As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the destruction of the Dong Ha Bridge, our thoughts naturally turn to Colonel John Ripley, the man at the center of the story. Norman Fulkerson, author of An American Knight, reflects on what made Ripley such a larger-than-life figure — and why we should emulate … Read more
The book, An American Knight: The Life of Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC has found its way into the hands of many Americans who are looking for Catholic role models. Now the award-winning book written by Norman Fulkerson will extend its reach yet farther with the publication of a paperback second edition … Read more
One of the most cited and least understood wars in American history is Vietnam. Due to these misunderstandings, it has become synonymous with the words quagmire and disaster. Thus, opponents of current military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan decry our operations there saying that America is getting itself into “another Vietnam.” However, … Read more
Statement of Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC, Ret., before the House Armed Services Committee Subject: The preservation on the ban of homosexuals in the armed forces 4 May 1993 The American public has been deluded into a false understanding of the real purpose of its military forces. More specifically, it sees … Read more
Presidential Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces, Washington, D.C. Testimony of Colonel John W. Ripley 26 June 1992 COLONEL RIPLEY: I, too, would like to begin with prepared remarks. Ladies and gentlemen of the Commission, I’ll start with my background. Very briefly, my association with combat. I served … Read more
“If a young officer or Marine ever asks what is the meaning of Semper Fidelis,” Col. Ripley once told a friend, “tell them my story.” Purchase your copy now This first cradle-to-grave biography of Col. John W. Ripley by Norman Fulkerson provides readers with the complete story about a great man who … Read more
The family and friends of Col. John Walter Ripley said their final goodbyes during a moving funeral ceremony on November 7, 2008 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He was laid to rest with full military honors in a ceremony that left most attendees either teary-eyed or speechless. Among the … Read more
War hero, practicing Catholic and cherished friend of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP), Col. John Ripley, died at his home in Annapolis, Maryland on November 1, 2008. Col. John Ripley was born June 29, 1939 in Radford, Va., and descended from a line of soldiers … Read more
An old adage states that you only meet two great people in a lifetime. After visiting Col. John W. Ripley (USMC Ret.), I can say I met my first one. As Col. Ripley politely invited my colleagues from Tradition, Family and Property Student Action and me into his office on October 31, … Read more
Introduction When a society no longer respects and honors the fighting men willing to shed their blood for its principles, the fault lies not with the fighting men but with society itself. Ingratitude is a subtle vice, but a vice nevertheless. Saint Thomas Aquinas says that a debt of gratitude is a … Read more