In 1914, Beasley took part in the United States occupation of Veracruz, 1914, serving as an armed Navy sailor (known as "Bluejackets") tasked with capturing the city's Customs House. Led by Ensign George M. Lowry, Beasley's company was pinned down by "murderous rifle and machine-gun fire." Not wanting to risk his entire company, Lowry asked for volunteers to approach the Customs House from the side. Five men volunteered: Beasley, Joseph G. Harner, Coxswain J. F. Schumaker, Boatswain's Mate Second Class George Cregan, and Seaman Lawrence C. Sinnett.