February 13, 1985, Poland, Ohio Last CallDuring the course of his distinguished 21 year career, Jack developed a well respected expertise in Force Maintenance and Repair. He served in several ports worldwide.
Eight days after graduation, Jack married the former Donna Jean Lubanovic and off they went to California and his first duty station – the USS Knapp DD653.
In March of 1957 they went to New London, Conn. and he attended the Sub School the following July. This tour included time on the USS Tusk and Corsair. It was also on this tour that the Bannon’s added to their family three children: John, Julie, and Stephen.
In June of 1961, it was back to California, where Jack attended the Naval Post Graduate School and obtained his Master’s Degree. He was designated for engineering duty only.
Three years later, back on the east coast, he received the Navy Commendation for achievement for meritorious service as the Assistant Repair Superintendent at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, in Charleston, South Carolina.
Traveling to Spain in 1968 as the Repair Superintendent aboard the USS Canopus AS-34, Jack received the Navy Commendation Medal for outstandingly meritorious service and professional competence.
Returning to shore duty in 1970, he served as the Force Maintenance Officer on the staff of Commander Submarine Force, US Atlantic Fleet until July 1973. It was here he received the Meritorious Service Medal. He was responsible for the increased efficiency of the Submarine Force Quality Assurance Program.
Jack moved across the river and became the Repair Superintendent at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia. This tour was sadly shortened by his medical retirement in June 1976.
After moving his family back to his native Ohio, Jack battled with Multiple Sclerosis for nine long years. He died on February 13, 1985. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military Honors and a Full Country Salute.
Throughout his last nine years, Jack maintained his sense of humor, and endured with dignity and a true sense of personal honor. He remained a Naval Officer in every sense of the word.
His family and those closest to him will always remember the impact he left on their lives.
Thirty Years Later — 1985
BANNON, JOHN MATTHEW
- CAPT US NAVY
- VIETNAM
- DATE OF BIRTH: 10/01/1932
- DATE OF DEATH: 02/13/1985
- BURIED AT: SECTION 67 SITE 47
- ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard