The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Francis X. Brennan (ASN: OF-110612), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 8 February 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Brennan distinguished himself by intrepid actions while directing his company on a search and clear mission south of DaNang. At approximately 1230 hours, elements of his unit came under heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from an enemy force consisting of close to 300 soldiers. The company was immediately pinned down and sustained numerous casualties. Captain Brennan unhesitatingly crawled through the deadly fire to his radio operator, who had been wounded, and ordered the company to withdraw. Shortly thereafter, he was seriously wounded in the lower back, but he gallantly continued in his efforts to withdraw his element and reorganize them for a new assault on the enemy positions. Using only his elbows, Captain Brennan dragged himself 300 meters in order to set up his men in a defensive perimeter. Although suffering from a great loss of blood, he was determined to continue his mission as he exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to direct gunships and air strikes against the hostile emplacements. Captain Brennan refused to be evacuated until he was assured that his company was in a secure defensive position. Captain Brennan’s competent leadership, professionalism, and outstanding dedication to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.