[3] His remarkable career included commanding a platoon, a company, a battalion, a regiment, and a division, making him one of the few officers across all branches of service to have achieved this feat in combat.

Cates was also recognized by the French government with the Legion of Honor, one of the greatest compliments that could be paid any officer,[3] and the Croix de Guerre with Gilt Star and two palms.

[3] Cates organized the available men of his company as well as some other Marines in the vicinity and carried out a successful attack, and subsequent defense of the village.

"[10] "I will hold" became the phrase most identified with Cates as he advanced through the ranks, and is recognized throughout the Marine Corps as a battle cry or slogan intended to improve morale and inspire confidence.

He was prepared to resign his commission until dissuaded by Major General George Barnett, who took Cates on as his aide-de-camp and he served as a White House aide.

In 1935, Cates was assigned to the War Plans Section of the Division of Operations and Training at Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC).

[13] After his first tour of duty in the Pacific, Cates returned to the United States to serve as commandant of the Marine Corps Schools at Quantico until 1944.

[1][4][11] Cates was the recipient of the following awards:[4][7][9][16] Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Clifton Bledsoe Cates (MCSN: 0-155), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 96th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.

While advancing with his company on the town of Bouresches their progress was greatly hindered by withering machine-gun and artillery fire of the enemy which caused many casualties, one of whom was his commanding officer.

Taking command, Captain Cates led them on to the objective despite the fact that he was rendered temporarily unconscious by a bullet striking his helmet and that this was his first engagement.

[19]Citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain Clifton Bledsoe Cates (MCSN: 0-155), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Ninety-Sixth Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918.

While advancing with his company on the town of Bouresches their progress was greatly hindered by withering machine-gun and artillery fire of the enemy which caused many casualties, one of whom was his commanding officer.

Taking command, Captain Cates led them on to the objective despite the fact that he was rendered temporarily unconscious by a bullet striking his helmet and that this was his first engagement.

[19]Citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain Clifton Bledsoe Cates (MCSN: 0-155), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Ninety-Sixth Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Bois-de-Belleau, France, June 13–14, 1918.