71st Anniversary Reunion of Honor, Gene Bell biography

Photo By Lance Cpl. Juan Esqueda | Gene Bell, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima, attends the 71st Reunion of Honor Ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, March 19, 2016. The Iwo Jima Reunion of Honor is an opportunity for Japanese and U.S. veterans and their families, dignitaries, leaders and service members from both nations to honor the battle while recognizing 71 years of peace and prosperity in the U.S. – Japanese alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Juan Esqueda / Released)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.20.2016

Story by Cpl. Devon Tindle 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

United States Marine Corps Cpl. Gene Bell from Banning, California, enlisted in the Marine Corps February 19, 1944.

While with 3rd Marine Division he fought in the battles of Guam and Iwo Jima at the age of 18 years old serving in total two and a half years. Due to short numbers after Guam he was transferred to 81mm Mortars for the Battle of Iwo Jima. “I joined the Marine Corps because I loved America and I wanted to contribute to keeping America great,” said Bell.

• Date Taken: 03.20.2016
• Date Posted: 03.20.2016 02:51
• Story ID: 192945
• Location: OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: BANNING, CA, US