Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

5714453 BELL Alec Ernest James, 21, of Perth, WA, was a postman when he was called up for National Service on July 13 1966 and then joined the Army. The rifleman private with 7RAR died at 24 US Evacuation Hospital, Long Binh, on 29 January 1968 of wounds received during an enemy contact in Bien Hoa.

Private ‘Dinga' Bell was platoon medic on the late afternoon of 29 January 1968. In the first few moments of the contact with the enemy the Platoon Commander, 2Lt O'Brien, and all the NCOs were wounded including Private Bell who had received a direct hit from a rocket. Even though shockingly wounded, Private Bell tried to get to the other wounded. When he could not move he gave orders to another soldier as to how to help them. Even when we finally got him on to the Dustoff stretcher, Private Bell was still giving advice as to the care of the other wounded. As he was lifted up through the trees the enemy opened fire again. The Dustoff was forced to leave the area with Private Bell and stretcher hanging underneath. It was later learned that he was dead on arrival at the hospital.