From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Born in Dwight, Ill., 6 November 1919, Harold Jensen Christopher was commissioned Ensign in the Naval Reserve 28 May 1941, and after training at the Naval Air Station, San Pedro, Calif., reported for duty in Nevada (BB-36) 5 August 1941. During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941, 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.

dr. 8'9" s. 21 k. cpl. 186 a. 3 x 3", 3 x 21" tt., 8 dcp.,

1 dcp.(hh.), 2 dct. cl. Buckley

Christopher (DE-100) was launched 19 June 1943 by Dravo Corp., Wilmington, Del.; sponsored by Mrs Carl Christopher , mother of Ensign Christopher ; and commissioned 23 October 1943, Lt. A. W. P. Trench in command.

( Christopher sailed from Philadelphia 25 December 1943 for duty off Brazil and to Trinidad on training exercises' in convoys' and screening cruisers during their shakedown and training periods. Between 16 January and 11 February, she sailed off Montevideo, screening the British cable ship Cambria as she repaired broken cables. Similar duty continued until) Christopher was decommissioned at Natal 19 December 1944, and loaned to Brazil under lend-lease. She was renamed Benevente in Brazilian service. On 30 June 1953, when the loan ended, she was stricken from the U.S Navy List and transferred to Brazil under the Mutual Assistance Program.