Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Second Lieutenant

Unit:

1st Engineer Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism while attached to the First Engineer Battalion, fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 26 September to 8 October 1944. Courageously working ahead of his own lines on 26 September, Second Lieutenant Bell skillfully supervised his platoon in the removal of numerous hostile mines and in clearing a field for our tanks despite intense enemy fire, subsequently destroying a strongly-held Japanese cave and enabling our forces to advance. On 28 September, he and two other members of his unit valiantly attacked and captured an enemy pillbox on Ngesebus Island, killing eleven Japanese. Several days later, when one of his men was wounded while the platoon was clearing a heavily defended hostile valley of mines under fierce, persistent enemy fire, he unhesitatingly went to the assistance of the helpless Marine, but was himself mortally wounded as he attempted to render aid. Second Lieutenant Bell's inspiring leadership, tenacious devotion to duty in the face of grave peril and his unselfish efforts on behalf of another were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 07607 (January 1, 1945)
Awarded posthumously.