Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Tommy
Ila
Bell
1930

–

February 14, 2011

Born:

Jacksonville

, 

Texas

Home:

Hollister

, 

Missouri

Tommy Bell enlisted in the Air Force in 1952 as an Aviation Cadet. He retired in 1980 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Tommy Ila Bell, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an F-4C Fighter Pilot and subsequently as Operations Officer for the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia, from 1966 to 1967. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    1979 – 1980

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Tommy Ila Bell, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating as Director of Development and Production in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Research, Development and Acquisition, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., from 1979 to 1980. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Bell culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.