This auction is for the following Lt. Col. Fred Christensen WWII QUADRUPLE Ace 21.5 Pilot RARE autographed 8x10 photograph that has been JSA authenticated. This Lt. Col. Fred Christensen WWII QUADRUPLE Ace 21.5 Pilot autographed 8x10 photograph has been authenticated by the most prestigious and respected authentication company in the hobby JSA #CC36132. Autographed items that have been authenticated by JSA adds and additional value to all signed items that bare the JSA authentication process. PLEASE NOTE this 8x10 photograph was printed and then autographed post war.
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 (3rd 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:
1st 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.
2nd 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.
THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED 8x10 PHOTOGRAPH THAT HAS BEEN JSA AUTHENTICATION COA. I ONLY SELL AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED MEMORABILIA. I do not sell reprints or facsimile autographs. When you bid on my items you will receive the real deal authentic hand autographed items. You will receive the same signed 8x10 photograph that is pictured in the scan. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. PLEASE NOTE this 8x10 photograph was printed and then autographed post war. I combine S&H when multiple items are purchased. I ship items internationally the price for international S&H varies by country. I currently have other rare autographed military and historical signed items available. Please take a look at my other auctions of rare military and historical autographed items.