Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    November 28, 1952

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant William C. Drumright (MCSN: 0-54442), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of the Anti-tank Company, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 November 1952. When two of his men were wounded and unable to move after the platoon was subjected to an intense barrage of hostile mortar fire while constructing bunkers on the main line of resistance, Second Lieutenant Drumright immediately ordered the remainder of his unit to take cover in a nearby bunker and raced down the forward slope through intense enemy fire to rescue the stricken Marines. After carrying one of the casualties up the steep hill, he returned to pick up the other man and proceeded up the slope. Seriously wounded and knocked to the ground by enemy mortar fire, he quickly remained his feet, picked up the bleeding and nearly unconscious Marine and fought his way to the safety of a trench where another mortar round struck, lifting him off the ground and battering him against the wall of the trench. Although stunned and exhausted, he gallantly continued forward until one of his men ran down the hill to assist him. By his courageous initiative, resolute determination and selfless efforts in behalf of others, Second Lieutenant Drumright served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.