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.