For extraordinary heroism in action: Sergeant First Class Brendan W. O’Connor, Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 765, distinguished himself as a Senior Medical Sergeant on 24 June 2006 in Panjawai District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. While conducting Operation Kaika, Sergeant First Class 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 machine gun fire to reach the wounded soldiers. He provided medical care while exposed to heavy volumes of fire, then carried one of the wounded 150 meters across open ground to an area of temporary cover. Sergeant First Class O’Connor then climbed over a wall three times, in plain view of the enemy, to help the soldiers seek cover while bullets pounded the structure around them. Sergeant First Class 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. Sergeant First Class O’Connor’s distinctive accomplishments and dedication to his comrades are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.