The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James J. Brennan (MCSN: 1116751), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Squad Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in Korea, on 30 November 1950. Assigned the mission of deploying his squad along a prominent terrain feature in hasty defensive positions, Private First Class Brennan fearlessly led his men forward and, when the enemy suddenly opened fire approximately one hundred yards to the front of his defensive sector, boldly exposed himself to heavy small arms, machine gun and mortar fire to deploy his squad for attack. Moving among his men throughout the night, he directed their effective return fire to repel several attempts by the enemy to break through. Ordered to break contact and rejoin his company early the following morning, he skillfully withdrew under fire and, when one of his men was wounded by the enemy’s intense fire, ran to his assistance, picked him up and carried him to cover. Successfully reaching his objective and saving a fellow Marine from further injury or possible death, Private First Class Brennan, by his daring initiative, forceful leadership and heroic efforts in the face of heavy odds, served as an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.