for service as set forth in the following citation:

         For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Patrol Leader with Company B.  Third  Reconnaissance  Battalion,  Third  Marine  Division  (Reinforced),  in connection  with  operations  against  insurgent  communist  (Viet Cong)  in  the Republic of  Vietnam.  On 20 January 1968,  a seven  man reconnaissance patrol led by Corporal Bryan was maneuvering  with an infantry  company toward Hill 881 North near the  Khe Sanh Combat Base.  The patrol was assigned  to detach itself from the unit inconspicuously and reconnoiter the terrain surrounding Hill 881 North.  In addition, Corporal Bryan was instructed to abort the mission and withdraw  if  the  infantry unit  became  engaged  with  the enemy.   As  the  unit approached  the  designated  area,  the  Marines  suddenly  came  under  intense hostile  small  arms and  automatic weapons  fire,  sustaining  several  casualties. Reacting instantly,  Corporal Bryan deployed his men to establish an emergency helicopter landing zone to evacuate  the wounded men.  Subsequently, the infan- try unit was directed to attack  the hostile emplacements,  and realizing  the unit was  greatly depleted by casualties,  Corporal Bryan  requested permission  from his unit to reinforce  the infantry company with  his patrol.  Quickly  integrating his men with an infantry squad,  he was assigned as  Squad Leader and skillfully maneuvered his unit toward its assigned objective.  Upon approaching the desig- nated area, the Marines began receiving intense fire from an enemy machine gun position.  Undaunted  by  the  hostile  fire,  he maneuvered his  men around  the flank of  the emplacement and launched an aggressive attack which  silenced the position.  Alertly observing one of  his men fall wounded in an area dangerously exposed to enemy fire,  he fearlessly ran across  the fire swept terrain  to the side of his comrade.  While skillfully administering first aid to the casualty, Corporal Bryan  was  mortally wounded.   His heroic  and timely  actions inspired  all who observed  him and  were  instrumental  in  the subsequent  defeat  of  the  enemy force.  By his courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Bryan  upheld  the  highest  traditions of  the  Marine Corps  and of  the  United States Naval Service.  He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

                                                                           For the President,

                                                                          /s/ Paul R. Ignatius

                                                                            Secretary of the Navy