The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John Jacques Banning (MCSN: 0-102452), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company A, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 25 May 1968, while occupying a defensive position near Hue, Second Lieutenant Banning’s unit was attached to elements of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division when the driver of his tank suddenly observed a large North Vietnamese Army force silently approaching the perimeter and preparing to assault the friendly position. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Second Lieutenant Banning directed his men to wait for the enemy to advance further before commencing fire. When approximately one-half of the enemy had penetrated the perimeter, he directed the delivery of a heavy volume of accurate fire on the hostile force. Ignoring the intense anti-tank rocket fire being directed at his tank, he skillfully utilized a night observation device which enabled him to pinpoint the North Vietnamese soldiers while continuing to direct his tank’s suppressive fire, forcing the enemy to flee in panic and confusion. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in his crew accounting for twelve North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed and numerous weapons captured. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Banning upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.