David A. Christian

David Christian

Christian in his Army dress uniform
Personal details
Born (1948-10-26) October 26, 1948
Gainesville, Florida
Nationality American
Political party Republican
Residence Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania[1]
Alma mater Villanova
Rutgers (J.D.)
Awards Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star (2)
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star (2) with "V" Device
Purple Heart (7)
Air Medal (2)
Army Commendation Medal
Republic of Vietnam Gallanty Cross (2) with Star and Palm
Website Campaign website
Military service
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service 1965-1969
Rank Captain
Battles/wars Vietnam War

David A. Christian (born October 26, 1948)[1] is an American who served in the United States Army as an sergeant, lieutenant, and captain during the Vietnam War. While serving as a lieutenant in South Vietnam, he was wounded in action seven times and awarded several medals including the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism.[2][3] He is best known for his veterans' advocacy efforts.

In 2012, Christian was a candidate for the Republican nomination in the United States Senate election in Pennsylvania, challenging incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey, Jr.[4][5] Christian lost in the primary election to Tom Smith.[6]

Early life and education

Christian was born in Gainesville, Florida, on October 26, 1948. He was raised in Levittown, Pennsylvania. Christian's father left the family, causing his mother to raise Christian and his three siblings alone. Christian's mother, Dorothy Christian, was a U.S. Army aide to General Douglas MacArthur in World War II.[7]

Christian completed his high school education at Woodrow Wilson High School in 1966. He graduated on the Dean's List from Villanova University in 1972. He attended law school at Rutgers University, from 1972 to 76. Christian graduated from Rutgers Law School in 2011. Christian also attended graduate programs at Villanova, the University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr College, and Middlebury College.[1]

U.S. Army

Vietnam War

Christian enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 at age 17. After being rapidly promoted through the enlisted ranks to sergeant, he was admitted to the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) and commissioned at 18 years old (making him one of the youngest officers) and making Christian the youngest commissioned officer of the 20 and 21st centuries.[8] Following Officer Candidate School, he completed U.S. Army Airborne School, (Parachute Jump School) and U.S. Army Special Forces ("Green Berets") training.[8]

In 1968, he was sent to Vietnam and served with the 1st Infantry Division - 75th Rangers (Long Range Recon) doing work behind enemy lines for the Division and the 11th Armored Cavalry under Colonel George Patton and the 1st Battalion 26th Infantry. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism on October 29, 1968 and two Silver Stars (America's third highest medal for valor). In January 1969, Christian was critically burned by napalm in Vietnam and treated at hospitals there until February 20. He was then transferred to the 106 General Hospital (a division of Brooke Burn Center was established there) in Japan.[8] He was promoted to captain (O-3) at age 20.[8] He was medically retired from the Army at age 21.[2]

Post-military service

David Christian meets with Ronald Reagan.

Christian was elected National Commander of the Legion of Valor in 1978 and National Adjutant in 1980. Christian holds a lifetime Board of Directors position with the Legion of Valor.[9] 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.

Frustrated with how Vietnam War veterans were treated upon their return to the United States, both by the general public and the government, Christian became an advocate and veterans leader.[10] 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),[11] which merged with the VVA in 1986 at the Vietnam Veterans of America at their National Convention in Detroit).

Christian served as a Presidential Schedule "C" employee under President Jimmy Carter in 1978 and was fired for his outspokenness and the story landed on the front page of the New York Times January 25, 1979. Christian went on to serve as Regional Director of the US Department of Labor (Region 3) and then as Assistant State Director in Pennsylvania making that State the only State to be in compliance with establishing outreach centers. Christian worked with then Secretary of Labor and Industry, Charles Lieberth, and continued this program under President Reagan and Governor Thornburg. Note: Millions of dollars were brought into the outreach centers that helped veterans in employment and in obtaining disability for over 20 years).Reagan administration.[12] In July 1981, material pertaining to Agent Orange health issues was stolen from his office in what Christian characterized as a "Watergate type" burglary.[12]

Christian is a former Fox News military analyst,[13] having worked with them from 2002-2003.[14][15] Christian is also interviewed in the documentary Picking Up the Pieces (Making sense of the 60's V.5).[16] Christian also appeared in John Pilger's "Heroes" documentary.[17]

He collaborated with William Hoffer on the 1991 autobiographical Victor Six.[18]

Christian has been President and CEO of many private sector companies through the years.

