[paterfamilias]

Col. Ripley was an enlisted Marine who later attended the US Naval Academy, graduating in 1962. His feat at Dong Ha is remembered in a diorama in Memorial Hall, and every midshipman is brought there to learn of his heroism. He has also been honored by having a building named after him at the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, RI.

RIPLEY DIORAMA in MEMOIRAL HALL, USNA

[monkeycard]

God Bless.

[celtic gal]

He is the second great Marine to be called to “Heaven’s Scene”. We also lost General Robert H. Barrow.

[waterhill]

ABSOLUTE B@D@SS!!

R.I.P.

[NormsRevenge]

RIP Marine Colonel John W. Ripley

Godspeed and Thank You for your inspirational and invaluable service.

[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

Tribute to Col. Ripley

MANSIONS OF THE LORD

[originalbuckeye]

I received an e-mail from my son, at the USNA, this morning saying Col.Ripley had passed. We were lucky enough to be invited to an Iwo Jima Reunion when my son was a Plebe. I have a picture of him with Col.Ripley. We have lost an enormous hero. Prayers up for his family. The nation suffers with you.

[PAR35]

I believe Col. Ripley's Navy Cross should have been – and should be – upgraded to the Medal of Honor.

There are folks who have received the MoH for less.

[Eagles6]

Rest In Peace Col. Ripley.

[mistprof]

As a young Marine in Dong Ha in 1967 I had a duty to attempt to help the Vietnamese learn how to protect their bridge. Although I left not optmistic, apparently all was well until Col. Ripley blew it up that easter Morning in 1972. When i found the book, read the book -I searched until I located Col. Ripley - He called me one day while I was at work - and what a thrill he agreed to allow me to visit him in Annapolis with my family just before Christmas in 2006. Again what a thrill- his home office was like a museum his personal tour of Annapolis was great, and all the while such a gentleman - such a Marine - it make me proud to have met Col Ripley, and remember the way he treated an old E-4 Cpl. ex-Marine. His framed , signed picture by Col. Waterhouse also hangs in my office , a constant reminder of what the marine Corps stands for. Thank you Col. Ripley. James E. Mehl - Irmo S.C.

[Antoroc]

As a young Marine, I had the honor and the privilege to serve and work directly for Colonel John Ripley as his tactical driver when he was the Battalion Commander of 1st Battalion 2nd Marines 2nd Marine Division, Camp LeJuene, NC.

It was Colonel Ripley who recommended me for duty station at 8 & I Marine Barracks, Washington D.C. to drive VIPs.

May God bless Colonel John W. Ripley- a true legend and hero and Happy Birthday - United States Marine Corps. The Few the Proud the Marines... I was privileged to serve with the finest fighting force in the world...