The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Loring M. Bates, Jr. (NSN: 0-112860), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bates, in the course of hazardous night operations as Commander of a PBY-5 aircraft in the Bismarck Sea, persistently attacked and strafed an armed enemy vessel in the face of accurate and intense fire which damaged his plane and caused injuries to himself. In spite of painful wounds he skillfully controlled his aircraft until a severed rudder cable had been repaired, and safely landed the plane at night at his base. On another occasion he courageously attacked a large, heavily armed and escorted enemy merchantman, under an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire. He displayed a high degree of intrepidity, determination, and skill, and his conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.