John Canley knew he wanted to be a Marine when he was only thirteen years old. He and his older brother L.J. went to see the movie Sands of Iwo Jima starring John Wayne. He left the theater transformed. What moved him most was the scene of the marines raising the American … Read more
During the 1968 Tet Offensive, then Captain Gordon Batcheller earned the Navy Cross when his unit, Company A, 1st Battalion Marines, engaged a numerically superior force of the North Vietnamese Army. Although injured by shrapnel, he aggressively led his men in a fierce assault against the enemy and was seriously wounded in … Read more
The federal government failed us all on June 28th, and in more ways than one. Days before Americans celebrated the anniversary of our nation’s hard-fought independence, the Supreme Court of the United States declared unconstitutional the Stolen Valor Act. Overshadowed by its decision to uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act … Read more
This is the true story of a Marine wounded in Korea in 1950. Writing to his mother, he told her of a fascinating encounter he experienced in the war. Father Walter Muldy, a navy chaplain who spoke to the young Marine and his mother as well as to the outfit commander, always … Read more
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
Nearly one hundred members, supporters and friends gathered at the American TFP offices in Spring Grove, Penn., on October 10 to give an enthusiastic welcome to Colonel Gerald H. Turley, USMC, Retired. Over his long Marine career, Col. Turley has performed many functions in defense of the nation: former Deputy Assistant Secretary … Read more
June 29, 2010 would have been the 71st Birthday of Colonel John Ripley. Although he is no longer with us, his memory, as Mary Susan Goodykoontz says so well in this book review of An American Knight, will live on forever. “While the world knew my brother John as a Navy Cross … Read more
""[vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]An American Knight: The Life of Col. John W. Ripley, USMC Written by Norman J. Fulkerson ISBN: 978-1-877905-41-4 Hardcover bound, 218 pages with 33 illustrations $14.95 Order today from The American TFP’s online store: https://store.tfp.org/products/An-American-Knight-%28Hard-Cover%29.html[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]""""[vc_column_text]There are plenty of books that tell the soldier’s story and take the reader beyond … 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