THE WALL OF FACES

Here was a Marine that was willing to go above and beyond every day. S/Sgt. Yates as we all remembered him by had extended his tour in Nam at least 2 or 3 times that I am aware. I extended in Dec.67 because of him. S/Sgt. Yates would lead 7 men recons during the nights. Reckless?? No way GI. Very well organized and also careful with the lives he had with him. He was a Comm. chief by MOS, but his real calling was 0311. That is why us amtracer's were called amgrunts. S/Sgt. was a natural leader, he would take E-4 Corporals and take them on patrols and mentor us on leading patrols, map reading, just everything you would need when promoted to Sergeant E-5. He was the reason I extended. I wanted to learn from him. I rotated home 2 weeks after he lost his life. Deserved the MOH!!!

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John Charles Yates (MCSN: 108133), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company A, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 July 1967 during Operation Hickory II, Company A was advancing toward Hill 31 in Quang Tri Province when it came under intense enemy small arms, mortar and recoilless rifle fire from enemy positions in a tree line [ed. Note: it was a ridgeline on a sand dune, not a tree line] only thirty meters to its front. Under the initial barrage of enemy fire, Sergeant Yates and the command group were forced to disembark their amphibian tractor and move to a covered position. As enemy fire increased, the company moved back leaving the command tractor in front of company lines. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sergeant Yates gave his radio to a companion and, braving heavy machine gun fire, ran twenty meters to the damaged command tractor. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly climbed to the top of the vehicle and manned the machine gun. Subsequently forced to abandon his position because of the intense enemy fire, Sergeant Yates threw a 60 mm mortar tube to the ground, obtained four boxes of ammunition and disembarked the beleaguered vehicle. Retrieving the mortar, he returned across the exposed area to his former position, held the weapon in his bare hands and commenced to direct accurate suppressive fire against the enemy. When the mortar became hot, he wrapped a cloth around it [ed. Note: the cloth was actually the green towel from around his neck] and continued to fire at the enemy, pinning them down until their positions were destroyed by an air strike. His daring actions in the face of extreme danger inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving many Marines from death or serious injury. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Yates upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: 14-Jul-67

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Sergeant

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Semper Fi, Lt.

John and his family were friends in Garrison, North Dakota before they moved to Minn..John was a great friend, a very honest man, a person that you could count on for everything. He would give his life for you even if you were not a friend, he was just that kind of man. His biggest dream was to be a combat soldier even when he was 9 years old and that was what he did. He always had a leadership instinct and that is what he did in the military. In the end he gave his life for his country and fellow man. I miss you and will always remember you.

Arvid Bayer
Show Low, Az

Dear 2LT John Charles Yates, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter