Army Cpl., John E. Oates awarded the 
Silver Star for gallantry in action

John E. Oates

Mt. OliveTribune, November 14, 1945

Mindanao, Philippine Islands, 1945

John never spoke of the Japanese attack for which he was awarded the Silver Star. Family members knew few details, but in later life he provided the following accounting to a cousin.

As was their practice, the enemy attacked under the cover of darkness.  One machine gun had jammed. Without hesitation, or being ordered, John moved out to reach the position of another .50 calibre machine gun, whose U.S. Army operator had been put out of action. John yelled "Oates", "Oates" "Oates", several times to avoid friendly fire, as he moved from trench to trench to reach the machine gun. - The news article above, reported that his actions killed several of the enemy and drove away the remaining.