Stanley F. Bates
Private, U.S. Army

Stanley F. Bates was born on 16 June 1922, the son of Mark General and Ollie May Deweese Bates.

On 31 July 1943, Private Stanley F. Bates was serving with 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division in the South Pacific Area of Operations.

On that day, PVT Bates' unit was in action against Japanese forces in the vicinity of New Georgia Island, part of the Solomon Islands, during the New Georgia Campaign. PVT Bates' courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private Stanley F. Bates, United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 31 July 1943, in the vicinity of New Georgia Island. Private Bates' intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 380 (1943)

Burial

Private Stanley F. Bates is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, WA, in Plot: WALLA-MV-88-1-6.

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