WW2 Navy Cross Recipient

Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Josiah Scott Bell (544574), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Rifleman in a platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 to 26 February 1945. 

Advancing on a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse after landing on the fire-swept beachhead on D-Day, Private First Class Bell gained the entrance of the emplacement against a shattering barrage of machine-gun fire and, launching a daring lone attack with grenades, succeeded in destroying a machine gun and several of the enemy therein. Unable to reduce the intricate construction alone, he again exposed himself to devastating fire to direct a flame thrower tank in completing its destruction. When his platoon leader became a casualty during a subsequent bitter action, he promptly assumed command and, after reorganizing his men, advanced with a companion to destroy a machine-gun nest which had been inflicting heavy casualties and retarding the advance of his platoon. Continuing his daring tactics when machine-gun fire emanating from a cave to the front of the line halted the advance, he again volunteered to rush the position and, hurling his grenades with deadly accuracy, assisted in killing three of the Japanese and in destroying a machine gun. 

By his fearless initiative, forceful leadership and valiant fighting spirit maintained in the face of overwhelming odds, Private First Class Bell contributed materially to the success of the bitterly fought Iwo Campaign, and his selfless conduct and inspiring devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 34930 (January 10, 1946)

JOSIAH SCOTT BELL

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