UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS---------------- HEADQUARTERS, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC--------------------- ---------------------FPO, SAN FRANCISCO 96601

               In  the  name  of  the  President of the United States, the Commanding General,  Fleet  Marine  Force,  Pacific  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

               CITATION:

                          "For meritorious service while serving in various capacities with Marine  Aircraft  Group  Thirty-Six,  First  Marine  Aircraft  Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in  the Republic of  Vietnam  from  28  November  1095 to  30 November 1966.   Throughout this period,  Staff  Sergeant  CHRISTMAN  performed  his  demanding  duties in  an exemplary  and  highly  professional  manner.  As  a Section Leader  and later as Maintenance  Administration  Chief  of  Marine  Medium  Helicopter  Squadron 364,  he displayed  outstanding professional  skill and steadfast determination in maintaining  the combat readiness posture of his squadron,  contributing signifi- cantly to its many successful missions. In addition, Staff Sergeant CHRISTMAN participated in fifteen air combat missions, constantly subjected to the danger of enemy  fire.  On  8 December  1965,  while serving as an  aerial gunner  aboard a UH-34D helicopter, he was instrumental in saving the lives of two crew members of another aircraft  which had crash  landed in the  South  China  Sea.  The  skill and  efficiency with  which he accomplished the rescue of the downed crew mem- bers, despite intense enemy fire,  limited visibility, and a malfunctioning hoist on his aircraft,  inspired all who observed him.  Reassigned  as Career Advisory and Education Noncommissioned Officer  for Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six on 6 July  1966,  Staff Sergeant  CHRISTMAN  continued  to  perform his duties in a highly  professional   manner,   providing  sound  counseling   and   professional guidance  to the  Mariners within the  Command. His enthusiasm and seemingly unlimited  resourcefulness  throughout  contributed  significantly to the accomp- lishment  of  his  unit's  mission.   By  his  outstanding  professional skill, tireless initiative and selfless devotion to duty,  Staff Sergeant CHRISTMAN upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

TEMPORARY CITATION