Charles R. Gates

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Charles R. Gates, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism while serving a pilot of an unarmed aircraft during operations against the enemy in the Tokyo Bay area on 13 August 1945. Despite intense fire from enemy anti-aircraft batteries and nearby naval vessels, First Lieutenant Gates courageously landed in the waters of the Tokyo Bay and rescued three carrier aircraft survivors, thereby saving them from inevitable capture of death. His courage, determination, airmanship and complete devotion to duty throughout were outstanding and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service.