USMA Class of 1950, First Lieutenant Bates was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was a member of the 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on 12 June 1952.

For his leadership and valor, First Lieutenant Bates was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.