The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Thomas James Bell (MCSN: 1973855), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Squad Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 25 June 1966. During Operation JAY in Chinh An Village, Thua Thien Province, Sergeant Bell’s company was exposed to heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire from fortified Viet Cong positions. While rapidly directing the employment of his machine guns, he saw a member of his squad downed by enemy fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Bell moved from his covered position to aid the wounded Marine. During his dash through enemy small arms fire, Sergeant Bell’s pack was hit, igniting a white phosphorous grenade. He completely ignored the burning pack, which also contained four M-26 fragmentation hand grenades, and proceeded to treat the disabled man. After evacuating him to a safe position, Sergeant Bell removed the pack and threw it into a clear area away from his comrades. Although he suffered great pain from the severe burns on his back and arms, he did not hesitate to come to the aid of his fellow Marine. By his inspiring courage, disregard for his own safety and devotion to duty, Sergeant Bell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.