The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Richard Waller Bates (NSN: 0-9027), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Commander Bombardment Fire Support and Associated Groups during the capture of Leyte Gulf and the landing on Leyte Island, Philippine Islands from 16 October 1944 to 29 October 1944 and during the capture of Lingayen Gulf and the landing on Luzon from 6 January 1945 to 22 January 1945. By his strategic and tactical estimates of the constantly changing situation and his wise guidance of Staff Planning as well as in the execution of the plans, he rendered contributions which aided materially in the success of these difficult operations. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Bates is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commodore Richard Waller Bates (NSN: 0-9027), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to a Task Force Commander from 25 March 1945 to 5 may 1945, during the amphibious assault and capture of Okinawa. Demonstrating outstanding ability, initiative, and resourcefulness under hazardous and trying conditions, he rendered invaluable assistance to the Task Force Commander in the preparation and execution of the Force’s mission. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commodore Bates is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Richard Waller Bates (NSN: 0-9027), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MINNEAPOLIS (CA-36) during the period 19 July 1943 to 7 April 1944. He participated in the assault and capture of the Gilbert Islands (Makin Group), 20 to 24 November 1943; the raid on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, 4 to 5 December 1943; the bombing of Taroa Island, Marshall Islands, 30 January 1944; the assault and capture of Kwajalein Group, Marshall Islands, 31 January to 5 February 1944, the assault on Truk, Caroline Islands, 16 to 17 February 1944; the assault on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, 22 February 1944; and the assault on Yap, Woleai, and Palau Islands, 30 March to 1 April 1944. Throughout all these actions he handled and fought his ship in a courageous and skillful manner and his performance of duty contributed materially to the success of our forces in these engagements with the enemy. His exemplary leadership was an inspiration to his subordinates and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Bates is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)