Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously (presented to his family) from Secretary of the Navy Paul H. Nitze on January 31, 1967 at the Pentagon, for his actions as a 1st lieutenant with Company A, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, on July 12, 1965, near Dai Loc, South Vietnam. After graduating from high School in 1955, he joined the US Marine Corps. Following his recruit and infantry training, he had several stateside assignments before receiving an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1958. Upon graduating in June 1962, he received a Bachelor of Science degree and returned to the US Marine Corps as a 2nd lieutenant. The following December he was promoted to the rank of 1st lieutenant and completed Officers Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, in January 1963. He then embarked for a three-year tour of duty with the Fleet Marine Force in the Pacific. During his entire overseas tour, he served with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. Assigned initially to the 1st Marine Brigade, at Kane'Oha Bay, Hawaii, he served with Company B, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion 4th Marines, and moved with his organization to South Vietnam in April 1965. On July 12, 1965, he was leading an 18-man patrol from Company A near Dai Loc, South Vietnam, when it was attacked by a company-sized Viet Cong force, during which he was killed and 3 other Marines were wounded in the engagement. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. The US Navy frigate USS Reasoner (FF-1063) was named in his honor. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "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."