leadership and self-sacrifice set a high standard for battle conduct and infused his men with the determination necessary to overrun the Japanese position. 2LT Christian's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Louis K. Christian (ASN: 0-2042863), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in striking paralyzing blows at enemy resistance during the drive on Munda Airfield, New Georgia, Solomon Islands. Skillfully leading a platoon in an offensive on 27 July 1943, his men suddenly were pinned down by heavy fire from an effectively-concealed machine gun. By personal reconnaissance, Lieutenant Christian spotted the source of fire beneath tree roots. When rifle grenades fired at the position failed to explode, he ordered his platoon to stand fast while he crawled forward alone, hurling grenades until the gun was silent and its crew was dead. His discovery of the gun disclosed the enemy's main line of resistance which, along with a large communication center, was then destroyed by artillery and mortar fire. Crawling forward to observe the effects of the fire, Lieutenant Christian was killed. His valor and self-sacrifice set a high standard for battle conduct and infused his men with the determination necessary to overrun the Japanese position.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 485 (December 13, 1943)

Burial

Second Lieutenant Louis K. Christian is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines in Plot C, Row 9, Grave 95.

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