Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Clarence
Edwin
Bell
Jr.
1916-07-25

–

2008-03-05

Home:

Norfolk

, 

Virginia

Clarence Bell graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1939. He retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    February 1971 – October 1973

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Clarence Edwin Bell, Jr. (NSN: 0-82556/110), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, from February 1971 through October 1973. Vice Admiral Bell exercised brilliant leadership and sound judgment in maintaining his Force at maximum readiness and in successfully accomplishing the mission of his key Atlantic Fleet Command. His innovations in the art of amphibious warfare, including advanced command and control techniques, bulk cargo movement improvisations, ship-shore movement, and air control management not only ensured the increased capabilities and versatility of the Force but also will have a profound impact on future amphibious operations. Vice Admiral Bell’s dedicated interest in the welfare of Force personnel resulted in the initiation of many beneficial programs which have had a positive effect on morale and human relations. His superb performance of duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Tinosa (SS-238)

    Action Date:

    October 27 – December 16, 1943
    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 77 (October 26, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Clarence Edwin Bell, Jr. (NSN: 0-82556/110), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Torpedo Data Computer Operator of the U.S.S. TINOSA (SS-238) during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled water from 27 October to 16 December 1943. Furnishing his Commanding Officer with valuable information during approaches and attacks on enemy shipping, Lieutenant Commander Bell contributed directly to his vessel’s success in sinking four hostile ships totaling 18,544 tons, in damaging an additional ship of 7,210 tons and in evading enemy countermeasures. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Tinosa (SS-238)

    Action Date:

    January 10 – March 4, 1944
    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 73 (September 3, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Clarence Edwin Bell, Jr. (NSN: 0-82556/110), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. TINOSA (SS-238), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 10 January to 4 March 1944. Furnishing a valuable flow of information, Lieutenant Commander Bell rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks against enemy shipping to sink three freighters totaling over 16,000 tons and damaging two others totaling over 9,000 tons and in employing effective evasive tactics during severe enemy counterattacks. His skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    October 1964 – February 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Clarence Edwin Bell, Jr. (NSN: 0-82556/110), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from October 1964 to February 1967, as Deputy Director for Inspection Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Administration). This joint Directorate was established to provide both the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff with an additional capability to measure unit effectiveness of the unified and specified commands and the defense agencies. As one of the two initial deputy directors, Rear Admiral Bell made major contributions in the critical planning required to develop inspection methodology, concepts, and procedures necessary to conduct inspections of the highest level of command and management in the Department of Defense. Moreover, he was able to rapidly develop effective working relationships with key officials of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, and the Service staffs. As a result, the Directorate was organized, manned and completely prepared for implementation of the inspection schedule in a minimum of time. During implementation of this schedule, Rear Admiral Bell, as Team Chief, provided outstanding leadership for the inspections of the Atlantic Command, Defense Supply Agency, Continental Air Defense Command, and the U.S. Southern Command. His objectivity, attention to detail, and cooperative attitude significantly enhanced the results of these inspections. Most importantly, unit effectiveness was significantly improved. Rear Admiral Bell’s clearly outstanding accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    July 1969 – January 1971

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Clarence Edwin Bell, Jr. (NSN: 0-82556/110), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director, Navy Program Planning and Scientific Officer for the Center for Naval Analysis in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations during the period July 1969 to January 1971. As the Navy’s senior planning, programming and budgeting official, Vice Admiral Bell was responsible to the Chief of Naval Operations for developing and coordinating many Navy programs having significant effect on the defense of the United States. His extensive knowledge of budgetary processes and techniques of financial management, and his complete dedication to his planning and programming responsibilities, were essential to the Navy’s formulation of two complete fiscal budgets, three major budget revisions and many key reprogramming decisions. Throughout his tenure Vice Admiral Bell consistently demonstrated astute judgment in the allocation of financial resources and an outstanding appreciation for both present and future needs of the Navy. As Scientific Officer for the Center of Naval Analyses, his foresight and balance in directing the Navy’s study program produced results of immediate and long-lasting benefit to the Service. To a noteworthy degree, his untiring efforts and forthright acceptance of numerous, major responsibilities have been instrumental in the nation’s achieving maximum naval preparedness within available resources. Vice Admiral Bell’s dedicated and distinguished performance of duty throughout this period reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.