2012 U.S. Senate election

In mid-2011, Christian formed an exploratory committee to consider a run for the United States Senate seat currently held by incumbent Democrat Bob Casey, Jr. in the 2012 election.[19]

Later in the year, Christian officially declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate for the seat being held by incumbent Bob Casey, Jr. In his campaign announcement, Christian described himself as a "Ronald Reagan Republican".[4][5] A poll conducted by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review/WPXI-TV in early February 2012 showed Christian tied for last in the Republican field, with 1% of respondents.[20] A poll conducted in late February by PoliticsPA of the website's readership, however, placed Christian in second place, trailing only Sam Rohrer. Christian finished with 21% of respondents (364 votes) to Rohrer's 37% (651 votes).[21]

Christian was defeated in the April 24, 2012, primary by Tom Smith.[6]

Military awards

David Christian receives the Purple Heart.

Christian's military decorations and awards include:

Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Distinguished Service Cross
 Silver Star with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Legion of Merit
V
 Bronze Star with "V" Device and Oak Leaf Cluster
 Purple Heart with One Silver and One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
 Air Medal with oak leaf cluster
Army Commendation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
 Vietnam Service Medal with three  3⁄16" bronze stars
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with star and palm
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with palm and frame
Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation with palm and frame
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960- device

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Christian, David A.". Our Campaigns. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  2. 1 2 The Unfinished War: Vietnam and the American Conscience Walter H. Capps. P. 4. 1990. Beacon Press
  3. 1 2 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. 1 2 "David Christian: "We're In" Officially Launches 2012 U.S. Senate Campaign Against Bob Casey, Jr.". David Christian for U.S. Senate. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
  5. 1 2 "2012: David Christian Enters U.S. Senate Race". Pike County Republican Committee. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
  6. 1 2 Brennan, Kevin (24 April 2012). "Smith Wins Pennsylvania Senate GOP Primary". National Journal. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  7. ↑ "About David". David Christian for U.S. Senate. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Local Soldier may tie Audie Murphy's record". Ron Avery. Bucks County Courier Times. August 22, 1969.
  9. ↑ Officers. Legion of Valor.
  10. ↑ Interview with David Christian, 1983 (Video Interview) WGBH Media Library & Archives.
  11. ↑ Kennedy, Morris. "Kostmayer, Christian find little upon which to agree." Montgomery County Bulletin (?). October 23, 1984.
  12. 1 2 No author named. "Agent Orange Documents stolen." Pacific Stars and Stripes. July 9, 1981.
  13. ↑ Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism. Alexandra Kitty. (p 207) Disinformation Company. April 2005.
  14. ↑ Topics and Guests for Monday, Nov. 4, 2002. Fox News.
  15. ↑ Guests and Topics: March 12, 2003. Fox News.
  16. ↑ Documentary writeup
  17. ↑ John Pilger - Heroes (1 of 5) - Video on YouTube.
  18. ↑ Victor Six. David Christian & William Hoffer. 1990 Hb McGraw-Hill, 1991 Pb Pocket Books.
  19. ↑ Schlegal, Bradley (11 July 2011). "Bucks County businessman David Christian ponders run for U.S. Senate". The Times Herald. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
  20. ↑ Fontaine, Tom (10 February 2012). "GOP lacks name recognition in Casey bid". Pittsburgh Tribune Review. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
  21. ↑ Gibson, Keegan (28 February 2012). "Rohrer Wins PoliticsPA Reader Poll". PoliticsPA. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
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