Christopher Currie

Christopher Currie, a 1983 graduate of Washburn Rural High School, built an extraordinary 21-year career in the United States Marine Corps, culminating in retirement as a Gunnery Sergeant. Seventeen of those years were spent within the elite Marine Corps Reconnaissance community, with thirteen years specifically in the highly selective 1st Force Reconnaissance Company. Throughout his service, Currie deployed to multiple major operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Desert Stay, Restore Hope, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and tactical expertise.

A defining hallmark of Gunnery Sergeant Currie's career was his record of heroic and distinguished performance during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. As documented in official Marine Corps citations, Currie repeatedly exhibited extraordinary courage under fire, technical proficiency, and steadfast leadership while leading reconnaissance teams through high-risk missions. His actions included directing reconnaissance patrols, developing tactical plans under rapidly shifting battlefield conditions, and leading direct-action raids—often with minimal preparation due to time-sensitive intelligence. His leadership was directly credited with securing strategic objectives such as Safwan Hill, enabling Marine Division advances in southern Iraq and stabilizing key areas of Baghdad.

These accomplishments earned him prestigious commendations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. The citations for these awards describe Currie as a leader of uncommon maturity, flexibility, and tactical acumen, consistently able to inspire Marines through his calm demeanor, devotion to duty, and ability to quickly transform complex battlefield information into decisive action. His superior performance in reconnaissance operations, vessel boardings, direct-action missions, and bilateral training exercises reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.

Beyond his combat service, Currie continued to shape the Marine Corps after retirement by training Marine Corps Advisors preparing to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan, ensuring they had the skills and leadership mindset necessary for success in complex conflict environments. He later served as a Cleared American Protection Officer and Security Specialist, again deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan—this time as an independent contractor supporting U.S. missions abroad. His dedication to service did not end with his military career; instead, it evolved into new roles that continued to advance national security and support military personnel.

Christopher Currie's career reflects the highest ideals of courage, service, and leadership. From his formative years at Washburn Rural High School to his distinguished tenure in one of the Marine Corps' most demanding units, Currie consistently demonstrated resilience, integrity, and exceptional commitment to others. His induction into the Washburn Rural High School Hall of Fame honors not only his remarkable military achievements but also the character and perseverance that define his legacy. He stands as an inspiring example for current and future students, embodying the profound impact one individual can have through unwavering dedication and service.