The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Corporal Ora E. Bates (ASN: 37145985), United States Army, for heroism while serving with the 37th Infantry Division at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 9 January, 1945. While crossing a river during the advance of his company, an American infantryman’s raft sank in deep water. Unable to swim he began to drown. Corporal Bates, although tired from three trips across the river ferrying supplies, dived into the water, swam thirty five yards to the drowning man and, after a brief struggle, brought him safely to shore. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Corporal Bates reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.