Afterwards, he was assigned to the 4th Marine Regiment in China, before serving on board the USS Augusta, where he was Admiral Harry E. Yarnell's bodyguard.

[1] With the outbreak of World War II, Bell was soon promoted to master sergeant and participated in the battles of Guadalcanal and Okinawa with the 1st Marine Division.

[1][5] Bell served at numerous duty stations after leaving Vietnam, including the Marine Barracks at USNB Guantanamo Bay, and Camp Smedley Butler in Okinawa, Japan.

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.

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.

En route, one of the Ontos ran out of fuel, causing the small group to be stranded adjacent to the enemy-controlled village of Phong Ho (2).

At a point located two miles from friendly units, the lead Ontos hit an enemy mine, totally destroying it and causing severe injuries to Lieutenant Colonel Bell and three other Marines.

Upon sighting the relief column and realizing that the safety of the remainder of his group was assured, he calmly called in a helicopter and directed the evacuation of himself and the other wounded Marines.

Through his dynamic leadership, inspiring valor and loyal devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Bell reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.