GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 355  24 Aug 1953

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named enlisted men:

Sergeant (then Corporal) FRANCIS H. L. YATES, RA50005239, Infantry, Company "E", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 14 June 1953, Company "E" made a raid on Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Enemy artillery and mortar fire threatened the group as they set out and when they approached the enemy outpost and entered the trenches, raking enemy machine gun fire inflicted heavy casualties. The platoon leader of Sergeant YATES was seriously wounded by this intense machine gun and small arms fire a short while after he reached the trenches. Immediately, Sergeant YATES volunteered to lead a small group of men through the mass of fire to evacuate the wounded lieutenant. In so doing, Sergeant YATES had to pass within close proximity of the enemy . Nevertheless, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant YATES and his assistants reached the wounded man and evacuated him to comparative safety and urgently needed medical aid. Sergeant YATES' outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Hawaii.

 Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.