World War II Honoree

Leo Eugene Bell

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Jay, Oklahoma

Honored By

William E. Shaklee

Relationship

ROTC Classmate

WHILE A SENIOR AT OKLAHOMA A & M COLLEGE, STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA, HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE OFFICERS CLUB; AND MESS SERGEANT OF THE HONORARY SCABBARD AND BLADE. HE WAS APPOINTED SECOND LIEUTENANT MAY 14, 1942, FROM ROTC, OKLAHOMA A & M COLLEGE AND WAS ORDERED TO ACTIVE DUTY TO SHEPPARD FIELD AS SQUADRON TACTICAL OFFICER. HE HAD PILOT TRAINING IN 1943. HE SERVED IN THE EUROPEAN THEATRE OF OPERATIONS AS A FIGHTER PILOT IN 1944 WITH TWO VICTORIES AND 62 COMBAT MISSIONS. DURING 1945 AND 1946 HE WAS A JET FIGHTER PILOT IN THE ZONE OF INTERIOR BEFORE BEING DISCHARGED FROM ACTIVE DUTY.