Lieutenant Commander THOMAS R. DRAGO, a Naval Aviator, was granted the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism as Pilot of a Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron ONE, attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON, in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at the Kure Naval Base, Japan, on July 24, 1945. Forced off his target after barely averting collision with accompanying planes while making a high-speed approach prior to diving, Lieutenant Commander Drago cooly scanned the harbor area and selected an Ise battleship for an alternate target. Then, diving through intense and accurate antiaircraft fire from many warships and strategically located shore batteries, he courageously pressed home his attack to score a direct hit and inflict extensive damage on the enemy vessel. By his airmanship and bold initiative, Lieutenant Commander Drago contributed materially to the success of an epic strike against the Japanese Fleet. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander Drago joined the Legion of Valor in 1963 and resided in Maryland.