The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Jesse L. Brandon (ASN: US-53410258), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 26 February 1967 while assigned to Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Brandon was serving as the point man of a combat patrol. As the patrol was advancing into the jungle along a suspected Viet Cong tail, Specialist Brandon alerted the patrol of the possibility of an ambush. Moving forward, he forced the Viet Cong prematurely to open fire from their automatic weapons emplacement. Realizing that the remainder of the patrol was unable to bring effective fire on the bunker, he immediately exposed himself, returning fire with his rifle and directing the fire of the point element. When his own weapon malfunctioned, he ran through the line of enemy fire, secured a weapon from a fallen comrade, and resumed an intense rate of fire on the enemy position. Only when he expended all his ammunition did he withdraw from his exposed position. While covering the movement of the remainder of his patrol, he observed an aidman attempting to evacuate a wounded man from the battlefield. Reacting instantly, he moved through enemy fire to assist him. Specialist Brandon continued to distinguish himself until he was mortally wounded. His exceptional heroism in close combat against a fanatical enemy was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.