Born in Dwight, Illinois, 6 November 1919, Harold Jensen Christopher was commissioned ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve 28 May 1941. He was a 1941 graduate of Northwestern University. After training at the Naval Air Base San Pedro, they reported for duty with on 5 August 1941. During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Christopher realized his services were not needed at his regular station and upon his own initiative he joined the crew of the 5" broadside battery, effectively controlling his part of the battery until killed. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. The was named, in 1943, in honor of this Navy Cross recipient.