The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Seaman First Class Neil Bates, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 19 December 1944 to 4 March 1945. Seaman First Class Bates completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Seaman First Class Neil Bates, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 6 March 1945 to 15 May 1945. Seaman First Class Bates completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.