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Christie, Ralph Waldo

    Date of birth:
    August 30th, 1898 (Sommerville/Massachusetts, United States)
    Date of death:
    December 19th, 1987 (Honolulu/Hawaii, United States)
    Buried on:
    National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
    Plot: C 2, W 2. Row: 400. Grave: 423.
    Service number:
    0-8981/1100
    Nationality:
    American (1776 - present, Republic)

    Biography

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Rear Admiral
    Unit:
    Seventh Fleet, U.S. Navy
    Awarded on:
    November 14th, 1944
    "For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commander Naval Forces, Western Australia; Commander Submarines, SEVENTH Fleet; and Commander of a Task Force from 1 March 1943 to 23 November 1944. A courageous and forceful leader, insistent on rigorous indoctrination and training, Rear Admiral Christie has consistently imbued in the officers and men under his command a high degree of initiative and self-reliance as evidenced by their outstanding success in executing numerous reconnaissance, evacuation, shore-bombardment and air-sea rescue missions in addition to their notable record in the primary duty of sinking vital Japanese shipping. By his remarkable professional skill, expert seamanship and tireless devotion to duty during these hazardous engagements, Rear Admiral Christie has been directly instrumental in furthering the progress of the war in the Southwest Pacific Area. His distinguished and valuable service throughout this period reflects the highest credit upon Rear Admiral Christie, his command and the United States Naval Service."

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02889
    Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Rear Admiral
    Unit:
    Seventh Army, U.S. Army
    Awarded on:
    1944
    Silver Star Medal (SSM)
    "For gallantry in action while serving as Commander, Submarines, SEVENTH Fleet, in action in the Southwest Pacific Area, in June 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 6
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Rear Admiral
    Unit:
    Task Force 71, U.S. Navy
    Awarded on:
    June 14th, 1945
    Grootofficier in de Orde van Oranje Nassau (ON.2)

    Royal Decree no. 35. With swords
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Rear Admiral
    Unit:
    Task Force 42, U.S. Navy
    Awarded on:
    September 14th, 1946
    "For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Submarine Squadron FIVE and subsequently as Commander Task Force FORTY-TWO, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, from 15 April to 23 December 1942. Demonstrating outstanding administrative ability and a thorough knowledge of submarine warfare, Rear Admiral Christie capably commanded the submarines operating from the east coast of Australia and contributed to their success in sinking thirty enemy ships totaling 181,800 tons and in damaging an additional twenty ships of 105,800 tons. In addition, he supervised the establishment of a base and the building of a submarine repair unit at Brisbane, Australia, to repair and supply submarines and rehabilitate their crews. As Commander Task Force FORTY_TWO, he skillfully coordinated the various Allied Naval vessels and shore establishments comprising his unit. By his efficient leadership throughout, Rear Admiral Christie contributed materially to the successful operations of his forces during the crucial phase of our war with Japan, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01627
    Legion of Merit - US Military

    Sources

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