Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technical Sergeant

Unit:

Company I, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army (Company I, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army)

Technical Sergeant Milton E. Bates, 37034843, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action near Saint-Lô, Normandy, France, 18 July 1944. While Sergeant Bates unit was engaged in the attack against Hill 122, friendly tanks which had been supporting an adjacent unit, moved into the rear of his company and, through error, begin firing into the company sector. Disregarding both the fire of these friendly tanks and that of the enemy then concentrated on the area, Sergeant Bates, a platoon sergeant, crawled to the tanks for the purpose of notifying them of the error. While so engaged, he received a leg wound, despite which he continued in his attempt to reach the tanks. He succeeded in so doing, and reaching the lead tank, clambered upon it, engaged the attention of the occupants and explained the situation, as a result the tanks immediately ceased their fire on the company sector. The gallant action of Sergeant Bates, his unselfish loyalty to his comrades, devotion to duty at the risk of his life, his resourcefulness and courageous initiative, spared casualties in his company and facilitated the continuance of its mission.
Entered military service from Nebraska.


Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 18 (12 August 1944).