The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Ensign Junior Jack Bell (NSN: 0-363554), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action during the fleet engagement in the East China Sea on 7 April 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based dive bombing plane, he participated in an attack against major units of the enemy Task Force in which a battleship, a cruiser and destroyers were sunk. Under low hanging clouds and through poor visibility, he carried his attack to the enemy through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. With utter disregard for his own safety, he pulled out of his dive on the cruiser and at a low altitude made a strafing run on a destroyer to distract the gunners so that a torpedo plane could make an unopposed run. His determination, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.