WE SALUTE YOU
JUDGE MICHAEL L. GATES
Engineman Third Class, U.S. Navy
River Division 533, River Squadron 5, Task Force 116 (TF-116)
Date of Action: July 10, 1969
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Michael L. Gates, Engineman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 10 July 1969 while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. As Boat Engineer of a River Patrol Boat, Petty Officer Gates served with River Division 533, River Squadron FIVE, Task Force 116 (TF-116), which was patrolling the upper reaches of the Vam Co Dong River in a special holding operation to protect Tay Ninh City from expected heavy enemy attack. While settling into waterborne guard-post positions, the units came under heavy automatic-weapons fire. During the first volley, Petty Officer Gates fell to the deck with a serious bullet wound which temporarily paralyzed the lower half of his body. When the units cleared the ambush only to come under a second enemy attack, Petty Officer Gates, despite his severe wound, grabbed a grenade launcher and, from his prone position on the deck of the boat, returned the enemy's fire until the boats again cleared the ambush. After he was transported to the flight deck of a troop carrier to await medical evacuation by helicopter, the enemy once more ambushed the boats. Lying on his back completely exposed to the enemy fire, Petty Officer Gates manned an M-16 rifle which he had requested, and proceeded to assist his shipmates in suppressing the enemy fire. His great personal valor, dauntless initiative, and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Engineman Third Class, U.S. Navy
River Division 533, River Squadron 5, Task Force 116 (TF-116)
Date of Action: July 10, 1969
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Michael L. Gates, Engineman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 10 July 1969 while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. As Boat Engineer of a River Patrol Boat, Petty Officer Gates served with River Division 533, River Squadron FIVE, Task Force 116 (TF-116), which was patrolling the upper reaches of the Vam Co Dong River in a special holding operation to protect Tay Ninh City from expected heavy enemy attack. While settling into waterborne guard-post positions, the units came under heavy automatic-weapons fire. During the first volley, Petty Officer Gates fell to the deck with a serious bullet wound which temporarily paralyzed the lower half of his body. When the units cleared the ambush only to come under a second enemy attack, Petty Officer Gates, despite his severe wound, grabbed a grenade launcher and, from his prone position on the deck of the boat, returned the enemy's fire until the boats again cleared the ambush. After he was transported to the flight deck of a troop carrier to await medical evacuation by helicopter, the enemy once more ambushed the boats. Lying on his back completely exposed to the enemy fire, Petty Officer Gates manned an M-16 rifle which he had requested, and proceeded to assist his shipmates in suppressing the enemy fire. His great personal valor, dauntless initiative, and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
wow, nobody knew
Judge Gates' heroism has been well known to the bar for virtually his entire career, but not because of any self-promotion or aggrandizement.
From Wikipedia-
Navy Cross
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
• Ten things you didn't know about images on Wikipedia •
Navy Cross
Awarded by Department of the Navy
Type Medal
Awarded for Extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force.
Status Currently awarded
Statistics
First awarded 1917
Precedence
Next (higher) Medal of Honor
Same Army - Distinguished Service Cross
Navy - Navy Cross
Air Force - Air Force Cross
Next (lower) Distinguished Service Medals: Defense, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard
The Navy Cross is the second highest medal that can be awarded by the Department of the Navy and the second highest award given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard but could be awarded to all branches of United States military. It was established by Act of Congress (Pub.L. 65-253) and approved on February 4, 1919. The Navy Cross is equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross (Army) and the Air Force Cross.
This is a new dimension Jeff...
supporting Stacy Ross and now putting up this puff piece on Gates. After crapping the Judges for a year guess you are trying to make nice nice with them..
Its not a new dimension, this article is well deserved.
This post is for all those who say thta this Blog is just about tearing things down. Judge Gates, thank you for your valor and your service to our Country then and now.
The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers wants AG Bill McCollum to sue the state over a new law that revamped the system of providing public defenders to the accused.
"We cannot jeopardize the integrity of Florida's constitution," said FACDL President A. Russell Smith. "While we appreciate the need of the government to address budget concerns, the legal system cannot afford to sacrifice its ability to provide due process to citizens accused of a crime."
From the group's press release:
Florida Law 2007-62, also known as SB 1088, went into effect on July 1, 2007. It primarily affects those cases in which the Public Defenders’ offices must withdraw from a case due to an ethical conflict of interest. In these cases, SB 1088 has created a second set of Public Defenders, which are appointed by the Governor to the Offices of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel. These offices were created in five Florida cities to represent defendants who cannot receive counsel from a traditional Public Defender because of ethical conflicts.
The FACDL has asked for the lawsuit due to concerns with the constitutionality of the new system, which the organization argues was created as a budget-saving measure rather than a genuine improvement to the structure of the legal system.
