The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander David Bonar Bell (NSN: 0-78628), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PARGO (SS-264), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine from 3 September to 7 October 1944. In waters under enemy control he aggressively attacked escorted shipping, sinking a freighter of 4,000 tons, and damaging another freighter and a transport for an additional 12,900 tons. He further repeatedly attacked an enemy carrier of the converted cruiser type, of 6,000 tons, leaving this vessel severely damaged, with its bow torn off almost up to the bridge. In addition to inflicting important damage he expeditiously accomplished a very hazardous special mission. On these operations he frequently accepted the additional risk of shallow water and maneuvered his submarine skillfully in the vicinity of doubtfully-charted shoals and reefs to press home the attack. His courage and determination were outstanding. His actions and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander David Bonar Bell (NSN: 0-78628), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Officer-of-the-Deck of the U.S.S. PARGO (SS-264), during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Alert and aggressive, Commander’s Bell’s capable handling of situations as they developed greatly assisted his Commanding Officer in the sinking of 27,500 tons and the damaging of an additional 9,500 tons of enemy shipping. His forceful leadership, skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.