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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Olin Bates, Jr. (ASN: 0-62538), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division on 12 June 1952 near Karhyonni, Korea. Company G was counter attacking the bitterly contested Hills 191 and 183 and the company was being subjected to a bitter barrage of enemy artillery and mortar fire on the slopes of the hills. When the company commander was wounded, Lieutenant Bates reorganized the men and continued to the objective. While assaulting Hill 191 a severe barrage of enemy fire was placed on one of the advancing platoons, causing numerous casualties. Lieutenant Bates hurried to the platoon’s position under heavy enemy fire and organized the evacuation of the wounded and the dead. He directed litter teams through the exploding shells to where the wounded lay, comforting and inspiring the men until they could be evacuated. While fearlessly moving from person to person, disregarding his safety to give aid and comfort to his men, Lieutenant Bates was hit by enemy fire and fatally wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Bates, 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.