The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William T. Bell (NSN: 0-185978), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while participating in operations against the enemy off Okinawa Jima on 27 March 1945, as Assistant First Lieutenant and Bomb Disposal Officer of the U.S.S. BILOXI (CL-80). After his ship was hit by a Japanese plane carrying a 500-kilogram bomb which failed to explode and lodged in compartment C-419A, with utter disregard for his personal safety, he entered the partially flooded compartment to inspect the bomb fuze and determine the degree of safety in removing the bomb. Upon its removal he immediately and unhesitatingly defused the bomb head. He accomplished this service disregarding the fact that the bomb was expected to explode at any time, thus sacrificing his personal safety to protect personnel and ship. His cool courage, determination, devotion to duty and prompt action in the execution of this service were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.