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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Joe Bell (MCSN: 70052), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 16th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, 23 June 1918. After becoming separated from his own platoon, Sergeant Bell attached himself to another platoon of the company, and learning that all the runners who had attempted to carry important messages had been killed or wounded, immediately volunteered and made several trips across an open area subjected to a continuous and intense barrage of artillery and machine-gun fire. Sergeant Bell performed this important mission despite the fact that he was almost exhausted when he joined the platoon.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 10, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Sergeant Joe Bell (MCSN: 70052), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Sergeant Bell distinguished himself while serving with the 16th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 10, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Sergeant Joe Bell (MCSN: 70052), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Sergeant Bell distinguished himself while serving with the 16th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 23, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 35 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Joe Bell (MCSN: 70052), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Sixteenth Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, 23 June 1918. After becoming separated from his own platoon, Sergeant Bell attached himself to another platoon of the company, and learning that all the runners who had attempted to carry important messages had been killed or wounded, immediately volunteered and made several trips across an open area subjected to a continuous and intense barrage of artillery and machine-gun fire. Sergeant Bell performed this important mission despite the fact that he was almost exhausted when he joined the platoon.