Maj. Edward Greeley escorts the casket of Col. John Ripley during his funeral at U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Nov. 3. The funeral was said to be one of the largest ever held at the academy. Photo by Cpl. Jacob H. Harrer.
Today is the 233rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps and we wish all Marines everywhere Happy Birthday! I especially would like to offer my best wishes to my cousin Luke Pernotto, veteran of two combat deployments to Iraq, now an infantry instructor and three Marine Colonels I’ve worked for in the Pentagon: Matt Chicchinelli, Joaquin Malavet, and Royal Mortenson. But two weeks ago, there was an incredible sadness in the Marine Corps family with the loss of a towering figure: Colonel John Ripley. Best known for his heroism at the Dong Ha Bridge where he dangled for three hours underneath the bridge, rigging explosives to delay the offensive of 20,000 North Vietnamese. The photograph shows the scene at the Naval Academy Chapel for his funeral, the accompanying story says it was one of the largest funerals ever held there.
Rest in Peace Colonel Ripley, a grateful nation thanks you and best wishes to Marines everywhere: Semper Fi!