Banning: Fabled 2nd MarDiv Association scribe dead at 89

William P. “Bill” Banning

William P. “Bill” Banning, 89, of Doylestown, Pa. passed away on Friday, July 20 following a brief hospitalization.The former editor of Follow Me, the magazine-formatted newsletter of the 2nd Marine Division Association, Bill was a stalwart supporter of his beloved Corps, including special attention paid to institutional relationships with New Zealand, Guam and the famous WWII Navajo Code Talkers.

The business executive had attended The Citadel in Charleston, S. C. and fought in Saipan as an infantry platoon commander. Decorated by Marine Commandant Chuck Krulak for his stellar civilian support of the Corps, Bill was known as an organizer, advocate and passionate communicator.  He was also credited with writing the words of the “Second Marine Division March.”