The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Delbert C. Gates (ASN: 0-1313391), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Hill 700 at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 9 to 13 March 1944. Lieutenant Gates commanded a platoon which reinforced and, under his courageous leadership, successfully defended a key sector of the American perimeter against repeated mass enemy attacks. Exposing himself in well-cleared fields of fire during the first critical assault, he skillfully posted his men for maximum resistance of enemy pressure and led them with calmness and assurance in an action which halted the Japanese advance. Two days later, the Japanese forces worked their way to within a few feet of the most forward positions. All but one man in our lead pillbox became casualties. Under intense machine-gun fire and grenade bursts, he crawled out to the beleaguered pillbox and helped hold the fortification during the bitter fighting which repulsed the enemy, Displaying the same aggressive leadership and inspiring fighting spirit on 13 March, Lieutenant Gates climbed on top of a front-line pillbox and fought off hostile forces with an automatic rifle during a two-hour night battle in which the third and final attack was blocked. His outstanding bravery in a succession of difficult engagements was an important factor in holding the strategic defense positions intact. Second Lieutenant Gates’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.