The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Chief Hospital Corpsman [then Chief] Gilyard H. Bates (NSN: 327217), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force while serving as Battalion Chief Corpsman of the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 7 January 1968. When his battalion came under heavy enemy mortar fire in which 72 men were wounded, Master Chief Bates distinguished himself in the face of the continuing hostile fire in evacuating the wounded. Subsequently, he volunteered to lead a medical assistance team into an area, a few kilometers away, which was also under enemy ground and mortar attacks. Warned that a burning ammunition dump might explode for a third time, Master Chief Petty Officer Bates, observing four wounded men lying within 25 feet of the dump, entered the area with two other corpsmen and succeeded in removing the wounded men to positions of relative safety. Throughout this period, Master Chief Petty Officer Bates continued to render invaluable assistance to the wounded. By his outstanding courage, skill, and dedication, he was instrumental in saving many lives, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.