COL Robert M. Bell

1923 – 2005

USAF

WWII  KOR  VN

Robert Malcolm Bell was born on February 8, 1923 in New York City.

Bell met Elizabeth Ann Garbisch when he was fourteen and married her in Barrington on March 16, 1942; they raised three children.

Bell left Ohio University when he was activated on January 4, 1943. He flew P-40, P-47 and P-51 aircraft in Africa and Europe for 113 combat missions, receiving decorations that included the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters, a Purple Heart, and a Joint Service Commendation Medal.

After World War II, Bell served his country in the Air Force with nearly 27 years of service. His duties included fighter squadron commander, military advisor to American allies, and Pentagon staff member to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Bell retired from the military to his home town of Barrington, where he worked in aerospace, and later, built a real estate company.

In 1980, Bell and his wife moved to Melbourne, Florida where his service continued with participation and leadership in a variety of causes to benefit his community. He was a golfer, reader, raconteur, and gentleman.

Colonel Robert Bell died January 7, 2005 in Melbourne, Florida, and is buried with his wife in Barrington’s Evergreen Cemetery.

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Remember. Honor. Teach.

Courtesy of Signal Hill Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.