Kenneth C Bell

Military

Assigned to 93TCS, 439TCG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) D-day mission to Normandy, hit by flak and set on fire, pilot 2nd Lt Marvin F Muir held his burning aircraft under control until the paratroopers aboard could exit, sacrificing himself and his crew. Crashed St Mere Eglise. Killed in Action (KIA). 6-Jun-44. MACR 7289.



Awards: PH.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 93rd Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 15061487 / O-541641
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
  • Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 93rd Troop Carrier Squadron

Places

Aerial photograph of Upottery airfield looking west, the main runway runs vertically, barrack sites are to the bottom right of the airfield, 15 March 1944. Photograph taken by No. 541 Squadron, sortie number RAF/CT/91/541. English Heritage (RAF Photography).
  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Smeatharpe

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

Howard County, IN, USA 29 January 1919 Son of Margaret M Bell-Fox.

Enlisted

Lafayette, IN, USA 11 November 1942

Died

NE of Sainte-Mère-Église, France 6 June 1944 Failed to Return (FTR) D-day mission to Normandy, hit by flak and set on fire, pilot 2nd Lt Marvin F Muir held his burning aircraft under control until the paratroopers aboard could exit, sacrificing himself and his crew. Crashed St Mere Eglise. KIA. 6-Jun-44. MACR 7289.

Buried

50480 Sainte-Mère-Église, France 7 June 1944 Interred Field Burial St Mere Eglise
Henry County, IN, USA

Based

Upottery 6 June 1944 Assigned to 93TCS, 439TCG, 9AF USAAF.

Buried

Re-Interred Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

Buried

Poplar Grove, Indianapolis, IN 46203, USA Re-Interred Mound Cemetery Poplar Grove Howard County Indiana, USA