3 January 1972 A.D. COL John W.
Ripley, USMC—Bravery Under Extreme Adversity
1972: Col John W. Ripley
Bravery
Under Extreme Adversity
Holding
a bomb detonator between his teeth, Colonel John W. Ripley swung across the
underside of the Dong Ha Bridge. For three hours, Col Ripley attached the
explosives with one hand while gripping the bridge with the other.
When
finished, he returned to shore and destroyed the bridge, allowing his unit to
hold off several thousand North Vietnamese forces.
His
courage and determination at the bridge earned him a Navy Cross and a place in
Marine Corps history. Ripley demonstrated extraordinary courage throughout his
35-year career.
By
the time he retired, he had also earned the Silver Star, two Legion of Merit
awards, two Bronze Stars with Combat "V," a Purple Heart and the
Cross of Gallantry.
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