The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major William L. Bates, Jr. (MCSN: 0-10657), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer and Supporting Arms Coordinator of Weapons Company, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 and 9 December 1950. Advancing with his company in an attack on a precipitous enemy-held hill, dominating Koto-ri Pass, Major Bates repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire to move among the leading elements and direct the positioning and employment of his battalion’s heavy machine guns, rocket launchers and mortars in support of assaulting troops. Reconnoitering deep within hostile territory on several occasions, he directed the combined fire of medium and light artillery, anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars, aircraft and the organic weapons of his battalion, which were brought to bear with devastating effect and in perfect coordination with the infantry attack. By his skilled leadership and daring tactics, he contributed materially to the total destruction of heavily fortified hostile positions with tremendous casualties to the enemy. By his determined fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty, Major Bates contributed materially to the breakthrough of the FIRST Marine Division from the Chosin Reservoir area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.