The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Corporal] Berlin W. Bell (ASN: 33658602), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 March 1945 in Germany. As the 2d Platoon attacked well-defended enemy positions in the face of intense artillery, mortar, rocket and small arms fire, both the platoon leader and platoon sergeant became casualties, and disorganization threatened the group. Realizing that hesitation might mean disaster, Corporal Bell immediately led his squad in a daring frontal assault. He killed two Germans and captured six prisoners as his squad overran and secured the positions. Later, when heavy self-propelled gun fire rendered the company positions untenable and the order to withdraw was given, Corporal Bell remained to cover the movement of his squad. Seeing one of his men wounded, he swiftly administered first aid and, while shells crashed in the immediate vicinity, carried his wounded comrade to a place of safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.