Corporal Dennis Bell, A Soldier's Story
Corporal Dennis Bell, A Soldier's Story
Dennis Bell was born on December 28, 1866, in the Washington, D.C. area. He enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to Troop M of the 10th Cavalry Regiment, one of the famed Buffalo Soldier units that served with distinction during the late nineteenth exposing conflicts of American expansion.
During the Spanish-American War, Corporal Bell served in operations off the southern coast of Cuba. While serving aboard the USS Florida, he was stricken with malaria and confined to the ship to recover. Despite his illness, Bell did not hesitate when a critical situation unfolded during the Battle of Tayacoba on June 30, 1898.
That day, an American reconnaissance landing party came under heavy enemy fire and was pinned down near the shoreline. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Corporal Bell volunteered to go ashore as part of a rescue effort. Alongside Sergeant William H. Thompkins, Sergeant George Henry Wanton, and Sergeant Fitz Lee, Bell repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire while assisting in the recovery of the stranded soldiers.
The rescue mission unfolded under sustained enemy fire from concealed positions, placing the rescuers at constant risk of death. The men also attempted to retrieve the body of Captain Manuel Núñez, who had been killed earlier during the engagement. That effort was ultimately deemed too dangerous to continue, underscoring the extreme peril already faced during the rescue.
For his conspicuous gallantry, courage under fire, and voluntary exposure to life-threatening danger, Corporal Dennis Bell was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions at Tayacoba stand as a testament to the bravery and professionalism of Buffalo Soldiers, whose service was often underrecognized despite its decisive impact.
Corporal Bell remained in the United States Army until 1906 and continued in government service until his retirement. He was an active Freemason and maintained strong ties to his community throughout his life. Corporal Dennis Bell died on September 28, 1953, at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital in Washington, D.C.
He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, where his grave stands among those of the nation’s most honored service members, a permanent marker of courage shown in the face of overwhelming danger.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
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