CHRISTENSEN STEVEN ROBERTS

LCD Steven Roberts Christensen was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 10/05/2011 at the age of 71.3 from Auto accident
Fort Worth, TX
Date of Birth 06/13/1940
Served in the U.S. Navy
Served in Vietnam with HS-4 in 66, HA(L)-3 DET 1 in 67-68, HA(L)-3 DET 5 in 68
Call signs in Vietnam BIG MOTHER, SEAWOLF 17
This information was provided by Dan Arnes, SSN search

More detail on this person: LCDR Steven Roberts Christensen Steven Roberts Christensen, a retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander, died Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, as a result of complications from an automobile accident. Graveside service: 2:15 p.m. Wednesday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole. Memorials: Operation Healthy Reunions of Tarrant County, offers urgent and free mental health counseling to veterans, donate at http://www.mhatc.org/ohr/; or the Morris D. Walker Fund Foundation, Central Texas Conference United Methodist Church, 464 Bailey St., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 Steve was born June 13, 1940, to Odell Woodrow and Velma Elaine Christensen in Fountain Green, Utah. He was a patriot who loved this country deeply. He joined the National Guard of Utah and became a member of the U.S. Army, serving as an aircraft mechanic. Realizing he wanted further education, he was accepted to the University of Utah Navy ROTC as a midshipman. At graduation from the university, he received the Outstanding Achievement Award from General Dynamics. He proceeded to Pensacola Naval Air Station where he earned his wings. Steve served several tours in Vietnam flying both sea/air rescue of downed pilots over North Vietnam and as a pilot HA(L)-3 Seawolves, the U.S. Navy's first and only helicopter gunship squadron and the most decorated unit in the Vietnam War. Steve flew over 600 combat missions and received numerous awards and citations. Among these were the Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 36 Air Medals, and one of the highest awards from the Vietnam government, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and four Air Gallantry Medals with bronze wings. On return from Vietnam, he earned his MBA from George Washington University. He served on the commodore's staff of Amphibious Squadron 8 and later was a director of the Navy's computer center at Dam Neck, Va. During his Naval career he was head of computer security for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, a section of NATO. After retiring from the Navy, he earned a doctorate from the University of Texas at Arlington in business information systems. He then worked for General Dynamics and subsequently Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. Steve maintained his love of flying by completing his associate's degree from Tarrant County College in aircraft maintenance and electronics. His lifelong interests included flying, a love of literature and classical music. He was also a Porsche enthusiast and was handy for minor repairs needed and pit crew for his daughter's race car. Most of all Steve loved his family and his home. He loved being in the garden of his home with his wife, children and grandchildren. Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Carla. Survivors: His wife of 48 years, Trish Christensen; children, Steff Christensen and wife, Cyndi, Shelly Burbank, Stan Christensen and Nancy Gerber and husband, Greg; grandchildren, Britt and Walker Burbank, Elias, Angel and Caleb Gerber; brothers and sisters, Joan, David, Morris, Karen, Sherry Lynn and Bob; and beloved dogs, Precious and Brutus. Our sincere appreciation to Doctor Gandhi and the JPS Trauma Team for the excellent and compassion care given to Steve.

Burial information: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, TX

This information was last updated 08/23/2017

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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