The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Engineman Third Class Michael L. Gates, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 10 July 1969 while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. As Boat Engineer of a River Patrol Boat, Petty Officer Gates served with River Division 533, River Squadron FIVE, Task Force 116 (TF-116), which was patrolling the upper reaches of the Vam Co Dong River in a special holding operation to protect Tay Ninh City from expected heavy enemy attack. While settling into waterborne guard-post positions, the units came under heavy automatic-weapons fire. During the first volley, Petty Officer Gates fell to the deck with a serious bullet wound which temporarily paralyzed the lower half of his body. When the units cleared the ambush only to come under a second enemy attack, Petty Officer Gates, despite his severe wound, grabbed a grenade launcher and, from his prone position on the deck of the boat, returned the enemy’s fire until the boats again cleared the ambush. After he was transported to the flight deck of a troop carrier to await medical evacuation by helicopter, the enemy once more ambushed the boats. Lying on his back completely exposed to the enemy fire, Petty Officer Gates manned an M-16 rifle which he had requested, and proceeded to assist his shipmates in suppressing the enemy fire. His great personal valor, dauntless initiative, and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.