James Clark Brennan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James Clark Brennan (0-12937), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty- Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 March 1945. After his assault platoons had been repeatedly driven back from the crest of an enemy-held ridge, Captain Brennan braved intense hostile small-arms and hand grenade barrages to advance to the head of his company and lead his men in a final successful assault on the Japanese position. Breaking the last strongly organized resistance in the Battalion zone of action, he contributed materially to the success of our forces on the Island. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Captain Brennan and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 45501 (June 19, 1945)