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7th Cavalry Letter James F. Bell Medal of Honor
"I would rather die at the front than spend the rest of my life explaining why I was not there."
No other words could more aptly describe the avowed professionalism and selfless devotion to duty of General James Franklin Bell.

Superb one page TLS from then Lt James F. Bell of the 7th US Cavalry. Written to the "Commanding Officer, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois" concerning the ordering of material from the arsenal.
In fine condition with wear as shown in the scan. Two post holes near top of page.

"He is recognized as one of the most brilliant and courageous soldiers of his time. He is especially recognized as an Indian fighter and as a regimental commander in the Philippines, where he earned the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the war with Spain. General Bell is known as "The Father of the Leavenworth Schools" as a result of his forceful and progressive leadership while serving as Commandant of the Infantry, Cavalry, and Staff Schools then located at Fort Leavenworth. The peak of his military career came when he was appointed Chief of the Army General Staff by President Theodore Roosevelt."

$175.00 plus shipping