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for service as set forth in the
following
CITATION:
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.
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