Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Virgil W. Banning (MCSN: 0-6740), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 23 April 1951. When a determined night assault by a large hostile force of regimental strength deeply penetrated a friendly unit and threatened the west flank of the Marine Division, Lieutenant Colonel Banning led his battalion in a forced march across six kilometers of extremely rugged mountainous terrain to reach a vitally strategic position on top of a 900-meter ridge and halt the enemy attack. Although engaged in fierce fighting almost immediately upon reaching the objective, he boldly exposed himself to intense hostile small-arms and mortar fire to skillfully organize a defensive position, direct his battalion in beating off repeated assaults by the enemy and move among the men with words of encouragement. Receiving orders on the following morning to disengage and take up further blocking positions, he removed all casualties with the battalion while successfully breaking contact with the enemy, evacuating 93 dead and wounded by litter from the fire-swept ridge line. By his brilliant leadership, Lieutenant Colonel Banning served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the success of his division in averting the threat of encirclement by the enemy. His outstanding courage, professional skill and valiant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    February 21 – April 25, 1951

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Virgil W. Banning (MCSN: 0-6740), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea during the period from 21 February through 25 April 1951. Lieutenant Colonel Banning consistently displayed outstanding professional skill, courage, and initiative in leading his battalion in the attack north from Wonju, and in the defense of the division flank at the Mojin bridge. Operating under difficult extremes of weather, over rugged mountainous terrain, he disregarded completely his own safety and fatigue in deploying his companies, and demonstrated excellent tactical knowledge both in the attack and in the defense. A most capable and inspiring leader, he expertly led his battalion to the completion of all assigned missions, thereby aiding materially in the success achieved by the regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Banning’s skilled service and exemplary conduct throughout this period, until he was seriously wounded by enemy fire and forced to submit to evacuation over his own protests, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.