US Marine Corps Col Van Bell: Korean War Navy Cross Recipient

Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Van Daley Bell, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Executive Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Hwach'on, Korea, on 29 May 1951. Accompanying the reserve platoon during the initial phase of his company's assault against a series of strongly defended hostile positions on a steep, rocky ridgeline, First Lieutenant Bell was quick to act when the leading elements suddenly came under devastating automatic weapons and small-arms fire and the platoon leader and several men became casualties. Moving quickly forward through the intense barrage, he assumed command of the disorganized platoon and, effecting a prompt and skillful reorganization, spearheaded an attack to neutralize three enemy bunkers in succession. Blown from his feet and painfully wounded by a bursting grenade upon reaching the fourth, heavily fortified emplacement, he succeeded in regaining his feet and, although partially blinded from facial wounds, led a final charge to capture the hill. Refusing medical attention, he continued at the head of his platoon to another ridge in pursuit of the fleeing enemy and, although wounded in the leg during the advance, personally directed machine-gun fire on the remaining hostile positions to the front, staunchly refusing assistance until the position had been consolidated. By his valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious perseverance in the face of tremendous odds, First Lieutenant Bell served as an inspiration to all who observed him, and his selfless devotion to duty throughout the bitter action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons & Korean War Collection (COLL/3089) at the Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections

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