Paul L. Bates | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Paul Levern Bates |
| Born | March 4, 1908 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | February 21, 1995 (aged 86) Dunedin, Florida, U.S. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1941–1963 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands | 761st Tank Battalion |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |  Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal (2) Purple Heart |
Paul Levern Bates (March 4, 1908 – February 21, 1995) was a United States Army officer. He served a distinguished and decorated career in the Army, which most notably included commanding the first black tank battalion to enter combat in World War II. He also became well known as the white colonel who refused to court-martial future Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson.