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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Blake Bell (ASN: 2337289), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cunel, France, 20 October 1918. When all superiors of the platoon had become casualties, Private Bell assumed command, and efficiently conducted the operations. When his guns had been put out of action, he personally salvaged the parts and resumed fire. When relieved, he safely conducted the remnants of the platoon from the line.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    4th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 20, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Blake Bell (ASN: 2337289), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Private Bell showed the spirit of a leader when on 20 October 1918, in the Bois de Foret northeast of Cunel, upon learning that his platoon commander had been gassed and the only remaining non-commissioned officers killed, he took command of his platoon and guns and kept them in action, doing effective work. Several times when all of his guns were entirely out of action, he personally salvaged parts and put them back into action again. At the time of the relief, Private Bell brought the remained of his platoon safely out of the line. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]