Medal of Honor: Frank S. Reasoner – Vietnam, July 12, 1965

Name: Frank S. Reasoner
Rank: First Lieutenant
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Company A, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps
Date of Action: July 12, 1965
Location: Near Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action:
In the early, uncertain days of America’s full commitment to the Vietnam War, First Lieutenant Frank S. Reasoner led a small Marine reconnaissance patrol deep into enemy-controlled territory near Da Nang. His mission was vital: to gather intelligence on enemy positions in a hot zone dominated by the Viet Cong.

Suddenly, the jungle erupted. Fifty to a hundred Viet Cong fighters opened fire from concealed positions, pinning down Reasoner's men and launching a violent ambush. At the front of the patrol with the five-man advance party, Reasoner didn’t hesitate—he rose to lead. Boldly shouting orders and returning fire, he immediately organized a base of fire to protect his pinned unit. But the volume of enemy machine gun and automatic fire made it impossible for the rest of the Marines to advance.

With rounds tearing through the brush and danger mounting by the second, Reasoner repeatedly exposed himself to provide covering fire. He personally took out at least two enemy soldiers and silenced a critical automatic weapons position, buying precious time for his men.

When his radio operator was hit, Reasoner moved under fire to treat him. When the Marine was hit again trying to crawl to safety, Reasoner ran back into the open—directly through the grazing fire of enemy guns. It was then that he was mortally wounded.

Because of his sacrifice, the patrol completed its mission without further casualties. His fearless leadership, selfless courage, and refusal to abandon a wounded Marine inspired every man who served under him that day.

Frank S. Reasoner was the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War—and the first West Point graduate killed in Vietnam after transferring to the Marine Corps. His name would go on to represent the very best of what it means to lead from the front.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. The reconnaissance patrol led by 1st Lt. Reasoner had deeply penetrated heavily controlled enemy territory when it came under extremely heavy fire from an estimated 50 to 100 Viet Cong insurgents. Accompanying the advance party and the point that consisted of 5 men, he immediately deployed his men for an assault after the Viet Cong had opened fire from numerous concealed positions. Boldly shouting encouragement, and virtually isolated from the main body, he organized a base of fire for an assault on the enemy positions. The slashing fury of the Viet Cong machinegun and automatic weapons fire made it impossible for the main body to move forward. Repeatedly exposing himself to the devastating attack he skillfully provided covering fire, killing at least 2 Viet Cong and effectively silencing an automatic weapons position in a valiant attempt to effect evacuation of a wounded man. As casualties began to mount his radio operator was wounded and 1st Lt. Reasoner immediately moved to his side and tended his wounds. When the radio operator was hit a second time while attempting to reach a covered position, 1st Lt. Reasoner courageously running to his aid through the grazing machinegun fire fell mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit, valiant leadership and unflinching devotion to duty provided the inspiration that was to enable the patrol to complete its mission without further casualties. In the face of almost certain death he gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. His actions upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.