RIP Col. John W. Ripley, USMC (Ret.) former adviser to 3rd Battalion VNMC ( Vietnamese Marine Corp) . He was the hero of the battle of Dong Ha in 1972 when he assisted Col. Le Ba Binh battalion commander of 3rd Battalion VNMC ( Vietnamese Marine Corp) blown up the bridge of Dong Ha and held up one division of NVA ( North Vietnamese Army) for several days to ensure the tactical withdraw of the South Vietnamese armed force and civilian . Once again one last salute to Col. John W. Ripley, USMC (Ret.) from one of your admirers

Col. John W. Ripley's life was beyond extraordinary. From a tiny town in West Virginia, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in the 1950's. Then, he secured an appointment to the US Naval Academy, from where he was commissioned a Second Lt. in the US Marine Corps. He then led Force Recon teams in Vietnam. Of course, the high profile point of Col Ripley's long, dedicated, and earnest service to this country, his Corps, and to we, his Marines, was at Dong Ha in April 1972, where his exploits bought the nation of South Vietnam three more years of freedom. Col Ripley also completed the British Royal Marine Officer Selection Course, Ranger School (where he is, I believe, thee ONLY Marine officer EVER inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame). Furthermore, before his death, Col Ripley was awarded the US Naval Academy's "Distinguished Graduate Award," which is the thee highest award Annapolis bestows. And I think Col Ripley was either the first Marine or the only Marine to be granted that most high honor. From the time Col Ripley hit Paris Island Recruit Depot in the 1950's until his retirement from active duty in 1992, I believe, Col Ripley's example inspired us and humbled us. Col John W Ripley was truly one of America's greatest warriors, and one of her greatest Marines. We, the Marines of yesterday and of today (and those of tomorrow), do and will echo this sentiment, and continue to honor the life and exploits of this extraordinary "American Knight." Semper Fidelis, Col Ripley, sir. You might have stepped into that eternal pantheon of heroes, but you live on with us as we go to "every clime and place" and carry your memory and example with us until we too cross the River Jordan, where we know you will meet us on the other side.

On this very day November 30th 2017, my Grandfather passed. He was a Marine in the Korean war. He is the true meaning of what a Marine is. A man that NEVER gave up and was so very proud to sing the Marine song even on his death bed. I will always love you Grandpa. Semper Fi.

John, I did not know you personally, but I thank you for our freedom. R.I.P.

It's not the wind that blows the American Flag up in the sky, it's really the last breath of those brave and strong who fought in combat. Semper Fidelis. You will soon have another US Marine to help this nation. (There should be a salute emoji.) 🇺🇸

RIP SIR , I am Vietnamese , I am very grateful for what you did in Vietnam , Hero !!

You're truly our hero. I wish and pray for my son who was commissioned as a Marine Office last year to be another of you for our country. your spirit would be alive in my son's heart forever! R.I.P. Col. Ripley

Why would anyone give this video a thumbs down? I was never in the military but this was clearly a distinguished man who deserved all the honor and respect bestowed on him both in life and death. RIP Col. Ripley !

If you haven't read "Ripley at the Bridge" you should. Phenomenal. Not only was he swinging hand to hand from rafter to rafter under that bridge (Dong Ha) he was crimping blasting caps with his teeth. And getting shot at, too. He was later President of Hargrave Military Academy, my alma mater, but after I was there. I wish I could have met him

That was so very impressive to watch and so well orchestrated, I Salute from over the Atlantic, to Col John Ripley and to the Marines performing the funeral ceremony, I feel sure Col Ripley would have been very proud of them all. A Brit

As an ex Vet from another country (Ireland) very impressed with the honour guard and pallbearers. He deserved that tribute.

R.I.P. John. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. May God keep you in his arms. Heaven has another Marine guarding the gates

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM !LEST WE FORGET THANK YOU COL. RIPLEY from Australia

May the Lord God Bless and keep all of the Marines past, present and future and Lord grant them in the end with peace.

