Jack C. Bell
Birth: September 30, 1924
Birth: September 30, 1924
Death: February 14, 1945
Death: February 14, 1945
Hometown: Vandergrift, PA
Hometown: Vandergrift, PA
Rank: Private
Rank: Private
Branch: 355 INF, 89 INF DIV WORLD WAR II
Branch: 355 INF, 89 INF DIV WORLD WAR II
Private Jack C Bell was born on September 30, 1924. He lived a short but heroic life, and died on February 14, 1945. Mr. Bell is buried in the Saint Catherines Cemetery in Leechburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Bell was a member of the United States Army Reserve and served in the 355th Infantry Regiment, which was the 89th Infantry Division. On July 15, 1942, the 355th Regiment was ordered into active military service at Camp Carson, Colorado. It participated in the campaign of Rhineland and Central Europe. The 89th, known as the "Rolling W", served with distinction during combat operations in Europe from March-May, 1945. It’s motto was “Get it Done.” The Division battled 57 days of combat in Europe. Mr. Bell was assigned to the European Theater of Operations on January 21, 1945. It’s mission was to conduct planning for the eventual retaking of Europe. His group fought in the Battle of Rhineland. It lasted from August 1944, to February 1945. Mr. Bell died during this battle. The 89th Division continued to fight until V-E Day. Mr. Bell’s division also accomplished many other feats. The 355th was the unit to liberate Ohrdruf. Ohrdruf was a “work” camp, not a “death” camp. Mr. Bell, although, did not participate in the liberation because he died before they liberated it in April, 1945. Mr. Bell was awarded the Silver Star and a Bronze Star. The Silver Star is the third highest decoration for valor in combat. Private Jack Bell died as a brave and courageous man.
Private Jack C Bell was born on September 30, 1924. He lived a short but heroic life, and died on February 14, 1945. Mr. Bell is buried in the Saint Catherines Cemetery in Leechburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Bell was a member of the United States Army Reserve and served in the 355th Infantry Regiment, which was the 89th Infantry Division. On July 15, 1942, the 355th Regiment was ordered into active military service at Camp Carson, Colorado. It participated in the campaign of Rhineland and Central Europe. The 89th, known as the "Rolling W", served with distinction during combat operations in Europe from March-May, 1945. It’s motto was “Get it Done.” The Division battled 57 days of combat in Europe. Mr. Bell was assigned to the European Theater of Operations on January 21, 1945. It’s mission was to conduct planning for the eventual retaking of Europe. His group fought in the Battle of Rhineland. It lasted from August 1944, to February 1945. Mr. Bell died during this battle. The 89th Division continued to fight until V-E Day. Mr. Bell’s division also accomplished many other feats. The 355th was the unit to liberate Ohrdruf. Ohrdruf was a “work” camp, not a “death” camp. Mr. Bell, although, did not participate in the liberation because he died before they liberated it in April, 1945. Mr. Bell was awarded the Silver Star and a Bronze Star. The Silver Star is the third highest decoration for valor in combat. Private Jack Bell died as a brave and courageous man.
