THE WALL OF FACES

DEAR FIREMAN BELL,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A FIREMAN. IT IS A NEW YEAR, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

BELL, JAMES EVERRETT
F3 US NAVY
DATE OF BIRTH: 01/24/1948
DATE OF DEATH: 06/03/1968
BURIED AT: SECTION MA SITE 102
FT. ROSECRANS NATIONAL CEMETERY
P.O. BOX 6237 SAN DIEGO, CA 92166
(619) 553-2084

Dear FN James Everrett Bell, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

James Everrett Bell
When Washington Post Staff Writer Bill Turque was
walking near the Vietnam Wall on Memorial Day 2006, he
spotted a letter written by a thirteen year old California boy
that had been placed in Panel 61, Row 20, addressed to James
Everrett Bell. It merely said, “I know you were from Watsonville,
California, and you were born on January 24, 1948…. A
brave soldier like you didn’t deserve to be drowned.”
Little information is available regarding James Bell and
his connection with Santa Cruz County. James Everett
Bell was born to Mr. and Mrs. Bell, on January 24, 1948, in
Madera County, California. His mother’s maiden name was
Evelyn Britten. A cousin reported on the Internet that the
Bell family had a number of relatives living in Oklahoma,
suggesting some relationship with that state. His siblings
included at least a brother, Bobby, who was much younger.
James Bell related to a navy buddy that in the summer of his
teen years he had worked at his uncles’ farm “bucking hay.”
In 1966, James Bell joined the US Navy and was sent to
the US Naval Training Center in San Diego for boot camp.
After completing boot camp and fireman training, he was
assigned to the 7th (Pacific) Fleet as a fireman aboard the
USS Vega, a store (supply) ship sailing between “Yankee
Station” (San Francisco) and “Market Time” (Vietnam).
On June 3, 1968, while operating in the Gulf of Tonkin
off the North Vietnam coast, Fireman Third Class James
Everett Bell fell overboard and was drowned. His body was
recovered, returned to California and buried in the Fort
Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.
Source
Remembering our Own
The Santa Cruz County Military Roll of Honor 1861-2010
By Robert L Nelson
The Museum of Art & History @ The McPherson Center
2010
Page 222

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die