The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Fred Oliver Drennan (ASN: 0-383382), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company E, 2d Battalion, 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces at Best, Holland, on 18 September 1944. While leading his Company Captain Drennan, although severely wounded, refused to be evacuated and continued to lead the attack, displaying superior skill and determination. While under intense enemy machine gun fire, he located an 88-mm. gun in the woods and, after emplacing a 60-mm. mortar, directed its fire so accurately that the entire enemy gun crew was destroyed. Then, with utter disregard for his personal safety, he advanced fearlessly over an open field and though armed with only a rifle, annihilated an enemy machine gun crew that had been firing on his mortar position. Later, while continuing the attack, he was mortally wounded. Captain Drennan’s great personal courage, gallant leadership and devotion to duty so inspired his men that they continued with grimmer determination to carry their ultimate objective. Captain Drennan’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.