World War II Honoree

Clarence Edward Christensen

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Chicago, Illinois

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private. On March 23, 1942, he entered the United States Marine Corps from Illinois, receiving his Basic Combat Infantry Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Deployed to the Pacific Theater of Operations, where he served with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment a subordinate unite of the 1st Marine 'The Old Breed' Division. He participated in the Battle of Okinawa Ryukyu Islands (Battle Dates: Easter Sunday, April 1-June 22, 1945), Code Name: Operation Iceberg. Killed in Action Saturday, May 12, 1945 and buried in the First Marine Division battlefield cemetery on Okinawa. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, they returned his remains to his family for burial, with interment April 4, 1949 at the Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, Illinois. Decorations: Purple Heart, Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two battle stars. This Marine, an American Patriot, awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, who so gallantly gave his life for his country.