The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Richard J. Drew (MCSN: 282179), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 7 May 1945. Discovering two seriously wounded Marines lying close to an enemy-held ridge during an attack against a well-fortified position, Platoon Sergeant Drew braved concentrated grenade and rifle fire to reach the casualties and drag them to safety. Immediately returning to the action, he single-handedly destroyed two hostile pillboxes, annihilating six Japanese. Later, while carrying another wounded comrade to safety, he himself sustained serious wounds. His courage, devotion to duty and grave concern for the safety of others were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.