The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Willard Holbrook Coates (ASN: 0-62465), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the night of 28 November 1950, near Sackang-ni, Korea, Lieutenant Coates’ platoon came under a heavy mortar barrage. Having only verbal contact with his men, Lieutenant Coates left the comparative security of his foxhole to make a check for possible wounded men. Finding none, he nevertheless again went from position to position reassuring his men in an attempt to relieve tension. While doing so, another mortar barrage fell throughout the area. Lieutenant Coates, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, ignored the fire and kept moving from man to man until he was mortally wounded by a near hit. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Coates inspired his men and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.