The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harold R. Draper (MCSN: 1118501), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 April 1951. When his unit was subjected to repeated attacks by fanatical enemy forces, Private First Class Draper constantly exposed himself to hostile small arms and machine gun fire to carry ammunition up steep and mountainous terrain to the front line platoons. On one occasion, while in the platoon area, he observed that the casualty ridden unit was unable to provide covering fire for the evacuation of seriously wounded Marines through an exposed fire-swept area. Assuming command of the men who were with him, he moved three un-manned machine guns into a position vulnerable to enemy small arms and grenade fire and put the weapons into action to provide effective covering fire for the evacuation of the wounded. By his daring initiative, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Draper served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.