The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Garland O. Bell, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 May 1969 while serving with the 919th Engineer Company (Armored), 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date when Quan Loi base camp came under a hostile mortar, rocket and ground attack, Sergeant Bell volunteered to help close a breach in the friendly perimeter opened by the enemy’s initial assault. As it approached the bunker line, the vehicle on which he was riding came under intense hostile fire from three sides. Disregarding the enemy fusillade, he dismounted and began placing accurate suppressive fire on the enemy positions. After several of the crew members of the vehicle were wounded by a satchel charge tossed inside by a retreating hostile soldier, Sergeant Bell quickly killed the enemy infiltrator and then continued to rake the enemy emplacements with devastating fire to halt the hostile advance and allow his comrades to safely evacuate the friendly casualties. His heroic actions were instrumental in closing the breach in the perimeter and forcing the assaulting enemy troops to withdraw. Sergeant Bell’s outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.