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David A. Christian

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David Christian
David Christian receiving Purple Heart
AllegianceUSA
Service / branchArmy
Years of service1966-1970
RankCaptain
Battles / warsVietnam War
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross
Silver Star(2)
Bronze Star (2)
Purple Heart (7)
Vietnamese Crosses for Gallantry (2)
Combat Infantryman Badge
Other workVeterans Advocate
Consultant

David A. Christian (born October 1948), is an American Vietnam war veteran. He is known as the "Youngest Most Decorated Officer of the Vietnam War" and is recognized in many parts of the world for his veteran's advocacy.

Military career

Christian enlisted in the United States Army at age 17 and was rapidly promoted through the ranks to Sergeant before receiving a commission at age 18 from Officer's Candidate School.[1] Following Officer Candidate school he completed Jump School and Green Beret training [1]. He was promoted to Captain (O-3) at age 20.[1] Christian's service ended the following year when he was severely burned by napalm. [1] He was medically retired according to United States Code Title 10 on July 4, 1970. [2]

For his actions during the Vietnam war Christian was awarded:The Distinguished Service Cross, Two Silver Stars, Two Bronze Stars, Seven Purple Hearts, Two Vietnamese Crosses for Gallantry , the Air Medal for 25 combat assaults from a helicopter, and numerous other awards for valor and honor.[3][2]

Post-military career

Christian was elected National Commander of the Legion of Valor in 1978, and holds a lifetime Board of Director's position with the organization. [4] Membership in the Legion of Valor is restricted to those who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross or Air Force Cross.

He was a founding Vice-President of the Council of Vietnam Veterans [3] He left the organization, founding the splinter group of the United Vietnam Veterans Organization (UVVO),[5] which merged with the VVA in 1986.

Christian served as Assistant State Director, US Department of Labor-Veterans Employment during the Reagan Administration. [6] In July 1981, material pertaining to Agent Orange health issues was stolen from his office in what Christian characterized as a "Watergate type" burglary. [6]

Christian, a Republican, twice ran for Congress against Peter H. Kostmayer losing by 4,000 votes in 1984, and 15,000 in 1986.

Media

Christian is a former Fox News military analyst, [7] he appeared with Fox 2002-2003 covering the 911 bombing of the twin towers to the siege of Baghdad. [8][9] Christian is also interviewed in the documentary Picking Up the Pieces (Making sense of the 60's V.5[10].

He collaborated with William Hoffer on the autobiographical Victor Six [11]


  • David and Ronald Reagan
    David and Ronald Reagan


References

  1. ^ a b c d "Local Soldier may tie Audie Murphy's record". Ron Avery. Bucks County Courier Times. August 22, 1969.
  2. ^ a b The Unfinished War: Vietnam and the American Conscience Walter H. Capps. P. 4. 1990. Beacon Press
  3. ^ a b Boomer Nation: The Largest and Richest Generation Ever, and How It Changed America Steven M. Gillon (p 187) 2004 Simon& Schuster. Mentions awards specifically cited.
  4. ^ http://www.legionofvalor.com/officers.php/ Legion of Valor Officers
  5. ^ Kennedy, Morris. Kostmayer, Christian find little upon which to agree. Montgomery County Bulletin (?). October 23, 1984.
  6. ^ a b No author named. Agent Orange Documents stolen. Pacific Stars and Stripes. July 9, 1981.
  7. ^ Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism Alexandra Kitty. (p 207)Disinformation Company. April 2005.
  8. ^ http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,69172,00.html 2002 appearance
  9. ^ http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,81005,00.html 2003 O'Reilly appearance
  10. ^ http://www.lib.unc.edu/house/mrc/films/full.php?film_id=5674 Documentary writeup
  11. ^ Victor Six David Christian & William Hoffer. 1990 Hb McGraw-Hill, 1991 Pb Pocket Books.
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