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First Name: Fred

Last Name: Christensen

Birthplace: Watertown, MA, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Air Force (1947 - present)



Middle Name: Joseph



Date of Birth: 17 October 1921

Date of Death: 04 April 2006

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Years Served:
Fred Joseph Christensen

   
Engagements:
•  World War II (1941 - 1945)

Biography:

Fred Joseph Christensen
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force

Fred Joseph Christensen was born on 17 October 1921 in Watertown, MA.

As a Captain, Fred Christensen was a member of the 56th Fighter Group in the European Theater of Operations, a renowned unit known as "Zemke's Wolfpack" for its commander, Colonel "Hub" Zemke.

Flying a single-engine P-47 Thunderbolt, he downed 21 German aircraft on his own and shared credit for the 22nd plane. Christensen set a record for an American aviator with six kills for a single day's mission.

After the war, he was a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. He served as a Base Commander and flew in the Air Force Reserve. He eventually reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel prior to his retirement.

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross (8 Awards)
Airman Medal (4 Awards)

Death and Burial

Lieutenant Colonel Fred Joseph Christensen died on 4 April 2006 in East Falmouth, MA. He is buried at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.



Honoree ID: 2338   Created by: MHOH

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