| David Christian | |
|---|---|
| Christian in military dress uniform. | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 26, 1948 Gainesville, Florida |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Website | Campaign website |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1965-1969 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star (2) Bronze Star Purple Heart (7) |
David A. Christian (born October 26, 1948)[1] is a highly decorated American Vietnam War veteran, best known for his veteran's advocacy efforts. He is a candidate for the Republican nomination for United States Senator from Pennsylvania in the 2012 election, challenging incumbent Bob Casey Jr..[2][3]
Contents |
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, a veteran of World War II, to raise Christian and his three siblings alone. Christian's mother, Dorothy Christian, was an aide to General Douglas MacArthur during WWII.[4]
Christian completed his high school education at Woodrow Wilson High School in 1966. In 1972, he graduated on the Dean's List from Villanova University. From 1972 to 1976, Christian attended law school at Rutgers University. In addition to this, he has also attended graduate programs at Villanova, University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr College, and Middlebury College.[1]
Christian enlisted in the United States Army at age 17. After being rapidly promoted through the enlisted ranks to Sergeant, he was admitted to Officer Candidate School and commissioned at 18.[5] Following Officer Candidate School he completed Jump School and Green Beret training.[5] He was promoted to Captain (O-3) at age 20.[5] Christian's service in Vietnam was ended when he was critically burned by Napalm in the last week in January, 1969. He was treated in Vietnam hospitals until Feb 20,1969. He was then moved to the 106 General Hospital (a division of Brooke Burn Center was established there) in Japan.[5] He was medically retired from the Army at age 21.[6]
For his actions during the Vietnam war, Christian was awarded: The Distinguished Service Cross, Two Silver Stars, Bronze Star, Seven Purple Hearts, and Two Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry, among other medals. He was also twice nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor.[6][7]
Christian was elected National Commander of the Legion of Valor in 1978, and holds a lifetime Board of Director's position with the organization.[8] 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.[9] He was a founding Vice-President of the Council of Vietnam Veterans.[7] He left the organization, founding the splinter group of the United Vietnam Veterans Organization (UVVO),[10] which merged with the VVA in 1986.
Christian served as Assistant State Director, US Department of Labor-Veterans Employment during the Reagan Administration.[11] In July 1981, material pertaining to Agent Orange health issues was stolen from his office in what Christian characterized as a "Watergate type" burglary.[11]
Christian, a Republican, twice ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives against Peter H. Kostmayer, losing by less than 4,000 votes in 1984, and 15,000 in 1986.
Christian is a former Fox News military analyst,[12] having worked with them from 2002-2003.[13][14] Christian is also interviewed in the documentary Picking Up the Pieces (Making sense of the 60's V.5).[15] Christian also appeared in John Pilger's - "Heroes" documentary.[16]
He collaborated with William Hoffer on the autobiographical Victor Six.[17]
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.[18]
Later in the year, Christian officially declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate for the seat currently held by incumbent Bob Casey Jr. In his campaign announcement, Christian described himself as a "Ronald Reagan Republican".[2][3]