Charles MICHAEL Yates

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles Michael Yates (US-54437147), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 January 1967. Private First Class Yates was serving as a rifleman of the Third Platoon of Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, while on a search and destroy mission. The unit was brought under fire by a sizable enemy force armed with automatic weapons. Private Yates was wounded in the initial contact but refused to be evacuated, choosing instead to help the other wounded personnel. Moving through the heavy fire fight in order to reach the other wounded personnel and render medical aid, Private Yates successfully treated one of the wounded men and assisted him to safety, he returned to aid the other wounded personnel. But as he moved through the embattled area, his movements were detected by the enemy and he was fatally wounded. Private Yates’ actions undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his wounded comrades. His outstanding aggressiveness, devotion to duty and personal bravery are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, I Field Force, Vietnam, General Orders No. 244 (March 11, 1967)