COL Theodore S. Bell, USA
Class of 1942
Hometown: Columbia, SC
- Bell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in combat 17-19 May 1945, while serving with the US Army's 77th Division at on Okinawa.
- Bell, then a 1st lieutenant in the US Army, led a night assault of 204 men against a large enemy force on Ishimi Ridge, the center of Japanese defenses on the island. Over three day of intense fighting, Bell's men suffered heavy casualties, often fighting the enemy at point-blank range. Despite being nearly surrounded by the enemy, with little ammo and no food provisions, Bell was ordered to hold his position "at all costs." Bell's men fought off repeated enemy attacks often engaging in hand-to-hand combat, and held their position for 3 days until relief arrived.
- Colonel Bell also served in Korea and Vietnam. He commanded the 2d Training Brigade at Ft. Jackson in SC, and taught at the US Army War College in Carlisle, PA. Among his other decorations are the Silver Star and PH.