Frank S. Reasoner

Covered his patrol and ran to save a wounded radio operator.

Frank Stanley Reasoner was born in Spokane, Washington, on 16 September 1937. His family moved to Kellogg, Idaho, where he graduated from high school in 1955. He enlisted in the Marine Corps that June and trained as an airborne radio operator. Promoted to sergeant, he entered the United States Military Academy in 1958. He graduated in June 1962 and returned to the Marines as a commissioned officer.

After officer training, Reasoner served with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in Hawaii. He deployed to Vietnam in April 1965 and assumed command of Company A, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, on 20 June.

Near Da Nang on 12 July 1965, his reconnaissance patrol came under heavy fire from concealed enemy positions. Reasoner organized the advance party's response and repeatedly exposed himself to provide covering fire while trying to evacuate a wounded Marine.

When his radio operator was wounded, Reasoner treated him. The operator was hit again while moving toward cover, and Reasoner ran through machine-gun fire to help him. He was mortally wounded. His leadership helped the patrol continue its mission without further casualties.

His family received his posthumous Medal of Honor at the Pentagon on 31 January 1967. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Kellogg, Idaho. His citation commemorates his covering fire and care for wounded men.

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 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 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 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 U.S. Naval Service.