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Greenwood Cemetery

Born:  June 18, 1912 at Byesville, OH

Entered Service in the US Army from Steubenville, OH

Earned The Medal of Honor During World War II For heroism June 02 & 03, 1944 at Valmontone, Italy

Private 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 machineguns, and three tanks from positions only 30 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled to the patrol to withdraw. The whole area was illuminated by enemy flares. Although his right leg was severed above the knee by cannon fire, Private Christian advanced on his left knee and the bloody stump of his right thigh, firing his submachine gun. Despite excruciating pain, he continued his self-assigned mission. He succeeded in distracting the enemy and enabled his twelve 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 ten 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. machinegun, machine-pistol and rifle fire on him, yet he refused to seek cover. Maintaining his erect position, Private Christian fired his weapon to the very last. Just as he emptied his submachine gun, the enemy bullets found their mark and Private Christian slumped forward dead.