A fifth-generation Texan, George Eastland Christian was born January 1, 1927 in Austin, Texas. He graduated from Austin High School in 1944 and enlisted at age 17 in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served during World War II as a rifleman in the Second Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force-Pacific, and was among the first troops to occupy Nagasaki, Japan after the detonation of the atomic bomb.
After World War II, he attended the University of Texas at Austin and became sports editor of the student newspaper, The Daily Texan; his close association with the university continued thereafter. Christian's professional career began with a seven year stint as capitol correspondent for the International News Service under bureau chief Bill Carter. Christian was recruited by Jake Pickle and Joe Greenhill in 1956 to work on the staff of U.S. Senator Price Daniel. After Daniel became Governor of Texas, Christian served as his press secretary and later, chief of staff.
Christian later joined Governor John Connally as press secretary, a post he held when Connally was wounded during the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. From 1966-1969 Christian served President Lyndon B. Johnson as press secretary for three turbulent years during the height of the Cold War, the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, the Vietnam War, and some of the nation's most severe racial crises. After 1969, Christian left the staff of the White House to begin a successful career as a public affairs and political consultant. He also volunteered a large part of his time to fundraising for the University of Texas, historical preservation projects, and many other causes.
From the guide to the George Christian Papers AR: 2002-265; 2003-116; 2004-021; 2004-038., 1963-2002, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)
