The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Earl C. Bell (NSN: 0-301169), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy while embarked in the U.S.S. CHENANGO (CVE-28), in action in the Nansei Shoto during the period 1 April 1945 to 12 May 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bell completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.