Retired Marine Col.John Ripley,who was credited with stopping a column of NVA tanks by blowing up twin bridges during the '72 Easter Offensive, has passed away.
The Colonel with 600 ARVN's were told to "Hold or Die" against 20,000 NVA and 200 Tanks. Using about 500 lbs of explosives and under heavy fire he placed the charges and destroyed the bridges.he also called in Naval gunfire at a shallow point of the river where NVA tanks were trying to cross.
Colonel Ripley also earned the "Quad Body" distinction for making it through the four hardest military training schools in the world.the Army Ranger School,Army Airborne School,Marine Reconnaissance School and the Royal Marine School,he was the only Marine to be inducted in the U.S.Army Ranger Hall of Fame,
Colonel Ripley is a descendant of a long line of veterans all the way back to the Revolutionary War and a graduate of the U.S. Navy Academy in 1962.
in his 35 years of service,Colonel Ripley earned the Navy Cross, Silver Star,2 Bronze Star with combat V,Purple Heart,the Defense Meritorious Service Metal,the Meritorious Medal,Navy Commendation Medal,Combat Action Ribbon,the South Vietnamese Distinguished Service Order, 2nd Class, and the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star.
Colonel Ripley died in his sleep at the age of 69, leaving behind his Wife Modline, 3 Sons,1 Daughter, and 8 Grandchildren.
May He Rest In Peace.
cheers,
Bruce
sources:
API
Wikipedia
