William R. Prom

He covered wounded Marines and fought on despite his wounds.

William R. Prom served as a Marine lance corporal and machine-gun squad leader in Company I, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines. On 9 February 1969, near An Hoa, Vietnam, his unit was ambushed while returning from reconnaissance during Operation Taylor Common. He took control of a machine gun and advanced to cover wounded Marines while they received aid. After helping drive the attackers back, he responded to a second attack and moved to protect another casualty. Severely wounded, he continued forward and directed supporting fire until mortally wounded. His posthumous Medal of Honor recognized his courage and initiative.

Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine-gun 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 an 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 machine guns 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 severe wounds, he continued to advance to within a few yards to 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.