The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Radioman Second Class John Hail Bates (NSN: 3684844), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. A free gunner and radio operator of a Torpedo Squadron SIX (VT-6) airplane in the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1942, he manned his gun and continued to return fire of Japanese fighters with such courage and utter disregard for personal safety that he enabled the pilot to press home his attack in the face of continued fighter opposition. It is difficult to conceive of a situation where a free gunner would be forced to fight against such desperate odds as were encountered in this attack. The courage and devotion to duty he displayed were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.