This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Harry McCown (Mac)
to remember
Christensen, Fred Joseph, Jr., Lt Col USAF(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Airman and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Watertown
Last Address Northborough, MA
Date of Passing Apr 04, 2006
Location of Interment Massachusetts National Cemetery (VA) - Bourne, Massachusetts
Fred Christensen was born on October 17, 1921, in Watertown, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Forces on February 4, 1942, and was commissioned a 2d Lt and awarded his pilot wings at Napier Field, Alabama, on December 13, 1942. After completing P-47 Thunderbolt training, he was assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group in England in August 1943. Between November 1943 and July 1944, Capt Christensen flew 107 combat missions and was credited with destroying 21.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 2 damaged. He left active duty on November 20, 1946, and joined the Massachusetts Air National Guard on November 15, 1947. Col Christensen commanded the 102nd Tactical Fighter Group of the Massachusetts ANG from November 1947 to August 30, 1961, when he left the National Guard and entered the Air Force Reserve. He retired from the reserves on October 17, 1981, and died on April 4, 2006. Fred Christensen is buried at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.
Other Comments:
His 1st (of 2) Silver Star Citation reads:
For gallantry in action, while piloting a P-47 fighter aircraft on a bomber escort mission over Germany, 20 February 1944. Just after the squadron which he was flying reached the limit of its range, Lieutenant Christensen observed a ME-109 preparing to attack the bombers. He immediately pursued the enemy plane, forcing it to break off the attack and dive for cover. Climbing to rejoin his flight he saw a DO-217 and another member of the flight destroyed it, despite a withering hail of fire from the hostile plane. Critically low on fuel and ammunition, Lieutenant Christensen again headed for home only to spot a JU-88 below him. Though still deep in enemy territory, he dove for the plane and holding his fire until dead astern, scored direct hits on both engines. As the enemy aircraft burst into flames and spun to the ground, Lieutenant Christensen set his course for England. His gallantry, skill and disregard for personal safety in zealously seeking out the enemy and destroying him contributed in a large measure to the safety of the bomber formation.
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications StatsCentral Model Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Length 36.15 ft | 11.02 m Width 40.68 ft | 12.40 m Height 14.67 ft | 4.47 m Engine(s) 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 Double-Wasp eighteen cylinder radial engine generating 2,535hp. Empty Weight 9,949 lbs | 4,513 kg MTOW 17,500 lbs | 7,938 kg Max Speed 433 mph | 697 km/h | 376 kts Max Range 449 miles | 722 km Ceiling 40,994 ft | 12,495 m | 7.8 miles Climb Rate 3,200 ft/min (976 m/min) Hardpoints 3 Armament 8 x 12.7mm Machine Guns 10 x 5 in Air-to-Surface HE Rockets
Provision for bomb load, fuel drop tanks or rockets to a maximum of 2,500lbs (1,134kg). Accommodations 1
Major Variants
* XP-47B - Prototype featuring XR-2800 radial generating 1,850hp. * P-47B - Production model based on XP-47B prototype; R-2800-21 radial engine. * P-47C - Extended fuselage; Later types of this model featuring R-2800-59 radial at 2,300hp; Provisions for drop tanks and bombs. * P-47D - Main production model of which 12,602 produced; R-2800-21W (2,300hp) or R-2800-59W (2,535hp) water-injected radial powerplants; Increased MTOW capacity; Provision for drop tanks and air-to-surface HE rockets. * P-47G - Wright-produced P-47D models of which 354 produced. * P-47M - 'Sprinter' interception model designed to combat the V1 / V2 rocket threat; Featured specialized airbrake system and R-2800-57(C) radial generating 2,800hp; 130 produced. * P-47N - Exclusive Pacific Theater model; Long range variant with increased and reinforced wing section of which 1,816 produced; Longer wingspan with blunt-tipped wing tips concealing fuel compartments; R-2800-77 radial generating 2,800hp.