George Walter Kristanoff

2020-06-12T15:37:25-05:00
Army Badge
  • Name: George Walter Kristanoff
  • Location of Birth: Calumet, Minnesota
  • Date of Birth: February 24, 1924
  • Date of Death: April 29, 1951
  • Parents: Dimitry Kristanoff and Myrtle (Clift) Kristanoff
  • High School and Class:
  • College:
  • Highest Rank: Captain 24th Infantry Division
  • Branch: Army
  • Other Branch:
  • Date Sworn In: October 18, 1944 (second time)
  • Place Sworn In: Fort Snelling, Minnesota
  • Date of Discharge: Died April 29, 1951
  • Place of Discharge:
  • Military Awards:
    Silver Star - Awarded for Actions during the Korean War - 24th Infantry Division
    Combat Infantryman's Badge*
    POW Medal*
    Korean Service Medal*
    United Nations Service Medal*
    National Defense Service Medal*
    Korean War Service Medal*

    * information from the WWI, WWII, and Korean War Casualty Listings

  • Military Highlights:
    Information from World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946:
    Name: George W. Kristanoff
    Birth Year: 1924
    Race: White, citizen (White)
    Nativity State or Country: Minnesota
    State of Residence: Minnesota
    County or City: Itasca
    Enlistment Date: October 18, 1944
    Enlistment State: Minnesota
    Enlistment City: Fort Snelling
    Branch: No branch assignment
    Branch Code: No branch assignment
    Grade: Private
    Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
    Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
    Source: Civil Life
    Education: 4 years of high school
    Civil Occupation: Semiskilled chauffeurs and drivers, bus, taxi, truck, and tractor
    Marital status: Single, without dependents

    Information from World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947:
    Name: George Walter Kristanoff
    Gender: Male
    Race: White
    Age: 18
    Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
    Birth Date: February 24, 1924
    Birth Place: Calumet, Minnesota, USA
    Residence Place: Unorganized Township, Itasca, Minnesota, USA
    Employer: Al Lavaser
    Weight: 145
    Complexion: Dark
    Eye Color: Brown
    Hair Color: Brown
    Height: 5'10"
    Next of Kin: Dimitry Kristanoff
    Household Members: George Walter Kristanoff
    Relationship: Self (Head)
    This record indicates that he was discharged on July 19, 1944.


    From Korean War Project Remembrance:
    George Walter Kristanoff was captured during the Korean War and interned as a Prisoner of War. He was forced to march to North Korea on the "Tiger Death March", and died while a prisoner at An-Dong, North Korea on April 29, 1951. His remains were not recovered.

    Citation: "The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July , 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain George Walter Kristanoff, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of 24th Reconnaissance Company, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Taejon, Korea on 19 July 1950. Lieutenant Kristanoff was given the mission of determining the strength and location of an enemy unit which was reported as operating 6 miles south of Taejon. With a patrol of 10 men in 4 jeeps, he proceeded about 6 miles when he encountered an enemy road block. During this time he maintained radio contact with his company command post. His patrol engaged the enemy road block and during the engagement he reported that he was also attacked from the rear. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Kristanoff remained at his radio and gave full information as to the enemy's disposition and location. As a result of the information given by Lieutenant Kristanoff, reinforcements were dispatched to the scene of the action and held off the enemy during the night, thereby gaining valuable time in the defense and evacuation of Taejon. This act of conspicuous gallantry on the part of Lieutenant Kristanoff reflects the highest possible credit on himself and the military service."

  • Wars Involved:
    World War II
    Korean Conflict

  • MIA / POW:
    POW - died while captured at An-Dong, North Korea
    Name listed on the National Korean War Veteran's Memorial, Washington, D.C.
    Remains found and buried in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, Minnesota on July 8, 2002.
    Date of loss: July 18, 1950
    Died: April 29, 1951 (age 27)

    Burial at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota
    Plot: Section 4, Site 1120


  • Civilian Life:
    George married Valoria Diederich on March 29, 1947 in Itasca County, Minnesota.

    From the records available, it appears that George enlisted in the Army during World War II, was discharged on July 19, 1944, enlisted in the Army again in October 18, 1944, and died while he was a prisoner of war during the Korean Conflict in 1951.

  • Tribal Affiliation(s):

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