Drake received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Port Walthall Junction in Virginia on May 6, 1864.

[4] Later that year he served on the city council as an alderman,[4] remaining in that position until July 1861, at which point he joined the 9th New Jersey Infantry.

After the war, he served in the New Jersey National Guard, rising to the rank of Colonel.

[4] Drake died on November 28, 1913, and his remains are interred at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside, New Jersey.

Commanded the skirmish line in the advance and held his position all day and during the night.