Edward Bell served in Europe with General Patton. Staff Seargent Bell was part of "A Battery" in the 736th Field Artillery Battalion, and "A Battery, 194th Field Artillery Battalion" refers to a specific artillery unit that served within the U.S. Army. The 194th Field Artillery Battalion was a part of the field artillery branch and provided fire support for ground troops. These battalions generally operated during World War II and afterward, contributing to various military campaigns. The most significant battle for A Battery, 194th Field Artillery Battalion during World War II was the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 to January 1945. The 194th Field Artillery Battalion, part of the American forces in Europe, played a critical role in providing artillery support to counter the German offensive during this battle, one of the largest and bloodiest engagements for U.S. forces during the war. Field artillery battalions like the 194th typically operated cannons, howitzers, or other artillery equipment to launch projectiles at distant targets, supporting infantry and other units in combat. "A Battery" denotes a sub-unit within the battalion, composed of several artillery pieces and the personnel required to operate and support them. Staff Sergeant Bell's brother, Alexander Bell, also served in World War II. Edward was the eighth of nine children in the Bell family.