The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Cornelius Brenkert (MCSN: 510221), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Commander of Company C, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 June 1945. When his tank was hit four time and several of his crew members were seriously wounded by fire from an enemy antitank gun during an assault well forward of the front lines, Sergeant Brenkert observed that the tank of his Platoon Leader was disabled and on fire and, skillfully maneuvering his vehicle alongside the burning tank despite continuing hostile antitank fire, effected the rescue of its crew members. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.