The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Vincent Brencick (MCSN: 366727), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Chief of a Reconnaissance Section of Company C, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19-26 February 1945. Making an early reconnaissance of the beaches on D-Day, Sergeant Brencick directed the landing of the tanks in the face of heavy enemy fire. Skillfully finding a route over the terraces despite hostile fire, he was directly responsible for the timely arrival of three tanks at the airfield where their fire support was vitally needed. When a tank crewman was wounded later during the operation, Sergeant Brencick voluntarily took the place of the casualty and fulfilled his newly assumed duties. His ingenuity, skill and courageous devotion to duty throughout this period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.