Lt. Colonel Beans was transferred to the command of the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion on June 16, 1943, and subsequently participated in the Bougainville Campaign. He led his battalion during the Landings at Cape Torokina on November 9, 1943. Beans participated in the landing and while his men were pinned down by enemy fire, he didn't hesitate move his command post to the front lines and without regard for his own personal safety, rallied his men and immediately launched a counterattack. He remained in the front line area for next eight hours and drove enemy out from its position with inflicting heavy losses on his side. For his inspiring leadership, courage and intrepid fighting spirit, Beans was decorated with the Navy Cross.