The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Milton E. Bates (ASN: 37034843), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in the vicinity of *****, France, 18 July 1944. While Sergeant Bates’ unit was engaged in the attack against *****, friendly tanks which had been supporting the adjacent unit, moved into the rear of his company and, through error, began firing into the company sector. Disregarding both the fire of these friendly tanks and that of the enemy concentrated on the area, Sergeant Bates, a Platoon Sergeant, crawled to the tanks for the purpose of notifying them of the error. While so engaged, he received a leg wound, despite which he continued in his attempt to reach the tanks. He succeeded in so doing, and reaching the lead tank, clambered upon it, engaged the attention of the occupants and explained the situation, as a result the tanks immediately ceased their fire on the company sector. The gallant action of Sergeant Bates, his unselfish loyalty to his comrades, devotion to duty at the risk of his life, his resourcefulness and courageous initiative, spared casualties in his company and facilitated the continuance of its mission. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.