Navy Federal Credit Union

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 (Field Artillery) Arnold R. Yates (ASN: 0-2014624), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 13th Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Sesim-ni, Korea, during the period 3 – 4 February 1951. The 1st Battalion of the 19th Infantry Regiment, to which he was attached as artillery forward observer, was defending to cover the withdrawal of a friendly unit. Before the unit had withdrawn through the battalion lines the enemy attacked in tremendous mass, covered and supported by extremely intense small arms, machine gun, and mortar fire. First Lieutenant Yates voluntarily exposed himself to the full fury of the enemy’s fire in order to better observe the enemy. As communications broke down under the heavy enemy fire, reliance for artillery fire for the entire battalion gradually devolved upon him. Remaining fully exposed to the intense enemy fire he concentrated fire in areas where he could hear the enemy forming for attacks. He then proceeded to bring the concentration closer with the attacks until the last rounds were falling a scant fifty yards in front of his exposed position. When the enemy had advanced too close for artillery to be effectively utilized he directed the fire of the machine guns and automatic rifles positioned about him. Four separate massive attacks were repulsed by this teamwork between First Lieutenant Yates’ close-in artillery and the infantry he was inspiring and leading so well. When the order to withdraw was received he organized the men about him into a close knit fighting unit and was the last to leave the position, remaining to be certain that no men or equipment were left behind to fall into the enemy hands. So well had he planned the movement that when the enemy force attempted a pursuit it was met with intense fire and the pursuit abandoned. First Lieutenant Yates courageous action, devotion to duty, and exemplary leadership were of immeasurable assistance in the gallant stand of the unit and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army Artillery.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Division Artillery

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 20 – August 23, 1950

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 176 (October 13, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Arnold R. Yates (ASN: 0-2014624), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 24th Infantry Division Artillery, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea during the period from 20 July to 23 August 1950. His outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Division Artillery

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 272 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Arnold R. Yates (ASN: 0-2014624), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity In action against the enemy while serving with Division Artillery, 24th Infantry Division, in action in Korea. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.