By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Cook Walter N. Bates (ASN: 2258511), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Cook Bates distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 361st Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Eclisfontaine, France, 1 to 3 October 1918, while assisting in the preparation of hot meals during enemy bombardment.