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.