J. Estel Bell

Interviewed 21 August 1991
James Estel Bell was born in New Richmond on November 13, 1906. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1925 and was working as a retail manager when he was drafted in March 1944. Mr. Bell was assigned to the 29th Infantry Division, 175th Regiment. He received the Bronze Star in 1945: "On November 26, 1944, Pvt. Bell rendered outstanding service during the enemy counter-attack against the town of ----------, Germany.  Notwithstanding the intensity of enemy fire of all calibers, Pvt. Bell voluntarily carried a message to the command post, reporting the approach of hostile tanks. Pvt. Bell displayed, in this action, a standard of courage that reflects the greatest credit upon himself and the Military Service."