The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal Matthew J. Brennan (ASN: 89359), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, 15 October 1918. After his platoon commander, platoon sergeant, and all other noncommissioned officers had become casualties, Corporal Brennan assumed command of his platoon, reorganized it under trying conditions, and continued the advance under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire, inspiring his men by his coolness and leadership.