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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant James Henry Bell (NSN: 0-121468), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Section Leader in Bombing Squadron SEVEN (VB-7) on 29 October 1944. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from cruisers, destroyers and shore batteries, in utter disregard of his own safety, he pressed home an attack on an enemy heavy cruiser in Manila Bay with coolness and determination, scoring a probable hit. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 7 (VB-7)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 01625 (December 4, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant James Henry Bell (NSN: 0-121468), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Section Leader in Bombing Squadron SEVEN (VB-7), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Sulu Sea in the Philippine Islands, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Flying to extreme range from his carrier against major units of the fleet in the Philippine Islands area, Lieutenant Bell plunged to low altitude and pressed home his attack, despite intense anti-aircraft fire, in utter disregard of his own safety and scored a direct hit on an enemy battleship. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.