JOHN C YATES
HONORED ON PANEL 41W, LINE 71 OF THE WALL
JOHN CHARLES YATES
41W/71
FERGUS FALLS
Otter Tail County
LEFT FOR JOHN CHARLES YATES
POSTED BY: G. Mike Correll
Veterans Day Salute
Proud to have served with you.
POSTED BY: Don "Woody" Boyd
Will NEVER forget you Cousin John "Butch". Thank You for giving the ultimate sacrifice for your love of Country, Family and Freedom. Until we meet again in Heaven, love you brother. Semper Fi, Don "Woody" Boyd Corporal USMC
POSTED BY: A US Marine, Quang Tri, Vietnam
Navy Cross Citation
Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Battalion: 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant John Charles Yates (MCSN: 0-108133), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as the Communications Chief of Company B, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 17 October 1968, Second Lieutenant Yates, then a Staff Sergeant, was participating in the transportation of Marines by amphibian tractor during operations north of the Cua Viet River in Quang Tri Province. When informed that one of the vehicles had detonated a hostile antitank mine, immobilizing the tractor and trapping the driver inside, he unhesitatingly ran to the disabled and flaming vehicle. Undaunted by the danger of potential explosions from fire he observed within the tractor, he completely disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly climbed on top of the vehicle. While he was preparing to enter the tractor through the crew chiefs hatch to rescue the driver, the fuel cells within the vehicle exploded and fatally injured Second Lieutenant Yates. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Yates inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Silver Star Citation
Rank: Sergeant
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
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.
POSTED BY: Malcolm Ketchum
I think of you often, Yates, as the years go by, but especially every Memorial Day.
The night before last, I had the pleasure of connecting with the son of another of our Camp Lejeune Barracks mates. He was only 8 when his dad passed away. He didn't know the origin of his middle name "Yates". I explained that his middle name honored my best Marine Corps buddy and his dad's good buddy and a real American hero, John Charles Yates.I will never forget.