The  President  of  the  United States  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the  BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                               "For  heroic  achievement  in  connection   with   operations against  the  enemy  in  the   Republic  of  Vietnam  while  serving  as  a  Platoon Commander  with  Company I,  Third  Battalion,  Twenty-Sixth  Marines, Third Marine Division.  On 18 June 1968,  Staff Sergeant CHRISTIAN's unit  was con- ducting  a  two  company  tactical  movement   across  a  large  open  area  near  DaNang   when  the  Marines  suddenly  came  under  a  heavy volume of hostile mortar  fire and sustained numerous casualties.  Realizing  the seriousness of the situation,  he  rapidly  led  his  platoon  to a position  of relative safety.  Unhesi- tatingly exposing himself to  the intense enemy fire,  Staff Sergeant CHRISTIAN rushed back into the hazardous area and quickly  began to render first aid to his injured comrades.   Although painfully  wounded and unable to move,  he stead- fastly refused medical treatment until  all other casualties had been evacuated to covered  positions.  His bold initiative and sincere concern for  the welfare of his comrades  inspired all who observed  him and were  instrumental  in  saving  the lives  of  several  Marines.   Staff Sergeant CHRISTIAN's  courage,  outstanding leadership  and selfless devotion  to duty at  great personal risk  were in  keeping with the  highest  traditions of the  Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

Staff Sergeant CHRISTIAN is authorized to wear the Combat "V".