According to Article V of the Florida Constitution, Public Defenders must be elected, not appointed, and must reside in the judicial circuit where he or she was elected. The newly appointed public defenders created by SB 1088 are not required to comply with these provisions.
Legal experts are calling the new system unworkable, and state that evidence is mounting throughout the state that SB 1088 is already causing serious problems in the criminal justice system, making it difficult for some disadvantaged citizens to access legal services and delaying prosecutions of serious violent crimes.
Although Governor Crist signed the legislation, in his signing statement the Governor expressed concerns, describing the replacement of the previous system as a “radical replacement,” and also recognizing that the cases-to-attorney ratio afforded by the new law “may be challenging” for the regional offices to handle.
“We believe that the Governor has a full understanding of the grave risk this legislation poses to the rights of Florida ’s citizens,” Smith said. “Although we are technically required to be opponents in this lawsuit, we share a deep respect for our state Constitution, and a strong desire to uphold its principles.”
FACDL is seeking a Writ Quo Warranto from the Florida Supreme Court. A Writ Quo Warranto is used in modern law by the court to determine whether a governmental official or agency has acted unconstitutionally, or overstepped the scope of its authority. Florida law requires the Association to ask the Attorney General to file the lawsuit first. If the Attorney General refuses or fails to act, the law allows FACDL to bring suit.
Cute picture of a model boat
pucker up!
The other judges deserve to be "craped on". What's wrong with giving credit due to someone that deserves it, unlike many others.
that model boat is a replica of the riverline boats used on the vietnamese rivers.
is that the tidy bowl man?
For those about to rock, we salute you
For those about to rock, we salute you
For those about to rock, we salute you
Yes we do
For those about to rock, we salute you
Don't forget about Judge Murphy (MM) - also wounded and decorated in Vietnam.
And don't forget about all the court deputies, courthouse staff, BSO, etc. who served bravely in Vietnam and Iraq.
We Salute You, Mr. Former Male Exotic Dancer.
Congratulations to Judge Gates for this award. He used to have cajones, but where have they gone now? He fears his own shadow as well as upsetting the state attorney.
You mean the two wars we had no business becoming involved in to begin with except to as I suspect lose our international prestige as well as the war? Those wars?
Ahh. Vietnam. Is it true that only 2 of our illustrious judges served? Very George Bush-like fellas.
Notes from a passerby:
1. Very few judges, if any, are afraid of mike satz
2. most intelligent judges are concerned and would be disappointed if they let out a violent defendant who then goes out and commits a new violent offense
3. Burglary Dwelling, i.e. breaking into someone's house is a violent offense. You break into my house you will be greet by mr. smith and wesson
4. broward has a fine judiciary and i salute them all
5. this blog is abused to trash judges unfairly under cover of anonymous
6. Jeff you are one of the few not afraid to tell it how you see it . i commend you.
7. Gelin instead of blaming every malady on satz and the judges why don't you offer specific suggestions of how non-violent offenders can receive alternative sentences. You may be surprised. Satz and the judges may listen to what you have to say. They are not going to listen to generalizations of how this county sends more people to prison, those people belong there. what goes on in dade is not justice.
8. Maury my brother, I will call you and will be there at any contempt hearing and will be there for any other related problems you may have. You my friend try cases. Something more people around here should start doing instead of blaming it all on satz and the judges.
P.S. Judge Gates, my family and I thank you for your bravery and courage in standing up and risking your life so the world can be more free and democratic. You Sir are a Hero. God Bless you. Oh no! Can you say God Bless you on this Blog?
Maury - I hope that the nonsense you are going through gets quickly resolved. Sounds like a bunch of absolute crap. And remember to call Anonymous Poster of 12:48pm as your witness. With friends like anonymous willing to stand up for you, I am sure all will be well.
Can I get a witness,
You are the ultimate hypocrit. Criticizing someone for blogging an onymously in an anonymous blog. Maury knows who I am and that I will be there for him. You won't be there for Maury.
12:48 poster
Nothing will come of it. Gold does it all the time. It's just to get attention. He really thins he's something, doesn't he?
FU McNamara. Whiny b-t-h.
All gave some...... Some gave all. Thank you Michael
Those "two wars" were started by politians not Judge Gates or any other sailors, soldiers or U.S. Marines. Started by scumbag politians. The 18-20 year warriors who fought, bled and died for their actions are tired of your crap rheteric. Especially Viet Nam veterans. Forty years is enough.
Lawyers "protecting" freedoms my A$$.
In the end as my favorite Marine Corps colornel said..
"You want me on that wall. You need me on that wall"
Grab a rifle son and stand a watch.
Unlike the politicians, Judge Gates didnt send soldiers to their deaths, Judge Gates on the other hand was willing to receive death to keep his fellow soldiers from death. What the politicians did was easy, what Judge Gates did was heroic!
McNamara sucks a--. Loser. Do you even have a job McNamara?