PROM, WILLIAM R. *
Rank and organization: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company I, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF
Place and date: Near An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. 9 February 1969
Entered service at: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Born: 17 November 1948, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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, 2 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 1 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 1 man was critically wounded. Reacting instantly, L/Cpl. Prom moved forward to protect his injured comrade. Unable to continue his fire because of his 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.
William R. Prom's Grave Site
The grave is located in Allegheny County Memorial Park
Block 2J ( Veterans Section), Section 11, Grave 11
1600 Duncan Avenue
Allison Park, PA 15101
412 366-8296
Memorial to William R. Prom
Erected 1995, Located in Reserves Township, PA
Thanks to Clara Prom Burns < mttroyburns@attbi.com >, William R. Prom's sister for the photo's. Clara Prom Burns is in the above photo, which was taken at the dedication of the memorial to her brother.
--- General / Personal ---
Last name: PROM
First name: WILLIAM RAYMOND
Home of Record (official): PITTSBURGH
State (official): PA
Date of Birth: Wednesday, November 17, 1948
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Single
--- Military ---
Branch: Marine Corps
Rank: LCPL
Serial Number: 2421504
Component: Regular
Pay grade: E3
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 0331
--- Action ---
Start of Tour: Thursday, June 13, 1968
Date of Casualty: Sunday, February 9, 1969
Age at time of loss: 20
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Quang Nam
The Wall: Panel 32W - Row 002
Back to Citations
Page Back to Home
Page Send comments and questions to:
neil@mishalov.com