Thomas D. Drake

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas D. Drake, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Courchamps, France, July 19, 1918, and near Brieulles, France, September 29, 1918. After having successfully led his platoon to its objective in the attack of July 19, Sergeant Drake gathered together groups of other companies of the battalion which had become disorganized due to heavy losses and established under intense fire a line of defense which was held until the unit was relieved. On September 29 he was wounded in the hand, but refused to go to the rear and continued to perform his duties, frequently exposing himself to heavy machine-gun fire in order to control his command.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas D. Drake, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 14 to 16 February 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Drake’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.