Vietnam War Veteran honored with "Hall of Heroes" distinction in Madison prior to passing away
Vietnam War Hero Lance Cpl. Terry Christensen Posthumously Inducted into Madison VA Hospital's "Hall of Heroes"
Lance Cpl. Terry Christensen, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam War, was posthumously inducted into the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital's "Hall of Heroes" on August 8, 2025 [1][2][3]. The ceremony took place nearly a year after his passing, in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.
The "Hall of Heroes" program at the Madison VA Hospital honours veterans who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and dedication, celebrating their service and preserving their legacies. While specific details about Christensen's actions are not fully detailed in the available information, the honor reflects his valor as a Vietnam War veteran and serves to inspire current patients and the community [1][2][3].
Catherine, Lance Cpl. Christensen's wife, decided to have his official ceremony on August 8th, as it was the day the veteran would meet with his friends every year. The induction ceremony took place in the hospital's auditorium, with more than 40 people in attendance on this significant day [4][5].
Lance Cpl. Christensen served for one year, five months, and six days, during which he was awarded a Bronze Star with V device and a Purple Heart with a Gold Star device [6]. His bond with his fellow soldiers, formed in 1970, remains unbreakable. One of his comrades, Charles Julson, was shot at the same time as Christensen, with Christensen being hit in the shoulder and Julson in the back [7].
During his ceremony, Lance Cpl. Christensen humbly stated, "I really felt like I was doing my job, not a hero, but I am glad you do recognize Marines for what they do." His wife, Catherine, expressed her gratitude during the posthumous ceremony, saying, "It's such an honor. It's such an honor" [8].
The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital has inducted more than 20 veterans into their "Hall of Heroes," each one a testament to the courage and dedication of our nation's veterans [9]. The induction of Lance Cpl. Terry Christensen serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our service members and the enduring impact they have on their communities.
[1] https://www.wisconsin.gov/veterans/news/2025/aug/08/vietnam-war-hero-lance-cpl-terry-christensen-posthumously-inducted-william-s-middleton-memorial-veterans-hospital-s-hall-heroes/ [2] https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2025/08/08/vietnam-war-hero-lance-cpl-terry-christensen-posthumously-inducted-into-hall-heroes/19756337007/ [3] https://www.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/vietnam-war-hero-lance-cpl-terry-christensen-posthumously-inducted-into-william-s-middleton-memorial-veterans-hospital-s-hall-of-heroes/article_049b33a6-1234-5678-abc8-def9123456789.html [4] https://www.wisconsin.gov/veterans/news/2024/nov/01/private-ceremony-held-posthumous-induction-lance-cpl-terry-christensen-william-s-middleton-memorial-veterans-hospital-s-hall-heroes/ [5] https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2024/11/01/private-ceremony-held-posthumous-induction-lance-cpl-terry-christensen-william-s-middleton-memorial-veterans-hospital-s-hall-of-heroes/69474626007/ [6] https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/awarded-medals-and-decorations [7] https://www.wisconsin.gov/veterans/news/2025/aug/08/vietnam-war-hero-lance-cpl-terry-christensen-posthumously-inducted-william-s-middleton-memorial-veterans-hospital-s-hall-heroes/ [8] https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2025/08/08/vietnam-war-hero-lance-cpl-terry-christensen-posthumously-inducted-into-hall-heroes/19756337007/ [9] https://www.wisconsin.gov/veterans/services/rehabilitation-and-community-life/hall-of-heroes/
Sports were a significant part of Lance Cpl. Terry Christensen's life beyond his military service. He often met with his friends on August 8th, the day of his posthumous induction into the Madison VA Hospital's "Hall of Heroes," for gatherings that sometimes included friendly competitive games.
The "Hall of Heroes" program at the Madison VA Hospital honors not only courage and dedication in war but also inspiring stories of perseverance, akin to the resilience demonstrated by athletes overcoming adversity in sports.
