First Lieutenant
United States Marine Corps
Frank Reasoner
Citation
Citation
FIRST LIEUTENANT FRANK S. REASONER
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as CommandingOfficer,
Company A, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division in action against
hostile Viet Cong forces near Danang, Vietnam on 12 July 1965. The
reconnaissance patrol led by First Lieutenant 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 five 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 machine gun 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 two
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 First Lieutenant 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, First Lieutenant Reasoner
courageously running to his aid through the grazing machine gun 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 United States
Naval Service.
LYNDON B. JOHNSON
President of the United States
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