The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Clyde J. Bell (ASN: 34504761), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 15 April 1945. After participating with his unit in the assault crossing of the **** River, Private Bell repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire as he carried messages from his company commander to a mortar section when radio communications failed. Later that day, while making his way along a ditch known to be under enemy observation, he was wounded by rifle fire but proceeded with his mission and refused medical treatment until he had successfully guided reinforcements forward along this route. His intrepidity, disregard for personal safety, and zeal for the success of his mission, are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.