Delavan Bates

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Colonel Delavan Bates, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 30 July 1864, while serving with 30th Colored Troops, in action at Petersburg (Cemetery Hill), Virginia. For gallantry in action where he fell, shot through the face, at the head of his regiment.