Naval History and Heritage Command

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William Harold Christensen was born in Leavenworth, Washington on June 20, 1897, son of Carl and Lonnie (Nyborg) Christensen. He attended grade and high schools in Wenatchee, Washington and the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis, where he studied pre-med.

On April 5, 1917 he enlisted in the US Navy and spent two years on board USS Orleans. He was honorably discharged as Hospital Apprentice First Class in 1919 and resumed his studies. In 1923 he graduated from the North Pacific Dental College with the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. For twelve years, prior to being called to active naval service, he practiced dentistry in Bremerton, Washington, the last nine specializing in oral surgery and prosthetic dentistry.

Commissioned Lieutenant Commander in the Dental Corps of the US Naval Reserve on May 3, 1937; he subsequently advanced in rank attaining that of Rear Admiral to date from July 1, 1956.

After receiving his commission in 1937 he had periodic training assignments prior to being called to active duty on January 5, 1942. He reported as Assistant Dental Officer at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, where he continued to serve until released from active duty on August 10, 1946.

 As an inactive officer, he was had regular periods of training duty, including assignments as a member of the Naval Reserve Dental Corps Selection Board in 1949, 1952 and 1953.

Rear Admiral Christensen has the Victory Medal (World War I); the American Campaign Medal and the World War Medal.

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