Harry C. Beasley (November 1, 1889 – July 2, 1931) lived a life of both remarkable valor and tragic sacrifice. As a U.S. Navy sailor, he distinguished himself during the United States occupation of Veracruz in 1914, where he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Years later, after serving again in World War I, Beasley returned to his hometown of Newark, Ohio, to work as a police officer. His life ended violently in 1931 when he was shot and killed while protecting his community, his killers never being brought to justice.
Early Life and Naval Service
Born in Newark, Ohio, in 1889, Harry C. Beasley grew up in a modest Midwestern town before joining the United States Navy. He served aboard the battleship USS Florida, where his life would change forever during one of the Navy’s most dangerous operations of the early 20th century.
The Veracruz Campaign
In April 1914, the U.S. military launched an occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, following tensions with the Mexican government. Beasley, then a seaman, was among the “Bluejackets”—armed sailors tasked with storming key defensive positions. His unit, under the leadership of Ensign George M. Lowry, attempted to seize the city’s Customs House, a stronghold defended by entrenched riflemen and machine gunners.
When Lowry called for volunteers to approach from a dangerous alley under heavy fire, Beasley stepped forward without hesitation. Alongside four others, he advanced through a hail of bullets. In the fierce firefight, Beasley was wounded, and one of his comrades, Coxswain J. F. Schumaker, was fatally shot. Despite the peril, the team pressed on, scaling the Customs House wall and forcing the defenders to surrender.
For his bravery in the face of near-certain death, Beasley received the Medal of Honor. His heroism placed him among the Navy’s most celebrated sailors of the Veracruz campaign.
Service in World War I
Following his initial discharge, Beasley briefly left the Navy. However, when the United States entered World War I, he reenlisted, serving until 1921. Rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, he embodied a career of discipline, courage, and loyalty to his country.
Newark Police Service
In 1924, Beasley returned home and joined the Newark Police Department. As an officer, he brought the same dedication he had shown in the Navy. Respected by colleagues and citizens alike, he was known for his calm presence and steadfast commitment to duty.
Tragically, Beasley’s law enforcement career was cut short. On the evening of June 30, 1931, while patrolling downtown, he encountered an armed gang attempting to steal a safe from a local shoe store. The criminals opened fire, striking Beasley multiple times. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his wounds two days later, on July 2, 1931. His murderers were never identified, leaving his case one of Newark’s most haunting unsolved crimes.
Legacy
Today, Harry C. Beasley is remembered both as a decorated war hero and as a fallen officer who gave his life in service to his hometown. His Medal of Honor and other military decorations remain on display in the Newark Police Department lobby, donated by his surviving relatives.
Beasley’s story bridges two worlds—one of battlefield valor and one of local service. His courage at Veracruz earned him national recognition, but his tragic death on the streets of Newark underscores the dangers faced daily by law enforcement officers. Though his killers escaped justice, his memory endures as a symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to duty.
