World War II Honoree

Thomas Ernest Bell, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Lydia, South Carolina

Honored By

James O. Sweeny

Relationship

Classmate

CALLED INTO ACTIVE DUTY IN THE ARMY IN 1941, HE WAS ASSIGNED TO E COMPANY, 128TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 32ND 'RED ARROW' DIVISION. HE HAD TRAINING IN THE STATES, INCLUDING THE LOUISIANA MANEUVERS, AND IN THE SPRING OF 1942 LEFT FOR AUSTRALIA, ARRIVING THERE ON MAY 14TH. AFTER FURTHER TRAINING, WAS MOVED WITH THE DIVISION TO NEW GUINEA AND PARTICIPATED IN SEVERAL BATTLES OF THE PAPUAN CAMPAIGN. AFTER REST AND RECUPERATION AND FURTHER COMBAT TRAINING IN AUSTRALIA, WAS COMMITTED TO THE NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN, WHERE HE WAS WOUNDED. FROM THERE HE MOVED TO THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, WHERE HE PARTICIPATED IN THE LEYTE AND LUZON CAMPAIGNS. FOLLOWING A SHORT TOUR OF DUTY IN JAPAN, HE WAS RETURNED TO THE STATES AND DISCHARGED IN 1946. HE EARNED THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, SILVER STAR, BRONZE STAR (VALOR) AND THREE PURPLE HEART MEDALS.