A Liberty Bell: Still Ringing For All to Hear
"Maam, I am sorry to inform you that your husband, Robert Bell, has been mortally wounded over Kempton, Germany during an air raid. His
plane exploded before he could bail out." These were not the words Robert
Bell's wife was hoping to hear. Unsure if she would ever see her husband
again, she broke down. She had only pictures of him since he left to be in the
Air Force during World War II. Unfortunately, he would never return.
Robert K. Bell was brought into the world on August 19, 1915, by his
parents, Joyce and Clifton Bell. He lived in Port Edwards until he was ten
and then moved to Wisconsin Rapids. He graduated from Lincoln High
School, class of 1934. Bell worked at the Consolidated Water Power and
Paper Company for approximately eight years, until June l9th, 1941, when
he left behind his life and volunteer position in a selective service group. On
that day, Bell entered the military service in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a choice
that brought out the best in him.
After entering the service, Bell trained at Jefferson Barracks in
Missouri and Scott Field, Illinois. During his training in Illinois, Bell
returned home for the last time on a five-day furlough to visit his family.
After basic training, Bell served as an instructor at the Chicago Technical
School until it closed. Bell then transferred to Harlingen, Texas, where he
received his gunner's wings in the October of 1943. Gunner's wings are
certification that one has the abilities to fly and shoot during combat. After
that, Bell's advanced training occurred in Rapid City, South Dakota and
McDill Field of Tampa, Florida.
In March 1944, Bell flew overseas from Savannah, Georgia to North
Africa to begin fighting for his country. He was promoted quickly to the
position of Technical Sergeant and then was sent to an advanced air base in
Foggia, Italy. His wife received Robert's air medal after he completed
twenty-eight missions working with the Flying Fortress unit in Italy. Sadly,
only ten missions later, Bell would breathe his last. On July 18th 1944, when
Bell was only twenty-five years young, a war telegram announced that he
was Missing in Action. Bell had been participating in a raid on
Menningham, Germany as a radio operator and gunner with the 483rd bomb
squadron in the 15th air force when his plane was hit by enemy ammunition
and exploded in mid-air. It was not until over a year later that he was
formally pronounced Killed in Action, valiantly killed for his country.
During his three years in the Air Force, Bell had received four awards,
excluding his air medal: the first being a Presidential unit citation, honoring
his extreme bravery while serving. Eventually, he earned the award again.
The oak leaf placed on the award symbolizes receiving the citation a second
time. He was also awarded a Good Conduct Medal and a Mediterranean
Theater Ribbon as well. The Mediterranean Theater Ribbon recognized his
participation in the air campaigns of World War II. Lastly, he was given a
Purple Heart, which is a decoration awarded in the name of the President to
those who were wounded or killed while serving America.
Bell's memorial service was held in Wisconsin Rapids at St. John the
Evangelist. It was small and simple, yet a beautiful and honoring funeral
attended by the congregation, his relatives, and friends. Many tears and
loving memories were exchanged. Nobody would forget the compassionate
man who was never hesitant to serve his community, his country, and his
world.
Mary Finta, Student
Marshfield Senior High
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