- Rank: Seaman 2nd Class
- Serial No: 382-51-25
- Branch: US Navy
- Home Town: Los Angeles, CA
- Date Of Birth: January 25, 1923
- Age: 18
- Height: 5'-5"
- Disposition: Unrecovered
- Family DNA on File:
S2c Richard Leroy Bell
Richard Leroy Bell was born Jan. 25, 1923, in California to Amelia Smith Bell, a homemaker, and Wayne LeRoy Bell, an auto parts salesman.
At the time of the spring 1940 Census Richard, the oldest of three children, had completed three years of high school in Los Angeles.
He enlisted in the Navy on July 28, 1941 in Los Angeles, California and completed his basic training at the San Diego Naval Training Station. Richard boarded the U.S.S. Arizona for duty on October 10, 1941 and was a seaman second class on the U.S.S. Arizona when he was killed that Dec. 7 in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Richard Bell, Summer 1941 (Photo: Sue Owen-Pierce)
Sources: Photos provided by niece Sue Owen-Pierce, Mercury News of San Jose, California; Census; Navy muster roll; California birth index. Navy photo taken at the USS Arizona Mall Memorial. This profile was researched and written on behalf of the U.S.S. Arizona Mall Memorial at the University of Arizona and Operation 85.
NOTE: If you are a family member related to this crew member of the U.S.S. Arizona, or have additional information, pictures or documents to share about his life or service to our county please contact us through our FAMILY MEMBER SUBMISSION FORM.