REASONER, FRANK S.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company A, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division.

Place: Near Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 12 July 1965.

Entered service at: Kellogg, Idaho.

Born: 16 September 1937, Spokane, Wash.

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 5 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 machinegun 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 2 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 machinegun 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.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: REASONER
First name: FRANK STANLEY
Home of Record (official): KELLOGG
State (official): ID
Date of Birth: Thursday, September 16, 1937
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Marine Corps
Rank: 1LT
Serial Number: 085378
Component: Regular
Pay grade: O2
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 0302

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Unknown/Not reported
Date of Casualty: Monday, July 12, 1965
Age at time of loss: 27
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Quang Nam
The Wall: Panel 02E - Row 036

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