The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Cavalry) Heister Hower Drum (ASN: 0-23923), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the Reconnaissance Troop, 83d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 2 March 1945. With complete disregard for his own safety, Drum undertook a personal reconnaissance of an enemy held area to secure information concerning a possible enemy counterattack. He continued n into a town despite the fact that he had located definite signs of enemy occupation until he was taken under machinegun fir which wounded two enlisted men with him, and himself. Although he was wounded in the face and neck, he managed to keep the two wounded men in the vehicle and drive out of the town. Through the information given by him while receiving first aid, the counterattack was subsequently repulsed and the town retaken. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Drum, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.