Sergeant Ray Beasley served in the United States Army during World War Two. He was the son of William and the late Mrs. Beasley of Short Creek, West Virginia, USA.
On 25th August 1943, Beasley out walking with a girlfriend along the Stranmillis Embankment, he noticed a man in trouble in the River Lagan. Even though Beasley could not swim, he leapt in to rescue 70 year old Robert McKeown of 148 Earl Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim. The older man was gathering greens for bird food when he fell in the water.
After helping McKeown, Beasley himself got into difficulties and John Murphy of 46 Sunnyside Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim came to the rescue. He threw a bicycle in the river and used the frame to pull both men ashore. Beasley performed CPR on the older man and eventually disappeared into the gathering crowd. He returned to his unit more than 20 miles having first changed his wet uniform at the American Red Cross Club in Belfast. McKeown made a full recovery at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Co. Antrim.
Medals and Marriages
Ray Beasley remained quiet about his role in the rescue and it took weeks for him to be traced. He eventually became the first recipient in Northern Ireland of the Soldier’s Medal. This medal for non-commissioned ranks is the American equivalent of the George Medal. It also comes with a lifelong monetary grant. Authorities finally tracked down Beasley after the US Army received dozens of letters from residents of Stranmillis who witnessed the rescue.
Brigadier General Leroy P Collins presented the Private First Class with the medal. The Commander of Northern Ireland Base Section stated:
It is men like you that make the American Army what it is. This is a happy moment.
He married Theresa O’Reilly, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William O’Reilly of 14 North Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. The wedding took place on 4th August 1945 at All Saints’ Church, Broughshane Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim conducted by Reverend Canon McLister.
Theresa wore a suit of ice blue wool crepe with navy accessories. The Matron of Honour was the bride’s sister, Mrs. Edward C Mayo, wife of another serving member of the United States Army. She wore a pale mauve suit with burgundy accessories. Cecil Webb was Best Man.