- SURNAME
Bell
- FORENAME
John Julius
- UNIT
U.S.N.R. Scout boat (USS Harris)
- RANK
Ensign
- NUMBER
0-167055
- AWARD
Navy Cross
- PLACE
North Africa 1942
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Houston, Texas
born 8.9.1913 Boonville, Missouri
son of Anna Augusta (nee Luckhardt) (1869-1950) and Charles Christian Bell (1848-1931)
1943 married Kate Padgitt Rotan (1919-97)
died 22.1.1988 Boonville, Missouri
Walnut Grove Cemetery, Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri
CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John Julius Bell (NSN: 0-167055), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in action during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 November 1942 to 11 November 1942. Ensign Bell was Officer-in-Charge of a Scout Boat from the Transport Ship U.S.S. HARRIS (APA-2) preceding the assault on Safi on 8 November 1942. During complete darkness he skillfully and stealthily maneuvered his boat from the transport area eight miles off the coast into a position off the main jetty of the harbor, and through the exercise of good judgment and excellent seamanship maintained his station. With great intrepidity, while under fire of hostile forces and at the risk of his life, he used signals to guide and direct the U.S.S. BERNADOU and the U.S.S. COLE, and the leading assault waves to the harbor entrance and beaches in the vicinity. The outstanding bravery, professional skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Ensign Bell were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/19762FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21234862/john-julius-bell
Last edited by a moderator:
