U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
Robert Bell
1993
Robert H. Bell served the U.S. Marine Corps.
How He Died
Manner
Natural
Cause
Natural disease, unspecified
What Happened
Corporal Bell died after contracting AIDS from a blood transfusion received following a line of duty injury. On January 14, 1981, Corporal Bell was assisting another trooper during a struggle with a suicidal man on Kirkwood Highway. During the struggle, Corporal Bell received a severe back injury, which required surgery and a blood transfusion. The blood he received during the surgery was tainted with AIDS, which Corporal Bell then contracted. The blood was traced to the original donor, who was confirmed to be suffering from the virus as well. Corporal Bell was a United States Marine Corps Reserve veteran and had served with the Delaware State Police for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, a daughter, three sisters, and five grandsons.
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
Delaware State Police
Corporal
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqvpht6h1a60q103ddcv
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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