The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Thomas W. Bates (ASN: RA-16323555), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. While the company was in the attack to secure dominating positions held by the enemy, Sergeant Bates, with complete disregard for his own safety, led his squad in a daring assault on the enemy’s position which had stalled the attack of the platoon. Under intense enemy small arms and grenade fire, he advanced towards the crest of the hill using marching fire and grenades, while the remainder of the platoon moved forward. He continually exposed himself to enemy fire to keep the attack moving forward until such time as he was fatally wounded by enemy sniper fire. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Sergeant Bates on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.