Other Memories
He finished his tour with the chief of naval operations staff at the Pentagon, then served as deputy commandant of academic affairs at the National War College at Fort Meade. He retired from active military duty in 1970.
Other Memories
He finished his tour with the chief of naval operations staff at the Pentagon, then served as deputy commandant of academic affairs at the National War College at Fort Meade. He retired from active military duty in 1970.
Other Memories
In the 1960s, he served as commodore of Submarine Squadron 14 in Holy Loch, Scotland, and as Supreme Allied Deputy Commander Atlantic for NATO. He appeared to be in line for the post of commander of the submarine fleet in the Pacific in 1968 when he had a heart attack.
Chain of Command
Bell rose from LT to CDR while on board the PARGO (SS-264) and became the Commanding officer.
Other Memories
Three War Patrols on the USS Cuttlefish SS-171 before commissioning the USS Pargo SS-264 and making more Eight War Patrols. Total of Eleven War Patrols.
Criteria The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
Comments Adm. Bell was awarded his Navy Crosses while serving in the Pacific as commanding officer of the submarine USS Pargo in 1945.
The citation for the first Navy Cross states that Adm. Bell, then a lieuten... Adm. Bell was awarded his Navy Crosses while serving in the Pacific as commanding officer of the submarine USS Pargo in 1945.
The citation for the first Navy Cross states that Adm. Bell, then a lieutenant commander, directed the submarine in a special three-day mission that greatly assisted Allied navies in clearing an area in Japanese enemy waters. The Pargo sank hostile ships, then avoided two severe depth-charge attacks before returning safely to port.
In a subsequent war patrol, for which Adm. Bell received the gold star denoting a second award, the submarine penetrated anti-submarine barriers in the Sea of Japan, where it launched torpedo attacks against heavily escorted Japanese convoys, sinking two freighters and damaging two others.
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Criteria The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
Comments Adm. Bell was awarded his Navy Crosses while serving in the Pacific as commanding officer of the submarine USS Pargo in 1945.
The citation for the first Navy Cross states that Adm. Bell, then a lieuten... Adm. Bell was awarded his Navy Crosses while serving in the Pacific as commanding officer of the submarine USS Pargo in 1945.
The citation for the first Navy Cross states that Adm. Bell, then a lieutenant commander, directed the submarine in a special three-day mission that greatly assisted Allied navies in clearing an area in Japanese enemy waters. The Pargo sank hostile ships, then avoided two severe depth-charge attacks before returning safely to port.
In a subsequent war patrol, for which Adm. Bell received the gold star denoting a second award, the submarine penetrated anti-submarine barriers in the Sea of Japan, where it launched torpedo attacks against heavily escorted Japanese convoys, sinking two freighters and damaging two others.
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Criteria The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States whil... The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the award of a Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. MoreHide
Comments Three War Patrols on the USS Cuttlefish SS-171 before commissioning the USS Pargo SS-264 and making more Eight War Patrols. Total of Eleven War Patrols. Bell received: Two Navy Crosses, Two Silver Sta... Three War Patrols on the USS Cuttlefish SS-171 before commissioning the USS Pargo SS-264 and making more Eight War Patrols. Total of Eleven War Patrols. Bell received: Two Navy Crosses, Two Silver Stars and Three Bronze Stars with combat 'V's. MoreHide
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments Three War Patrols on the USS Cuttlefish SS-171 before commissioning the USS Pargo SS-264 and making more Eight War Patrols. Total of Eleven War Patrols. Bell received: Two Navy Crosses, Two Silver Sta... Three War Patrols on the USS Cuttlefish SS-171 before commissioning the USS Pargo SS-264 and making more Eight War Patrols. Total of Eleven War Patrols. Bell received: Two Navy Crosses, Two Silver Stars and Three Bronze Stars with combat 'V's. MoreHide
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments Three War Patrols on the USS Cuttlefish SS-171 before commissioning the USS Pargo SS-264 and making more Eight War Patrols. Total of Eleven War Patrols. Bell received: Two Navy Crosses, Two Silver Sta... Three War Patrols on the USS Cuttlefish SS-171 before commissioning the USS Pargo SS-264 and making more Eight War Patrols. Total of Eleven War Patrols. Bell received: Two Navy Crosses, Two Silver Stars and Three Bronze Stars with combat 'V's. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description
Eight War Patrols on board the USS PARGO (SS-264).
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description
Eight War Patrols on board the USS PARGO (SS-264).
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description
Eight War Patrols on board the USS PARGO (SS-264).
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description
Eight War Patrols on board the USS PARGO (SS-264).
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description
Eight War Patrols on board the USS PARGO (SS-264).
Criteria The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States whil... The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the award of a Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. MoreHide
Comments
In addition to the Navy Cross with gold star, his military decorations include the Silver Star and Bronze Star.
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments
In addition to the Navy Cross with gold star, his military decorations include the Silver Star and Bronze Star.
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description
Eight War Patrols on board the USS PARGO (SS-264).
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description
Eight War Patrols on board the USS PARGO (SS-264).
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with... The Navy and Marine Corps Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. For acts of lifesaving, or attempted lifesaving, it is required that the action be performed at the risk of one's own life. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description
Submarine War Patrols (Pacific). Eight Combat Patrols on board the USS PARGO (SS-264) and Three Combat Patrols on the USS Cuttlefish (SS-171).
Other Memories
Bell served on three battleships before attending Submarine School in 1940. Two of the ships were the USS Idaho BB-42 and the Colorado BB-45.
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Other Memories
As war clouds gathered in the Pacific, the fleet increased the tempo of its training operations. Idaho carried out fleet tactics and gunnery exercises regularly until arriving with the battle fleet at Pearl Harbor on 1 July 1940. The ship sailed for Hampton Roads on 6 June 1941 to perform Atlantic neutrality patrol, a vital part of US policy in the early days of the European fighting. She moved to Iceland in September to protect American advance bases and was on station at Hvalfjörður when the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December catapulted America into the war.
Other Memories
Adm. Bell, who lived in Annapolis since 1991, was born in Fargo, N.D., and raised in Washington, where he attended Central High School, Columbian Preparatory School and George Washington University. As a young man, he served as a fireman in the Naval Reserve.
He finished his tour with the chief of naval operations staff at the Pentagon, then served as deputy commandant of academic affairs at the National War College at Fort Meade. He retired from active military duty in 1970.