Frank S. Reasoner

Sixty-one years ago today, First Lieutenant Frank Stanley Reasoner, USMC, gave his life while leading a reconnaissance patrol deep inside enemy-held territory near Da Nang, South Vietnam. He was just 27 years old.

A 1962 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Reasoner made the rare decision to accept a commission in the United States Marine Corps rather than the Army—a choice that reflected his desire to serve at the forefront of combat.

On July 12, 1965, his eighteen-man patrol from Company A, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion was operating near the village of An My when it was suddenly ambushed by an estimated 50 to 100 Viet Cong concealed in well-prepared positions.

Walking with the five-man point element, Reasoner found himself virtually cut off from the remainder of his patrol. Without hesitation, he deployed his men, organized a base of fire, and led a determined assault against the enemy. Although the main body of the patrol was pinned down by intense machine-gun and automatic weapons fire, Reasoner repeatedly exposed himself to the deadly barrage to direct his Marines and return accurate fire, personally killing at least two enemy soldiers and silencing a key automatic weapon position.

When his radio operator was seriously wounded, Reasoner crawled through the storm of bullets to render first aid. As the Marine attempted to reach cover, he was struck again. Without a moment’s hesitation, Reasoner charged into the open through grazing machine-gun fire to rescue him.

Before he could reach safety, First Lieutenant Frank Reasoner was mortally wounded.

His extraordinary courage, calm leadership, and complete disregard for his own safety enabled his Marines to maintain their position, repel the ambush, and complete their mission without further casualties.

For his conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, First Lieutenant Frank S. Reasoner was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first United States Marine to receive the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. He also remains the only graduate of West Point’s Class of 1962 to receive the nation’s highest award for valor.

His sacrifice stands as an enduring example of the Marine Corps’ highest ideals—leadership, selflessness, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.