David A. Christian
David A. Christian is an American who served in the United States Army as a captain during the Vietnam War. While serving as a lieutenant in South Vietnam, he was wounded in action seven times and awarded several medals including the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism. He is best known for his veterans' advocacy efforts.
In 2012, Christian was a candidate for the Republican nomination in the United States Senate election in Pennsylvania, challenging incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey, Jr. Christian lost in the primary election to Tom Smith.
Early life and education
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 to raise Christian and his three siblings alone. Christian's mother, Dorothy Christian, was a U.S. Army aide to General of [the Army (United States)|General] Douglas MacArthur in World War II.Christian completed his high school education at Woodrow Wilson High School in 1966. He graduated on the Dean's List from Villanova University in 1972. He attended law school at Rutgers University, from 1972 to 76. Christian graduated from Rutgers Law School in 2011. Christian also attended graduate programs at Villanova, the University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr College, before graduating with a master's degree in international politics from Middlebury College.
Military career
Vietnam War
Christian enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 at age 17. After being rapidly promoted through the enlisted ranks to sergeant, he was admitted to the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School and commissioned at 18 years old and making Christian the youngest commissioned officer of the 20th century. Following Officer Candidate School, he completed U.S. Army Airborne School, and U.S. Army Special Forces training.In 1968, he was sent to Vietnam and served with the 1st Infantry Division – 75th Rangers doing work behind enemy lines for the Division and the 11th Armored Cavalry under Major General George Patton IV and the 1st Battalion 26th Infantry. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism on October 29, 1968, and two Silver Stars. In January 1969, Christian was critically burned by napalm in Vietnam and treated at hospitals there until February 20. He was then transferred to the 106 General Hospital in Japan. He was promoted to captain at age 20. He was medically retired from the Army at age 21.
Post-military service
Christian was elected National Commander of the Legion of Valor of [the United States of America, Incorporated|Legion of Valor] in 1978 and National Adjutant in 1980. He holds a lifetime Board of Directors position with the Legion of Valor. Membership of 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. He founded the United Vietnam Veterans Organization, whose members joined Vietnam Veterans of America at the 1985 VVA National Convention in Detroit after UVVO dissolved.
Christian went on to serve as Regional Director of the US Department of Labor and then as Assistant State Director in Pennsylvania. His efforts made Pennsylvania the only State to be in compliance with establishing outreach centers. He worked with then Secretary of Labor and Industry, Charles Lieberth, and continued this program under the Reagan administration and Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh. During his tenure millions of dollars were brought into the outreach centers that helped veterans with employment and to obtain disability assistance for longer than 20 years.
In July 1981, material pertaining to Agent Orange health issues was stolen from his office in what Christian characterized as a "Watergate type" burglary.
Christian is a former Fox News military analyst, having worked with them from 2002 to 2003. Christian is also interviewed in the documentary Picking Up the Pieces. Christian also appears in the John Pilger "Heroes" documentary.
He collaborated with William Hoffer on the 1991 autobiographical Victor Six.
2012 U.S. Senate election
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.Later in the year, Christian officially declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate for the seat being held by incumbent Bob Casey, Jr. In his campaign announcement, Christian described himself as a "Ronald Reagan Republican". A poll conducted by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review/''WPXI-TV'' in early February 2012 showed Christian tied for last in the Republican field, with 1% of respondents. A poll conducted in late February by PoliticsPA of the website's readership, however, placed Christian in second place, trailing only Sam Rohrer. Christian finished with 21% of respondents to Rohrer's 37%.
Christian was defeated in the April 24, 2012, primary by Tom Smith.