Lieutenant JOHN J. BELL, was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while in charge of a scout boat during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from November 8-11, 1942. He maneuvered his boat in complete darkness from 8 miles off the coast into position near the main jetty near the harbor. Despite enemy fire, he steadfastly maintained his station and signaled directions to other ships to guide them to the harbor entrance and to nearby beaches.

Mr. Bell joined the Legion of Valor in 1947.