The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] James V. Yeates (ASN: 0-558410), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Anti-Tank Company, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On January 9, 1945, at Hatten, France, Lieutenant Yeates was the Commanding Officer of the mine platoon, Anti-Tank Company, 242d Infantry. Upon being advised that a strong force of enemy tanks was attacking the town of Hatten, Lieutenant Yeates came forward at once with his platoon sergeant and a few mines and instructed the remaining elements of the platoon to follow immediately. Realizing the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate defensive action, Lieutenant Yeates organized an improvised mine platoon from enlisted personnel of the Battalion Command Post group and attempted to lay a mine field across the main thoroughfare into the town. Due to the inexperience of this improvised mine platoon and the intense enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, this attempt failed. Immediately upon the arrival of the mine platoon personnel and still under heavy enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, the field was completed under the personal supervision of Lieutenant Yeates. As soon as the field was completed, Lieutenant Yeates placed his men in positions from where they could cover the field and prevent its neutralization by the enemy. Lieutenant Yeates’ courageous action in laying the mine field in the face of a superior enemy force delayed the German attack and prevented the tanks from entering the town for more than twelve hours.