The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Robert M. Bell (NSN: 0-104828), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces on 13 November 1944, in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Bell led a division of carrier-based planes in repeated strafing runs, despite anti-aircraft fire, on a large enemy transport and an oiler, sinking the oiler and severely damaging and probably sinking the transport. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.