Frank S . Reasoner Frank Stanley Reasoner ( 16 September 1937 – 12 July 1965 ) was an officer of the United States Marine Corps who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War . Biography . Reasoner was born in Spokane , Washington in 1937 and moved with his parents to Kellogg , Idaho , in 1948 . Graduating from Kellogg High School in June 1955 , he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps three months before his 18th birthday . Promoted to Private First Class after recruit training at the San Diego Recruit Depot in August , he went on to advanced infantry training at Camp Pendleton , California . He was designated an Airborne Radio Operator in 1956 upon completing Airman School , Naval Air Technical Training Center , Jacksonville , Florida , and the Communication Electronics School at San Diego . He was next assigned to Marine Wing Service Group 37 , 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing , El Toro , California , and while there was promoted to Corporal . He was transferred to the Naval Academy Preparatory School , Bainbridge , Maryland , in 1957 , then served as a guard at Marine Barracks , Annapolis , Maryland . He was promoted to sergeant in January 1958 , prior to receiving Congressional appointment to the U . S . Military Academy , sponsored by Senator Henry Dworshak of Idaho . Successfully completing the Academy ’ s entrance examinations in June 1958 , Sgt Reasoner was transferred to the inactive Marine Corps Reserve and enrolled as a cadet . While at the Military Academy , he lettered in baseball and wrestling winning an unprecedented four straight Brigade boxing championships in four different weight classes . Upon graduation , 6 June 1962 , he was awarded a B . S . degree and returned to the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant . He was promoted to first lieutenant in December of the following year . First Lieutenant Reasoner completed Officers Basic School at Marine Corps Schools , Quantico , Virginia , in January 1963 , then embarked for a three - year tour of duty with the Fleet Marine Force in the Pacific area . During his entire overseas tour , he served with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion . Assigned initially to the 1st Marine Brigade , at Kāne ' ohe Bay , Hawaii , he served with Company B , 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion , 4th Marines , and moved with his organization to Vietnam in April 1965 . On 20 June 1965 , he was designated Commanding Officer , Company A , 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion , 3rd Marine Division , the unit he was with when he was mortally wounded , aged 27 . In his book " A Rumour of War " covering the 4th Marines tour of Vietnam the journalist Philip Caputo states that USS Reasoner ( FF - 1063 ) was named after Reasoner . A Marine Corps camp in Vietnam was named “ Camp Reasoner ” and dedicated to his memory . The hand - lettered sign near the gates of Camp Reasoner read : “ … First Lieutenant Reasoner sacrificed his life to save one of his wounded Marines . ‘ Greater Love Hath No Man ’ . ” ( See for " Greater love . . . " quote . ) Awards . First Lieutenant Frank Reasoner decorations include : Medal of Honor citation . The President of the United States , in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to FIRST LIEUTENANT FRANK S . REASONER UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following " 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 . " RICHARD M . NIXON / s / Richard M . Nixon PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA