Frank G. Primmer, United States Army: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, First Lieutenant Primmer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 November 1966 while serving as a platoon leader on a combat reconnaissance patrol. When the company to his left made contact with an entrenched Viet Cong force, Lieutenant Primmer immediately led his platoon forward to provide flanking fire. As the unit advanced, it was pinned down by intense automatic weapons and sniper fire. With complete disregard for his safety, Lieutenant Primmer repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire to encourage his men and organize the defense. Although wounded, he refused evacuation and remained with his beleaguered platoon. While under attack from three sides, he dauntlessly directed air strikes and artillery fire against the hostile positions. Rather than withdraw and leave the casualties behind, Lieutenant Primmer continually inspired his men to hold their position and fight off numerous insurgent attacks during the four hour battle. When a relief force finally arrived, he was again wounded as he directed the evacuation of dead and wounded comrades. Through his courage and leadership heavy casualties were inflicted on the numerically superior Viet Cong force. Lieutenant Primmer’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Primmer’s membership was sponsored by George W. Hughes, DSC, who was one of his OCS classmates along with Joe Marm, MOH and Gordon Mansfield, DSC. Primmer died on January 24, 2013 at the West Palm Beach V.A. Hospital in Florida.