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"Encourace us in our endeavor to live above the common level of life.” These words from the Cadet Prayer seemed to be the code by which <em>Frank Reasoner</em> lived—and died. Certainly on 12 July 1965, half a world away, in a not-too-popular conflict, Frank “lived above the common level of life,” as he laid down his own life in order that another might live. His supreme sacrifice was in every way consistent with his steadfast devotion to duty and his concern for his fellow man.</p>
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Born in Spokane, Washington, on 16 September 1937, Frank began his military career on 2 June 1955 when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Subsequently he won a competitive appointment to the Military Academy and entered with the Class of 1962 in July 1958. His four years at the Academy were not easy ones. Unlike most of his classmates Frank had been separated from the academic environment for a few years, but his drive and determination carried him over hurdles where lesser men would have stumbled. Although the work at West Point was hard and demanding, Frank still found time for extracurricular activities, particularly sports. He was, above all, a superb boxer, winning four different weight classes, a record unmatched by any other cadet. So high were the standards that Frank set for himself in any competition that he managed to excel in any sport he tried. Nothing short of perfection satisfied him, a competitive spirit that carried over into his short, commissioned career. At graduation he chose to be commissioned in the Service he loved the most, the U.S. Marine Corps.</p>
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After a six-month tour at Quantico, Virginia, during which time he married Sally Jo Dimico, Frank took his bride to Hawaii where they were stationed with the 1st Marine Brigade at Kaneohe Bay, Oahu. A year later, their son, Mickey, was born.</p>
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Meanwhile, several thousand miles away, political unrest and conflict in South Vietnam were beckoning Frank to his destiny. In March 1965, the 1st Marine Brigade set sail for Vietnam. During the four months preceding his death, Frank distinguished himself in combat, earning the respect and admiration of his subordinates, his contemporaries, and his superiors. On 12 July, Frank met his death while saving another Marine’s life. It was a tragic loss to his family and to his many friends. His final sacrifice earned for him his country’s highest award for valor, the Congressional Medal of Honor.</p>
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On 29 August 1965, Camp Reasoner was dedicated in Danang, South Vietnam, as a lasting tribute to Frank’s selfless devotion to duty. The hand-lettered sign at the gate reads:<br />
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This camp is dedicated in honor of First Lieutenant Frank S. Reasoner, USMC, whose courage, honor, and devotion were displayed “above and beyond the call of duty” during his valiant action at AnMy in the Danang Sector of Vietnam on 12 July 1965, while serving as commanding officer of Company A. First Lieutenant Reasoner sacrificed his life to save one of his wounded Marines. “Greater love hath no man.”</p>
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On 31 January 1967, in the office of the Secretary of the Navy, the Medal of Honor was presented to Frank’s widow and son. The citation accompanying the medal reads:</p>
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For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer, 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 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 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, 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.</p>
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Here, certainly, was a Marine who “lived above the common level of life.”</p>
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<em>—A Marine classmate</em><br />
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