Unit/Command: Company E, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein)
Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Medal of Honor Action Date: September 29, 1950
Medal of Honor Action Place: Seoul, Korea
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hill 132, in the early morning hours. Manning one of the several listening posts covering approaches to the platoon area when the enemy commenced the attack, Pfc. Christianson quickly sent another marine to alert the rest of the platoon. Without orders, he remained in his position and, with full knowledge that he would have slight chance of escape, fired relentlessly at oncoming hostile troops attacking furiously with rifles, automatic weapons, and incendiary grenades. Accounting for seven enemy dead in the immediate vicinity before his position was overrun and he himself fatally struck down, Pfc. Christianson, by his superb courage, valiant fighting spirit, and devotion to duty, was responsible for allowing the rest of the platoon time to man positions, build up a stronger defense on that flank, and repel the attack with 41 of the enemy destroyed, many more wounded, and three taken prisoner. His self-sacrificing actions in the face of overwhelming odds sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. Pfc. Christianson gallantly gave his life for his country.
Medal of Honor Recipient Stanley R. Christianson
Additional Details
Accredited to: Mindoro, La Crosse County, Wisconsin
Awarded Posthumously: Yes
Presentation Date & Details: August 30, 1951 The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of the Navy Dan A. Kimball to his parents
Born: January 24, 1925, Mindoro, La Crosse County, WI, United States
Died: September 29, 1950, Korea
Buried: Wet Coulee Cemetery (MH), Mindoro, WI, United States