Harold Jensen Christopher

Born in Dwight, Illinois, 6 November 1919, Harold Jensen Christopher was commissioned ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve 28 May 1941.

Defending Pearl Harbor Against Air Attack

After training at the Naval Air Station, San Pedro, California, reported for duty in USS Nevada (BB-36) on 5 August 1941. During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941, Christopher realized his services were not needed at his regular station, and upon his own initiative he joined the crew of the 5" broadside battery, effectively controlling his part of the battery until killed.

Awarded the Navy Cross

He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

Honored by Ship Naming

The USS Christopher (DE-100) was named, in 1943, in honor of this Navy Cross recipient.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

• Christopher