Medal of Honor: William R. Prom – U.S. Marine Corps – Vietnam War

Name: William R. Prom
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Company I, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Reinforced), FMF
Place: Near An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Born: 17 November 1948, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Summary of Action

On 9 February 1969, during Operation TAYLOR COMMON, two platoons of Company I were returning from a reconnaissance operation when they were suddenly struck by intense automatic-weapons fire and grenades from a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions. The leading element of the column was isolated, and several Marines were wounded in the opening moments of the ambush.

Lance Corporal William R. Prom, serving as a machinegun squad leader, immediately assumed control of one of his machineguns and began delivering return fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he advanced forward under fire to a position that allowed him to place more effective covering fire on the enemy while corpsmen administered first aid to the wounded.

Recognizing that evacuation would be impossible unless the enemy was driven off, L/Cpl. Prom again moved forward, pouring a devastating volume of accurate machinegun fire into the enemy positions. His actions were instrumental in routing the North Vietnamese force and allowed the platoon to regroup and continue its movement.

Shortly thereafter, the platoon again came under heavy fire, and another Marine was critically wounded. Reacting instantly, L/Cpl. Prom moved forward once more to shield his injured comrade. Though he was himself severely wounded and no longer able to fire his weapon, he continued advancing to within a few yards of the enemy positions.

Standing fully exposed to hostile fire, L/Cpl. Prom calmly and accurately directed the fire of his supporting elements, ensuring the pressure on the enemy was maintained. While performing this act of extraordinary bravery, he was mortally wounded. Inspired by his fearless leadership and sacrifice, the Marines launched a determined assault that destroyed the enemy force.

Lance Corporal William R. Prom gave his life so that others might live.

Medal of Honor Citation

PROM, WILLIAM R.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machinegun squad leader with Company I, in action against the enemy. While returning from a reconnaissance operation during Operation TAYLOR COMMON, two platoons of Company I came under intense automatic weapons fire and grenade attack from a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force in fortified positions. The leading element of the platoon was isolated and several Marines were wounded. L/Cpl. Prom immediately assumed control of one of his machineguns and began to deliver return fire. Disregarding his safety, he advanced to a position from which he could more effectively deliver covering fire while first aid was administered to the wounded men. Realizing that the enemy would have to be destroyed before the injured Marines could be evacuated, L/Cpl. Prom again moved forward and delivered a heavy volume of fire with such accuracy that he was instrumental in routing the enemy, thus permitting his men to regroup and resume their march. Shortly thereafter, the platoon again came under heavy fire in which one man was critically wounded. Reacting instantly, L/Cpl. Prom moved forward to protect his injured comrade. Unable to continue his fire because of his severe wounds, he continued to advance to within a few yards of the enemy positions. There, standing in full view of the enemy, he accurately directed the fire of his support elements until he was mortally wounded. Inspired by his heroic actions, the Marines launched an assault that destroyed the enemy. L/Cpl. Prom’s indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.