11 January 1945, Cpl. Holtz and Sgt. Gates of C Troop, 2nd Squadron, teamed up to take out a machinegun nest in Machtum. Using cover and move tactics to gain position on the enemy stronghold, Sgt. Gates dropped one enemy with his rifle before it jammed. Cpl. Holtz quickly shot and killed another as Sgt. Gates dispatched the remainder with a well placed grenade.
Sgt. Gates was killed eight days later during the attack on Rehlingen Germany, 19 January 1945. (click picture to enlarge)