Seven days after General Lee surrendered his army, a Union cavalry force led by General J. H. Wilson moved on Columbus, Georgia. The intent was to secure the city’s naval yards, weapons factories, and supply depots.

On the afternoon of April 16, 1865, Wilson’s regiments, including the partially dismounted 4th Iowa cavalry, rushed the bridge over the Chattahoochee River. During the engagement the 4th Iowa Cavalry helped capture a fort protecting the bridge approach, 12 pieces of artillery and 8 battle flags. Sgt. Bates continued on past the bridge and entered the city. As he moved forward he confronted a rebel color bearer and his battle flag.

General Wilson states:

Sgt. Norman F. Bates, E Company, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, at Columbus, Ga., April 16, 1865, took a rebel and standard in the street three blocks from the bridge.

Other 4th Iowa Cavalry members who received the Medal of Honor in this action include: Pvt. E. J. Bebb, Sgt. H. L. Birdsall, Pvt. H. L. Cosgriff, Pvt. John H. Hays, Cpl. R. H. Morgan, and Pvt. A. W. Tibbets

(The back of Sgt. Bates’ medal is engraved with his name, unit, and the place and date of the deed for which he was recognized.)