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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles W. Bell (ASN: 0-533411), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the **** Sector, Normandy, France, on 2 August 1944. While reconnoitering for a river crossing in advance of his platoon, a group of enemy soldiers de-trucked from a half-track vehicle within 25 yards of his position. Lieutenant Bell opened fire with his carbine, killing two and wounding at least one of the enemy. When the enemy returned fire and charged with fixed bayonets, Lieutenant Bell jumped into the river and, swimming on his back, continued to fire at the enemy to cover withdrawal of his scouts. After reaching the safety of the opposite bank and informing his company commander of the situation, he returned to his platoon which had become pinned down by heavy fire from a concealed enemy machine gun emplacement, and, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, skillfully led the platoon from the danger area. The gallant actions of Lieutenant Bell, his resourcefulness, coolness, and utter disregard for personal safety, reflect high credit upon his character as an officer and are in accord with the high traditions of the Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    *** Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 27, 1944
    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 58 (December 26, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles W. Bell (ASN: 0-533411), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, on 27 November 1944. Lieutenant Bell, Commanding Company A, *** Infantry Regiment, led an attack against the enemy in ****. When they reached a swollen stream, he jumped into the chest-deep water and supervised construction of a foot bridge. He led his men skillfully and took the defending enemy tanks and foot troops by surprise. He personally directed placement of machine guns and rocket launchers, constantly exposing himself to enemy fire as he proceeded from building to building. After the enemy had been driven from the town, they counterattacked with tanks and armored vehicles, but were repulsed with heavy losses because of Lieutenant Bell’s ingenious placement of weapons at strategic points in the town, and his prompt call for artillery support. As a result of Lieutenant Bell’s aggressive leadership, tactical acumen, and complete disregard for his own safety, his company destroyed or damaged four enemy vehicles, killed twenty Germans and captured fifteen, without a single casualty and attained their objective ahead of schedule. 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 and the United States Army.