ANNAPOLIS — Wheatley Theodore “Chris” Christensen Sr. of Annapolis died of liver cancer Dec. 10, 2006, at his home. He was 88.

Born July 5, 1918, in Eastport, he was the son of the late Christian F. and Dorothy R. Christensen. He attended school in Eastport and worked testing submarine diesel engines at the U.S. Naval experimental station in Annapolis until the outbreak of World War II. He left his job, which gave him draft deferral status, joined the army and volunteered for the army paratroopers. As a dedicated Paratrooper, T/Sgt. W.T. “Chris” Christensen of the Co. G. 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, his courage and devotion to duty won him the respect and admiration of his fellow troopers. His accomplishments were best measured by the decoration and awards he earned in combat. The Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Europe-Africa-Middle East medal with six campaign stars, Presidential Citation, Unit citations-French Croix de guerre-French Fourragere for Normandy, Belgium Fourragere for Ardennes and Netherlands Orange Lanyard for Holland.

For those who knew him well, he was more proud of his service as a paratrooper than of any other accomplishment.

In World War II, he served 2r years overseas; and fought in six campaigns, Sicily, Naples Foggia, Normandy, Holland, Belgium and Central Europe. He was with the 505 regiment, which was the only regiment to make four combat jumps. His first jump was Sicily, July 9, 1943, where they spearheaded the invasion and fought from Gela to Trapani, 150 miles, 41 combat days. His second jump was Sept. 8, 1943, in Salerno, Italy, where they successfully fought up the peninsula to Naples, 66 combat days. His third jump was June 6, 1944 in Normandy. His battalion, the 3rd, 505, had the distinction of liberating the first town, St. Mere Eglise. He jumped five hours before the invasion began and was one of only 11 from the state of Maryland to participate in this jump lasting 38 days. His fourth jump was Sept. 17, 1944, in Holland. This jump was 53 miles behind enemy lines. The objective was to seize and hold the area bridges in and around Nijmegen. British troops broke through to them on the fifth day, lasting 58 combat days.

At the end of the war, he made a river crossing up the Elbe River and was less than 100 miles from Berlin, with total combat lasting 325 days.

After leaving the service, Mr. Christensen was captain of a private yacht in Maryland and Florida waters. He was a partner of Acme Ceramic Tile in Silver Spring for 27 years. After retiring, he moved to Wittman on the Eastern Shore, enjoying crabbing, fishing and hunting. He was also an avid Redskins fan. In the late 1990s, he was instrumental in helping to establish the 505 PIR Family and Friends Organization and Web site, bringing together his former paratrooper associates and friends to ensure the history of the 505 PIR would not be forgotten for future generations. He was also a member of the following organizations: Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge; Military Order of the Purple Heart; VFW Easton 5118; 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment Association, 82nd Airborne Division Association; and life member of Eastport Democratic Club, Annapolis Elks 622 and Annapolis Moose 96.

Mr. Christensen is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Christensen; one son, Wheatley “Ted” Christensen Jr. of Annapolis; two stepchildren, Patricia Tilman of Edgewater and David Schisler of Annapolis; and four grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Christensen of Beeville, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Christy Handy, Chance and Rialto Christensen; and two half sisters, Annie Hawkins of Virginia and Lottie Jordan of Virginia.