The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Mack W. Drake (MCSN: 434396), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of a Rifle Squad of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Mariana Islands, on the night of 25-26 July 1944. When Japanese forces penetrated the line on the right of his position during a fierce enemy counterattack, Private First Class Drake staunchly remained in the front lines and, refusing to be evacuated despite face and arm wounds from hostile grenades, continued to deliver effective fire upon the Japanese and protect the right flank of his platoon. The last man to leave the primary positions during a Japanese attack against the flank of the line shortly before dawn, Private First Class Drake courageously covered the withdrawal of his squad to a more advantageous firing position and annihilated at least eight of the enemy. Still refusing to be evacuated, he participated in the dawn counterattack which restored the line. His outstanding fortitude, courage under fire and devotion to the completion of his mission reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Drake and the United States Naval Service.