The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander (MC) Luther George Bell (NSN: 0-71763), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Medical Officer on the Staff of Commander, Landing Craft and Bases, ELEVENTH Amphibious Force. Commander Bell displayed outstanding planning skill and professional ability in supervising the preparations and training for medical care and evacuation of casualties which was accomplished with such great measure of success during the invasion of the continent of Europe on 6 June 1944. During long painstaking hours without thought of self, he first planned and then supervised the carrying into effect of these plans. Commander Bell’s performance of this duty was largely responsible for the efficient medical care received by the wounded, which resulted in a small percentage of deaths from casualties. The performance of duty and conduct of Commander Bell were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.