The history of the twentieth century saw the spread of communism the world over and the virtual river of blood left in its wake was unprecedented. Communist expansion was greatly facilitated in the West through subtle psychological maneuvers and a policy of appeasement which weakened the anti-communist’s will to resist. From ping … 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
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
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
“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
Mediocrity and egoism are engrained in the modern world. Heroism, self-sacrifice, and honor are often unwelcome and seldom given the admiration they deserve. After all, we are taught that comfort, security, and personal advancement come first. How many men are willing to go beyond the call of duty for an ideal greater … Read more