July 21, 2008
Cincinnati, OH -- Congressman Steve Chabot today presented Mr. William Cates of Springfield Township with several medals he earned during his service in World War II and the Korean War.
After graduating from high school, William Cates was drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he served from June 1943 to February 1946. He served on the USS Dade in the South Pacific and participated in the invasion of Okinawa.
Mr. Cates was recalled to service shortly after graduating from the University of Tennessee. Between 1950 and 1952, he did two 6-month tours of duty off the coast of the Korean Peninsula aboard the USS Wisconsin.
Above: Congressman Chabot presents William Cates with his service medals
Congressman Chabot presented Mr. Cates with the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the China Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Republic of Korea War Service Medal (issued by the South Korean government), the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Discharge Button, and the Honorable Service Lapel Pin.
Mr. Cates contacted Congressman Chabot’s office seeking assistance in obtaining the medals he earned during his service in the Navy, but never received. Congressman Chabot’s office wrote the National Personnel Records Center and was able to obtain the awards. Mr. Cates, now 83 years old, would like the medals to give to his family.
