Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times

O’Connor’s official citation

Citation to accompany the award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Master Sgt. Brendan W. O'Connor:

For extraordinary heroism in combat as the senior medical sergeant for Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha-765 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Panjawai District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. On 24 June 2006, during Operation Kaika, Sergeant O'Connor led a quick-reaction force to reinforce a surrounded patrol and rescue two wounded comrades. He maneuvered his force through Taliban positions and crawled alone and unprotected, under enemy machinegun fire to reach the wounded soldiers. He provided medical care while exposed to heavy volumes of Taliban fire, then carried one of the wounded 150 meters across open ground to an area of temporary cover. He climbed over a wall three times, in plain view of the enemy, to assist the wounded soldiers [in seeking] cover while bullets pounded the structure around them. Sergeant O'Connor assumed duties as the detachment operations sergeant and led the consolidation of three friendly elements, each surrounded, isolated, and receiving fire from all directions. His remarkable actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, Special Operations Command Central, the United States Army and the Department of Defense.