BIO: Lt. Col. Fred Christensen (1921-2006) WWII QUADRUPLE  Ace Pilot 21.5 Air Victories flying with the legendary 56th Fighter Group flying a P-47 Thunderbolt. Recipient of the 2 Silver Stars (3^rd highest military decoration), 9 Distinguished Flying Cross, 4 Air Medals. While in England, Christensen adopted a stray black cat and named it Sinbad. He is reputed to have taken Sinbad with him on missions, carrying him in the cockpit of his P-47 as both a good luck charm and inspiration to his fellow pilots, then bringing the cat to the United States as a pet in September 1944 after the end of his tour. A family anecdote held that a war correspondent covering the 56th FG tried to photograph the cat, which kept jumping all over packed parachutes. All of the pilots using the gear returned safely, contributing to his legend

If you are not familiar with Lt. Col. Fred Christensen accomplishments during World War II please read his two Silver Star Citations:

1^st Silver Star Citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Fred Joseph Christensen, Jr. (ASN: 0-774920), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action, while piloting a P-47 fighter aircraft of the 62d Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, on a bomber escort mission over Germany, on 20 February 1955. 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 BO-237 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.

2^nd Silver Star Citation: Fred Christensen United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star for gallantry in action, while piloting a P-47 fighter aircraft of the 62d Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action in the European Theater of Operations in World War II. 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.