Colonel Theodore S. Bell, U.S. Army, Ret., passed away on June 6th due to complications from a stroke. Col. Bell was born on February 11, 1920 in Atlanta, Ga., and was the son of the late Clarence Bell and Laura May Spear Bell.
Col. Bell graduated from The Citadel in 1942 and was immediately deployed with the 77th Division to the Pacific Theater. As a first lieutenant, Bell fought in the invasion of Okinawa, where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for the battle for Ishimi Ridge. Col. Bell went on to complete 30 years in the Army, serving at the Infantry School at Ft. Benning, Ga.; advisor to the Taiwanese Infantry School; tours in Korea, Germany, The Pentagon; and Commander of the 2nd Training Brigade at Ft. Jackson. He completed his career on the faculty of the War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. After his retirement in 1972, Bell worked for the South Carolina Veterans Training Office for ten years. He earned a master’s degree in International Studies from George Washington University.
South Carolina Educational Television paid tribute to Col. Bell by producing a documentary of his battle entitled “Man and the Moment.” The Citadel has honored him by placing a portrait of him in their library with other distinguished graduates.
Surviving are son, Ted Jr. (Citadel, Class of 1970); seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by wife, Mary Hill Bell; and daughter, Allyson. Mrs. Bell died on May 1st of this year. Their 71st wedding anniversary would have been May 17th.
Ted and Mary will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in the near future.
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