The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] David P. Bell (ASN: 14192130), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 1 April 1945, near Vockenrot, Germany. Returning with reinforcements to aid members of his platoon who had been ambushed near Vockenrot, Germany, Corporal Bell, an assistant squad leader in an intelligence and reconnaissance platoon, advanced to within 200 yards of German positions, where he opened fire and inflicted heavy casualties. When the enemy returned his fire, he calmly signaled to machine gunners to his rear and directed their fire. With utter disregard for the deadly fire concentrated upon him, he advanced toward the enemy, firing and designating machine gun targets, until the enemy withdrew. Through his gallant actions, Corporal Bell assisted in the relief of his platoon and inflicted many casualties on the enemy.