Dear Marine, 

James F. Amos General, U.S. Marine Corps

For ten years now, our Corps has been engaged in continuous combat operations against those who threaten the security of America and our allies. We turned the tide in the Anbar province of Iraq and continue to see success today in southwest Afghanistan. While it has come at a cost ... we have much to be proud of.

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.Action Date: May 25, 1968

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinicians will complete Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQs) for compensation and pension examinations scheduled by VA. As always, VHA and VA-contracted clinicians conduct compensation and pension examinations at no cost. However, Veterans or Service members also have the option, at their own cost, to have their private physicians complete DBQs to provide medical evidence on disability benefit claims.

Who is qualified to complete Disability Benefit Questionnaires?

A private physician with an active medical license is qualified to sign and attest to completed DBQs. The physician must have sufficient medical expertise to conduct a medical assessment regarding the type of DBQ completed.

How are completed Disability Benefit Questionnaires submitted to VA?

Will VA pay for a Disability Benefit Questionnaire completed by a private physician?

No. VA cannot pay for a private physician to complete Disability Benefit Questionnaires or for any costs associated with examination or testing. VA will continue to provide disability examinations at VHA or VA-contracted facilities free of charge as part of its mission to assist Veterans and Service Members with their claims.

Physicians may mail or securely fax completed DBQs to the VA regional office handling the Veteran's or Service member's claim. The Veteran or Service member may also submit completed DBQs directly to the VA regional office in support of their claim, including a Fully Developed Claim, which is an expedited process for a swift decision where the Veteran has provided all relevant evidence to "fully develop" the claim (for more information, see

He joined the Marine Corps right out of High School at the age of 17 and served in Guam during the end of WWII. He returned to his hometown to attend West Chester State Teachers College and majored in Health and Physical Education. Once again, he participated in many extracurricular activities including Friars, Junior Varsity Football, Junior Varsity Wrestling, Day Student Council, Lacrosse, Intramural Basketball, and Serpentine. It was here that he met a lovely young lady named Louann Scheetz, who would become his wife in 1955.

After graduating from college in 1951, he rejoined the Marine Corps as an officer on active duty and subsequently served in Korea, Okinawa and Vietnam. While in Vietnam he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His specialty during his years of combat was that of a Tank Officer. His peacetime specialty was logistics and he also served briefly as a Recruiting Officer. Some of his decorations, medals, commendations and citations include the Bronze Star with Combat V, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon w/device, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Korean Service Medal with one star, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and Navy Unit Commendation. His duty stations included Tallahassee, FL, Parris Island, SC, Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, Quantico, VA and Camp Smith, HI. He retired to San Diego, CA in 1973.

In 2010, Vern and Louann quietly celebrated 55 years of marriage. His lovely wife passed away in October 2010. Vern is survived by his three daughters, Leann McStay of Temecula, CA, Dayna Hosler of Anza, CA and Shannon Beaupre of San Diego, CA., as well as five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.