THE SACRIFICE OF MEN LIKE THIS IS THE REASON I AM A FREE MAN TODAY. A SIMPLE "THANK YOU" IS NOT ENOUGH OF A WAY TO SAY THE WORDS THAT FILL MY HEART WITH PRIDE FOR HIM AND HIS ACTIONS. THANK YOU ALL THE SAME...

At the going down of the son and in the morning we will remember them.... amen

Respect from Portugal... a shinning star in the night sky...

In a sad moment you can feel the patriotic spirit of the Americans - an admiration to America. You Americans should never trade this for anything - may be one day the rest of the world may catch this magnificent spirit.

What an absolute Legend. Thank you for your service, Sir. A beautifully very well orchestrated funeral for a true Hero. The sacrifices you made and your bravery and strength of mind in the toughest of situations will never be forgotten.🌹

I Salute you Hero John!! thank you for your great service!! May your Soul Rest in Peace!!

Colonel Ripley, thank you for your service! God bless and Rest in peace

I watched 3 Videos of this kind today.......and i'm still crying like a baby......even if i'm German..... :'(

RIP!!! I solute you SiR! thank you for you service

from a navy veteran to marines. we love you guys.

Thanks John for all you try to did for South vietnam mine beloved country.

Even tho im not from the USA, i thank Sir Ripley for his service.

God bless you Colonel my family are very grateful for your service for this great country

Tears ... So Proud to be a Marine! Well Done Sir! Semper Fi

Thank you for your service, sir. Reading over your biography, you accomplished many feats! From a brother in arms in the Navy, you have my utmost respect 🇺🇸🦅

Oh my goodness! This is so very, very touching!! Heartfelt thanks to all soldiers who have paid the ultimate price ~ the sacrifice of their life for our American freedoms. And, heartfelt gratitude for the life of Colonel Ripley, for his life of commitment to military service and as a genuinely devoted member of the Church Militant. R.I.P, Sir, RIP.

Always Faithful. R.I.P. Sir. Perfect execution by the Honor Guard. Thank you for you service. I hope his family finds peace.

Thank you Wardog for your sacrifice and battles that you fought for this great country that we live in. Semper Fi Sir !

Thank you for your service and may God Bless your family always

God Bless America! RIP! SIR. Your job is done! Thank you for serving America and giving your life for our freedom and rights!

Nobody, and I mean nobody calls cadence and facing commands like the U. S. Marines!!! NOBODY!!! So everlastingly proud to be associated with you Marines!!! AF MSGT Ret.

Never forgotten heroes never dies

Beautiful! Thank you so much for this.

Rest Well dear! Thank YOU for your service! My deepest condolences to you,family and friends!

Amazing how the American people put their heroes to rest , amazing RIP and thankyou for your service 😔☘

Brothers. To the End. Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis.

With Our Ardent Admiration and Prayers...Rest In Peace.

One of the most touching is the folding of the flag....On behalf of a greatful Nation....:-(( thank you for your service from Canada

As a Canadian I much appreciate the way you honor the American veterans memorial... Very well done.......thank you all.........from Vancouver.....

Thank you for your sevice Sir ~ R.I.P.

Rest In Peace Colonial, thank you for your service to this nation. But now your watch is over. May you have fair winds and following seas to your next duty station. Semper Fi from a sailor.

USMC/VNMC 1972 Col. John W. Ripley - US Marine Corps thể COVAN (Cố vấn) 3 SÓI BIỂN (VNMC/TQLCVN) ...R.I.P ,,,,sir...... lord be with you . Amen Đại úy John Ripley cố vấn TD3/TQLC năm 1972 tại Đông Hà Quảng trị người bạn thâm tình của CỌP BIỂN ,,,ở nơi nào đó ,,,anh vẫn nhớ chúng tôi,,,,chào VĨNH BIỆT

That must be some kind of pressure for those body bearers, with the commandant and the sergeant major of the marine corps looking on.

Wow, I'm touched. Rest in peace sir.

SIR thank you for serving for us. May you find peace and love.

