Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Joseph S. Bellat (MCSN: 289942), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island in the Palau Group, on 18 September 1944. Penetrating with his unit to the mouth of a draw between a vital ridge and a group of pinnacles during a furious assault against Japanese forces entrenched in the hills north of the airport on Peleliu, Platoon Sergeant Bellat promptly assumed command when his platoon was struck at point-blank range by merciless fire from a concealed enemy gun and, with half the unit killed or wounded, his leader a casualty and the remainder of the force disorganized, worked tirelessly to restore the situation. Subsequently locating the powerful hostile gun, he directed three tanks into firing position and destroyed the weapon despite the loss of two tanks; then, obtaining litter-bearers from the rear, he defied the terrific machine-gun and antitank fire to lead stretcher teams to each squad, personally assisting in extricating the wounded from exposed positions until all the casualties had been treated. Undaunted by the tremendous odds, he reorganized the remnants of his platoon and went forward with the one remaining tank, reconnoitering the draw in a daring attempt to locate enemy pillboxes delivering their converging fire on his force but, ordered to retire under overwhelming field artillery and mortar barrages, coolly and skillfully effected a successful withdrawal, evacuating all wounded in the face of shattering machine-gun fire. An aggressive leader, Platoon Sergeant Bellat, by his resolute initiative, decisive action and great personal valor in a critical situation, removed a serious threat to all our forces in this area and saved his unit from certain disaster. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon Platoon Sergeant Bellat, his gallant comrades and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awards Received