Oklahoman receives long overdue recognition for World War II service

Staff Sgt. Garney Christopher, of Sallisaw, Okla., was presented with seven awards that he earned during World War II, but never received. The awards presentation took place in Sallisaw on Thursday, February 18.



Photo of
Staff Sgt. Garney Christopher
in Europe during World War II

Christopher, who is now 84, was drafted into the U.S. Army at 18 as a light machine gunner. He served mostly in Europe in Gen. Patton's Third Army during four major battles. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and served as a machine gun crew squad leader. Christopher also helped liberate the Gusen Concentration Camp in Austria. He was honorably discharged on May 6, 1946.

During the ceremony, Christopher was presented the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, the Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Honorable Service Lapel Button.

Staff Sgt Garney Christopher receives

seven awards he earned during World War II from
Maj Gen Myles Deering adjutant general for Oklahoma
Photo Capt Geoff Legler Oklahoma National Guard Office of Public Affairs