06/18/2026
Today, the White House will posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC, for one of the most extraordinary acts of heroism in American military history.
Col. Ripley is most commonly known for his heroics in Vietnam during the Easter Offensive of 1972, where Col. Gerald Turley ordered him to “hold and die” in the face of over 30,000 North Vietnamese troops and 200 enemy tanks.
Praying to God for help, Ripley proceeded to blow up the D**g Ha bridge, preventing the enemy from crossing.
As exhaustion overtook him and death seemed imminent, Ripley repeatedly turned to prayer:
“Jesus and Mary, get me there!”
More: https://tfpstudentaction.org/blog/col-john-w-ripley-uncommon-valor
Watch moving footage of Col. John W. Ripley's Funeral -- US Marine Corps Legend and Hero https://youtu.be/xP-s-bjR7Tg?si=5SnwZkoOaxrYfi1N