World War II Honoree

James William Bell

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Lockesburg, Arkansas

Honored By

William Claud Bell

Relationship

Son

ASSIGNED TO THE MINESWEEPER USS GLADIATOR AM-319 IN THE PACIFIC. THE GLADIATOR INCLUDED THREE TYPES OF SWEEP GEAR: ACOUSTIC, MAGNETIC AND ANCHORED. IT WAS ALSO ANTI-SUBMARINE EQUIPPED. IN ADDITION TO MINE SWEEPING THE GLADIATOR PROVIDED NIGHT SMOKE SCREENS FOR LARGE ATTACK SHIPS TO DIVERT JAPANESE BOMBERS. IN THE 20 MONTHS ABOARD THE GLADIATOR WENT FROM SEAMAN SECOND CLASS TO BOATSWAIN’S MATE SECOND CLASS.