The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Horace J. Drake (MCSN: 1172295), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 25 July 1953. With a number of enemy troops infiltrating a portion of friendly lines during the night and occupying a position of the main line of resistance, Corporal Drake voluntarily participated in a detail to rout the enemy and skillfully organized his men for the attack. When a grenade dropped from the hand of a nearby wounded Marine who was preparing to throw the missile into the enemy-held position, he rushed through a hail of enemy small arms and artillery fire to the side of his fallen comrade, picked up the grenade and quickly hurled it out of the position, thereby saving the life of the stricken Marine. After removing the casualty to a first aid station, he returned to his fighting position and, although painfully wounded, refused medical treatment until the enemy was driven from the trench line. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and gallant devotion to duty, Corporal Drake served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.