Semper Fi, Col. John Ripley. 🇺🇸 🙏

Thank You for Your Service God Bless Your Family Abundantly

Respect army américaine . Made in Belgique 🇧🇪 Thanks you for colonel .. Semper fedelis .

God bless,,,thank you for giving it all. Rest In Peace

From a former Royal Marine I salute you Sir, you truely are one heck of a Marine. Very fitting service, much respect

Rest In Peace, Good and Faithful Servant

My very sincere condolences to your family and everyone in uniform. R.I.P. Farewell to a Hungarian Knight.

Thank you for your serviceRIP

Like Horatio at the bridge was John Ripley at Dong Ha. He should have received the Medal of Honor rather than the Navy Cross.

Thank you for your service! And i thank those for this video. Semper Fidelis

Sending you prayers, love, peace, and blessings from Ohio.

Semper Fi/Always faithful and Rest In Peace, Colonel John W. Ripley.

What a man, R.I.P. Sir. God bless you and your family.

I knew and severed with then Maj. John Ripley. Maj. Ripley spent countless hours in the gym and running with me so I could pass the physical fitness test and receive my commission in the U.S. Navy. I was there when he found out that he would receive the Nay Cross instead of the Medal of Honor that was recommended. I wish he had gotten the Medal of Honor - he deserved it. When we were running we talked and he told me is goal was to be the Commandant of Camp Pendleton. Another honor he should have had.

Respect from Indonesia. Jesus bless you brother

Marines never die, they stand guard at the pearly gates.

I Salute to those marines who have died thank you for our freedom My god be with u and take up to heaven Rip Amen

RIP GOD HAS ALL OF THE BEST MARINES

Thank you for your service sir.

Rest In Peace Col. John W. Ripley. Even though I didn't know you person, but I wanted to say Thank You for everything you and the USMC Soldiers did for us, I love, care, respect, and cherish the people that are in the U.S Military. You guys are very extremely brave to go to war. Rest In Peace soldier

RIP Sir, Semper Fi. Ooooraaaah!

I'm living in Brazil, but I never forget the brothers in uniform ... SEMPER FIDELIS

Apparently a Naval Academy man, too. BZ and Semper Fi Marine! RIP, Sir.

RIP! I solute you SiR! thank you for you service Hooah Semper

Respect from the Philippines 2020

RIP SIR!

Col. Ripley. I may not have of know you . But thank you for what you did for our country. Thank you for service. Semper Fi. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Thanks for our freedom Rest In Peace

Astoundingly well performed and reverential

Col. John W. Ripley U.S.M.C. While we did not know one another and our paths had not crossed, yet we shared common values, beliefs, and bonds. You made the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us, and for that, we a mournful nation shall be eternally grateful sir 9/71 thru 9/75 Semper fi Brother

I had a Step Brother who served in the US Marines and he saw his good friend got killed

Thank you hero's

Thanks for your remarkable services to the United States. May your soul rest in holy peace.

So very proud of my inactive Marine son in Mobile, AL!!!

RIP thank you

A fitting send off for a brave American warrior. God Bless, Sir. Semper Fi.

It's because of men like you that I joined. RIP, brother.

Thank you Col. John Ripley for fighting for our freedom! A True hero. RIP sir.

Thank you for serving our country. Never forgotten

Thank you ❤️

Thank you sir America honors you. 🇺🇸 God bless our freedom and our beloved veterans.

Rip brave soldiers

I want 2 give my thanx 2 Col Ripley, 4 his heroic exploits in service 2 our U.S. of A. & our USMC... RIP Col Ripley "... if the Army & the Navy, ever look on Heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded, by United States Marines!" OooRAH! LCpl H. Reynolds ll (Med. Ret.)

May They All Rest In Peace 🙏

Who in the hell gives a thumbs down for a funeral.Really?

he was a hero in the war it,s so sad rest in peace john 😢😭☹

I love you so much and my family

very sad true hero died defending our freedom

He died protecting his country and no matter who u are u must respect that god bless him and America 🙏

So much respect for this retired hero and for the family left.

You are missed, Marine.