Navy Federal Credit Union

At age 16, Thomas Drake lied about his age to enlist in the Army, serving in World War I as an enlisted man and non-commissioned officer. After the war he returned to service in the Army receiving a commission and serving throughout World War II, retiring as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    168th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    34th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 14 – 16, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 32 (February 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Thomas Davisson Drake (ASN: 560684), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in North Africa from 14 to 16 February 1943. When the enemy launched a gigantic offensive on 14 February 1943, Colonel Drake with one battalion and elements of Headquarters Company, 168th Infantry Regiment, defended an extremely exposed position south of Faid Pass, Tunisia. For three days, heavy artillery and machine gun fire poured upon his position, but due to the gallantry of Colonel Drake, who, in the face of odds, personally directed and encouraged his men and inspired them to hold on without food and water, they continued to fight off superior numbers with determination and telling effect. On the night of 16 February, Colonel Drake successfully led his men through an enemy tank and bivouac area and in the morning following an all-night march, saw his objective in the hands of a well-fortified enemy. A few hours later, enemy tanks and machine guns encircled the leading elements of the march. Again the small unit engaged in battle and only lack of ammunition permitted the enemy to break through and capture Colonel Drake and the remnants of his battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Drake’s extraordinary heroism, 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.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    59th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 19 & September 29, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 10 (1920)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Thomas Davisson Drake (ASN: 560684), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 59th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Courchamps, France, 19 July 1918, and near Brieulles, France, 29 September 1918. After having successfully led his platoon to its objective in the attack of 19 July 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.