James J. Brennan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James J. Brennan (1116751), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company in the FIRST Marine Division, in Korea, on 30 November 1950. Private First Class Brennan, serving as a Squad Leader, was assigned the mission of deploying his squad along a prominent terrain feature in hasty defensive positions. While moving his squad into position, he was subjected to heavy enemy small arms, machine gun and mortar fire, from enemy positions approximately one hundred yards to the front of his defensive sector. Fearlessly exposing himself to direct enemy fire, he successfully positioned his squad and moved among them, directing their effective return fire and successfully repelled several attempted enemy attacks throughout the remainder of the night. In the early morning hours, when ordered to break contact and rejoin his company, he withdrew his squad, while under heavy enemy fire, to cover offered by terrain. While en route to his objective, a member of his squad was wounded by enemy fire and fell in an exposed position. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he ran, in the face of enemy fire, to the wounded Marine, picked him up and carried him to a covered position. His leadership, initiative and actions were an inspiration to all members of his squad and undoubtedly saved the wounded Marine from receiving additional wounds. Private First Class Brennan’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.