Patrick N. L. Bellinger
Patrick Nieson Lynch Bellinger | |
|---|---|
Bellinger as Vice admiral during World War II. | |
| Nickname(s) | "Pat" |
| Born | October 8, 1885 Cheraw, South Carolina, US |
| Died | May 30, 1962 (aged 76) Clifton Forge, Virginia, US |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1907–1947 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Service number | 0-6598 |
| Commands | Naval Air Force Atlantic Patrol Wing Two Naval Air Station, Norfolk USS Ranger USS Langley USS Wright |
| Battles / wars | Occupation of Veracruz World War I World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross Distinguished Service Medal |
| Relations | Patrick Neeson Lynch, 3rd Bishop of Charleston, South Carolina (grand-uncle) |
Patrick Nieson Lynch Bellinger CBE (October 8, 1885 – May 30, 1962) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Navy with the rank of Vice Admiral. A Naval aviator and a naval aviation pioneer, he participated in the Trans-Atlantic flight from Newfoundland to Azores in May 1919 and was decorated with Navy Cross, the United States military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor.
During the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor, Bellinger served as Commander, Patrol Wing Two and he was responsible for sending the message, "Air raid, Pearl Harbor. This is no drill", which was the first notice to the outside world of the attack. He was later appointed Commander, Naval Air Forces, Atlantic and distinguished himself during the U-boat campaign with Atlantic Fleet.