Foil: 10 Panel: F100 Super Sabre Society Column: 3 Line: 77

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mrs. Suzanne Christensen

Major Carl A. (Andy) Christensen Jr., USAF, Retired
Andy was born in Dallas, TX. As a young child his family was moved to Moultrie, GA because of his father's work. He attended Moultrie schools and was at Georgia Tech when his father had a massive stroke. In order to help his family, he considered other options.
In 1960 Andy entered the Air Force through the Aviation Cadet program at Harlingen AFB, TX. After graduation and commissioning as a second lieutenant with an aeronautical rating as a navigator, he proceeded to Keesler AFB, MS for Electronic Warfare Training. Then he was assigned to B-52s at Westover AFB, MA. where he was a crew member for five years, logging 2000 hours flying time. He attended Squadron Officers' School, after which he was accepted to pilot training at Sheppard AFB. After graduation he selected the F-100 and went to Luke AFB for transition and certification in that aircraft, which led to his tour of duty in Vietnam.
Andy's tour in Vietnam was from December 1968 through November 1969. He flew 220 combat missions in the F-100, accumulating 550 combat hours. During some of that time he flew top secret missions with Commando Sabre whose call sigh was "Misty". He did high speed reconnaissance in high threat areas of North Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. These missions lasted 5 ½ hours and, flying low level, ferreted out enemy assets. When such elements were found, for example once when a bulldozer was identified, ordnance was called in and a call to "Hit my smoke" was given to the inbound strike fighters.
Andy received several medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Vietnam Service Medal.
After Vietnam he was assigned to Cannon AFB where he flew the F-111D and was a Flight Commander. He remained there for 4 years.
He was sent to Homestead AFB where he had a wing staff position and two years later was assigned to a newly organized fighter training program in the Philippines called Cope Thunder. This group trained pilots in the Pacific Air Command in combat tactics essential to survive the first 10 days of a conflict.
Upon leaving the Philippines he returned stateside to Shaw AFB, where he held another staff position at 9th Air Force. After this assignment he retired and returned to Moultrie.
While serving his country Andy was able to finish his undergraduate degree and earn an MBA.
After retirement, his professional life centered on financial services, serving as a trust officer and investment advisor.
Volunteer efforts have included 11 years of past work at the Colquitt Food Bank, 6 of those as executive director. He's active in his church, singing in the choir and having served as elder. Also, he enjoys singing with the Colquitt County Men's Choir. He resides in Moultrie with his wife, Suzanne, of 55 years.