For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Breland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 March 1967 while serving as machine gunner during a Viet Cong ambush in hostile territory. Private Breland was selected, with six other men, to flank and counter-attack a Viet Cong squad which ambushed his platoon. To reach the insurgent element, he was forced to crawl 200 meters through exposed areas of a rice paddy. Private Breland suppressed the hostile weapons with a tremendous burst of fire while the rest of his patrol ran across a road, then he jumped up and ran to join his comrades. In the outburst of enemy fire, he was hit in the helmet and knocked to the ground, dazed. He recovered in moments, grabbed his helmet, and succeeded in reaching the patrol, although enemy bullets tore up the ground along his path. Private Breland layed down a base of covering fire while his squad members made the next advance and then ran to join them, but was hit by a Viet Cong bullet in the right leg and fell to the ground. Disregarding his exposed position and the hostile shells striking all around him, he poured a stream of fire into the enemy emplacements until the insurgents were silenced. Taking no heed of his wound, Private Breland ran to join his squad and again prepare for further assaults. When told to give the machine gun to another soldier and report to a medic, he refused and continued to attack the Viet Cong in a highly aggressive manner until the ambush was repulsed. Private First Class Breland’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.