The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Edward Harold Bates, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 103d Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Marcheville, France, 26 September 1918. Lieutenant Bates displayed the highest qualities of courage and leadership in leading his platoon through to its objective under a heavy barrage of machine-gun fire and artillery fire without flank support. He held his objective under murderous artillery and machine-gun fire until relieved.