James Henry Bell

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James Henry Bell (0-121468), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Section Leader in Bombing Squadron SEVEN (VB-7), embarked from the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Sulu Sea in the Philippine Islands, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Flying to extreme range from his carrier against major units of the fleet in the Philippine Islands area, Lieutenant Bell plunged to low altitude and pressed home his attack, despite intense anti-aircraft fire, in utter disregard of his own safety and scored a direct hit on an enemy battleship. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 01625 (December 4, 1944)