Posted on 06/18/2026 4:29:32 PM PDT by grunt03
WASHINGTON, D.C. --
On June 18, President Donald J. Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Maj. James Capers Jr., U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), and posthumously to Col. John W. Ripley, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), during a White House ceremony. On June 19, both Marines will be inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes, in recognition of their extraordinary heroism and distinguished service during the Vietnam War.
"Maj. James Capers Jr. and Col. John Ripley are Marine Corps legends whose heroic actions in Vietnam represent the very best of our Corps," said Gen. Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps. "Their valor, unwavering resolve, and fighting spirit continue to inspire Marines today, and Marines will carry their legacy forward for generations to come."
(Excerpt) Read more at marines.mil ...
Semper Fi!
I watched this. It was very moving.
It’s not that it’s long overdue. It’s smart-understand? Look. This is something a Clinton and Obama would milk for political gain. Make it look like an injustice long overdue for recognition. So Trump does the right thing but doesn’t go looking for the me-too crap.
My pastor served with Maj Capers in 3rd Recon.
I remember Colonel Ripley from Vietnam. I still have my Ripley’s Raiders hat.
From private to General in the Marine Corp back then was no eas task. I had the great honor of becoming good friends with General H.G. Glasgow. He was from Alabama and when the shooting started he enlisted as a private! An amazing man!
John Ripley’s heroism is legendary within the Marine Corps and the only reason he didn’t receive it back then was creepy jealousy and internal politics of the leadership.
I didn’t see it, but I wish I had. Thank goodness Trump got it to the 88 year old before he died!
As the President said, the award was way overdue.
A lot of things fell through the cracks in Vietnam, especially towards the end of the war. Col. Ripley was initially awarded the Navy Cross for his actions at the Dong Ha bridge, but by the 80s/90s many people were asking why he didn’t receive the MOH.
After he retired in the early 90s he became a vocal opponent of women and gays in the military, which didn’t endear him to the Clintons or their appointed General and Flag officers. He died in 2008, which took a lot of the wind out of his supporter’s sails.
What then Capt. Ripley did at the bridge is one of the single most valiant acts I’ve ever heard. 20,000-30,000 NVA with over 200 pieces of armor were headed for that bridge, and his C.O. ordered him to ‘hold and die’ at the bridge. Capt. Ripley decided he didn’t want to die that day, and proceeded to wire the bridge with explosives. When the bridge blew it stopped an NVA division in it’s tracks. It took him over 3 hours, with multiple trips to haul the explosives, often dangling exposed under the bridge girders. He did it all while under intense infantry fire from the opposite side of the river. He was backed up by some US Army personnel and 700 South Vietnamese Marines that kept the NVA pinned down on the far side of the bridge, but he did all the heavy lifting that day.
I didn’t plan on being as long winded as this, but I feel an institutional slight has been been rectified, and a very brave Marine has received the recognition due him for his service.
Semper Fi!
IIRC, there is a 3-D depiction of Col. Ripley’s heroism in the USNA Bancroft hall.
True. Trump was only recent president that thought about this 88 year old hero.
I’m glad he did!
Big Catholic Ripley Dittos!!!
Nobody mentioned the book about him
An American Knight: The Life of Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC
Freaking freakin’ amazing, and his speaking before Congress too!
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