11/04/1973
Captain John J. Banning was born March 22, 1943 in Joplin, Missouri, and was married November 25, 1967 in North Kansas City, Missouri, to the former Sharon Kay Lucas, together with their two sons, Matthew and Benjamin, the couple maintained their residence in Dale City, Virginia.
Captain Banning graduated from Northwest Missouri State College in June 1967, where he majored in Biology and Sociology. His activities while an undergraduate included the track and swimming teams and membership in
TAU KAPPA EPSILON social fraternity.
Upon receiving a commission as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, Captain Banning was assigned to the Basic School from which he graduated in November 1967.
Subsequent tours included: student in Tank School, Ft. Knox, Kentucky; First Marine Division, Republic of Vietnam; Headquarters Sixth Marine District; student, Amphibious Warfare School; instructor and student
Platoon Commander, the Basic School; Company Commander H & S Company, 2nd Battalion,
4th Regiment, Third Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan.
Personal decorations of Captain Banning consisted of the Silver Star Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Captain Banning’s untimely death occurred on November 4, 1973, in Okinawa, Japan as the result of a motorcycle accident. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.