By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Kenneth J. Brenner

(Posthumously)

Rank and Organization:   Private First Class, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  29 March 1969,  Republic of Vietnam

Reason:  For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Private First Class Brenner distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 March 1969 as a medic in Tay Ninh Province.  While his Company was securing a perimeter to allow helicopters to deliver supplies, the unit came under intense fire from a nearby wood line.  Exposed to a hail of bullets, Private Brenner advanced over a hundred meters to reach several wounded comrades who lay close to the enemy bunkers.  Firing his rifle at the communists, he treated the casualties and aided in their evacuation.  When all the injured had been rescued and his company withdrew, he went to the rear where he continued to administer medical treatment and helped load ambulance helicopters.  After air strikes were directed against the foe, he joined his unit in a second assault.  As he courageously tried to help a man caught in the hostile killing zone, he was mortally wounded by the enemy fusillade.  Private First Class Brenner's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.