The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William John Brennan (NSN: 0-6588741), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commander of River Division FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO in Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT. On 7 January 1970, at 0157 hours, two mortar rounds exploded west of the Advance Tactical Support Base at Tra Cu, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Commander Brennan promptly set General Quarters and when the initial barrage subsided, scrambled his boats. Additional rounds exploded very near the boats and several personnel were wounded. Lieutenant Commander Brennan immediately made simultaneous arrangements for air support for the base and medical evacuations for the injured. He instructed his base defense personnel to mark the suspected enemy area with small arms fire and directed a Seawolf attack. At the same time, he coordinated with medical evacuation aircraft, managed to off-load ten wounded persons and arranged for an Army helicopter to evacuate other casualties. Meanwhile, he strategically deployed waterborne assets in order to set up a tight base defense and present an effective blocking force against any movement away from the area. He reinforced the ground security for the base and sent out roving patrols to secure the perimeter. His quick and decisive reactions made any sabotage attempt impossible. Lieutenant Commander Brennan’s outstanding coordination of air, ground and waterborne assets halted the mortar barrage in the early stages and thwarted any possible sapper attacks on the base. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.