The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] Owen P. Brennan, Jr. (ASN: RA-12327709), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On the night of 25 July 1952, Company E was given the assignment of protecting an outpost known as “OP Kelly” near Koyang-dae, Korea, from possible enemy attacks. Sergeant Brennan, serving as a squad leader, was with his men at the listening post of the outpost when the foe suddenly advanced within a few feet of their position throwing grenades and laying down a deadly and devastating hail of automatic weapons fire. He directed his squad from an exposed position and although the friendly force laid down a heavy base of fire in retaliation, the enemy began infiltrating into their trenches as they advanced. Seeing that a hostile soldier had leaped into the trench that he and his men occupied, Sergeant Brennan single-handedly disposed of him, thereby preventing any casualties among his squad. Although wounded by a concussion grenade he continued to give his men encouragement and confidence to repel the attack. When it became apparent that the numerically superior force was about to overrun the friendly position, he ordered his men to move to the rear. Sergeant Brennan, remaining behind, laid down such accurate fire that the unit was able to evacuate the wounded. Sergeant Brennan’s gallantry and valiant determination in the face of enemy fire reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.