Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Headquarters 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (Headquarters 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Major William F. Beaty (Army Serial Number 022872), Cavalry, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 15 August 1944, in the area of Chartres, France. In his capacity of executive officer he led a night attack by his tank force on the city. After advancing well into the city, the attack was halted by a desperately resisting enemy. Gathering together the remanants of the attacking force, he marched them under murderous close range fire to an assembly area in the outskirts of the city. After reorganizing it under fire, he led them to the Combat Command rallying position. Major Beaty's prompt action, efficient leadership and courage were instrumental in preventing virtual annihilation of the major portion of the command.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 47 (13 September 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Headquarters 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (Headquarters 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Major William F. Beaty (Army Serial Number 022872), Cavalry, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by gallantry in action on 22 January 1945, in the area of Hünningen, Belgium. The task force under Major Beaty's command came under heavy hostile fire in the initial phase of its attack on Hünningen. When his own tank was hit and put out of action Major Beaty, after ascertaining that his crew was unhurt and under cover, moved across the fire-swept field to another tank and continued to direct the operations of his command. The objectives seized, after hard fighting that cost the enemy high losses in men and material, Major Beaty dismounted from his tank and braved intense artillery to reorganize his troops and set up defenses of the area. Major Beaty's inspiring courage and able leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 43 (23 February 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Headquarters 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (Headquarters 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Major William F. Beaty (Army Serial Number 022872), Cavalry, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by gallantry in action on 2 May 1945, in the area of Ludwigslust, Germany. Major Beaty commanded his task force in a daring move on the strategic and well-defended town of Ludwigslust. Arriving in the area well ahead of the other two task forces that were supposed to attack with him, Major Beaty obtained permission to carry out the operation immediately with only the troops of his command. Moving boldly at the head of his column Major Beaty led it in a swift assault on the town and its numerous defenders. His brilliant employment of men and armor so disorganized the Germans that they quickly surrendered. By his courageous and highly effective action Major Beaty seized the town without the bitter fight that had been anticipated and won important objectives without loss of men or equipment.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 87 (30 May 1945).
This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.