The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class Glen Allen Braden (NSN: 3273741), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict with the Communist insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 November 1966. As Patrol Officer of two PBRs conducting an armed reconnaissance on the Co Chien River, Petty Officer Braden was directly responsible for the total disruption of a Viet Cong effort to cross the river. After receiving intelligence from friendly forces that the enemy was staging for a crossing of the Co Chien River, Petty Officer Braden proceeded to search for the enemy. A short time later he and his boats came under heavy automatic weapons fire from the suspect area. While leading his boats out of danger, he skillfully directed machine gun fire into the enemy positions. Remaining near the enemy to prevent their escape by water, Petty Officer Braden called for and directed U.S. Army and Navy armed helicopter strikes. In order that the helicopters could clearly identify the enemy positions, he led his patrol, now reinforced by two additional PBRs, back toward the enemy and deliberately drew hostile fire. He further marked the target with machine gun fire. Seeing heavy enemy fire being directed at the helicopters, Petty Officer Braden slowed his boats before the enemy and directed fire beneath and between them. As a result of his bold attack and determined efforts heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy and a heavily protected enemy waterborne force was routed. Petty Officer Braden’s exceptional leadership, professional competence and calm courage in the face of heavy enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.