Former Colonist and Marine Corps Brigadier General Nolan J. Beat passed away at age 95. He served his country from October 1942 through April 1976. Brigadier General Beat had the distinction of achieving the highest rank of any Colonist to serve in the United States armed forces. He was buried with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery on Dec. 20, 2014.
During his nearly 34 years of service with the U.S. Marine Corps, Nolan Beat saw tours of duty in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, earning the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” with two Gold Stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with a Silver Star.
Beat was born June 15, 1918, in Electra, Texas. He graduated from Anaheim Union High School in 1936. While at Anaheim he served as student body president and excelled in football, basketball and track. He also was a member of the Varsity A Club, serving as vice president.
Upon graduation from Anaheim, he attended USC and earned a bachelor’s in history and business education in 1942 and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He attended training in Quantico, Virginia, earning a commission as Second Lieutenant.
Beat was assigned to Marine Aviation and became an aircraft maintenance officer. He later served as an air support officer with the 6th Marines during the invasion of Okinawa. Upon returning to the United States in 1944, he earned his master’s degree in history in 1946. Until March 1951, he served with the Marine Corps Reserve District in Los Angeles.
His next assignment was as officer in charge of a team whose mission was to record combat missions of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Korea. Following this assigned he was promoted to commander of a weapons company, then commander of a rifle company. Following this, he served in an outstanding manner in other leadership capacities.
As a Lieutenant Colonel, Beat continued his service as a division supply officer until being reassigned to the III Marine Amphibious Force in South Vietnam in April 1967. He was promoted to Colonel and, in December 1967, assumed the command of the Force Logistics Supply Group – Alpha 3d Service Battalion at Phu Bai, and commanded that unit throughout the Communist Tet Offensive of 1968.
Upon his return to the U.S. in June 1968, Colonel Beat saw duty as a base supply officer in Quantico. After his promotion to Brigadier General, he served as assistant quartermaster general and later as director of Installations and Logistics, Materials Division, until his retirement on April 1, 1976.
He spent his retirement years living in Orange County with his family. He visited with his Anaheim classmates and attended the alumni breakfast and his class reunions.
Anaheim High administration, teachers, staff, students and alumni salute this outstanding Colonist and thank him for his years of service to our country. He will be remembered with by his alma mater.
Semper Fidelis, General Beat!
