Erik S. Kristensen | |
|---|---|
 Kristensen in his dress uniform | |
| Birth name | Erik Samsel Kristensen |
| Born | March 15, 1972 Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | June 28, 2005 (aged 33)[1] Kunar Province, Afghanistan |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1995–2005 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant commander |
| Unit |  U.S. Navy SEALs
|
| Battles / wars | War in Afghanistan |
| Awards |  Bronze Star with Valor device[1]
Purple Heart |
Erik Samsel Kristensen (March 15, 1972 – June 28, 2005) was a lieutenant commander of the United States Navy SEALs who was killed in action during Operation Red Wings. He and several other SEALs set off as part of a search and rescue mission, hoping to assist a four-man SEAL team that was engaged in a firefight with Taliban fighters.