Ralph C. Belt, 70, of Crystal Lake and formerly of Syracuse, N.Y., died Tuesday, Jan. 9, in Sherman Hospital in Elgin. Mr. Belt was an executive for insurance companies for 28 years. He was a private pilot and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for 20 years. Mr. Belt served as a paratrooper, medic and a personal bodyguard to Gen. Douglas MacArthur while stationed in Japan for the Army after World War II, according to his family. He also served in Germany, the Azores and the Philippines and was a participant in the Berlin airlift. Survivors include his wife, Virginia; two daughters, Regina Belt and Ellen Follett; a son, Fletcher; and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 800 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake.
