Col. John Ripley representation

An American Knight: The Life of Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC / Norman J. Fulkerson

"I have never known anyone with enduring repetitive courage who was not also a person of faith. In combat my faith was for me a substitute for fear; it was a source of comfort, calm and courage -- it allowed me to do things that for me would have otherwise been impossible. John Ripley was also a man of faith. It was clearly the source of his extraordinary physical and moral courage. He was a true hero, not a celebrity. Not only a person who performed acts of courage, rather he was a good person who performed acts of courage. Only when you combine courage with goodness do you have a true hero. His goodness crowned his courage and defined his character which marked him as an extraordinary example for those who follow the warriors path. It is for this reason that I highly recommend Norman Fulkerson's book on John Ripley, An American Knight, to all who seek to understand heroism. --General Pat Brady, US Army (Ret.)Medal of Honor Recipient" (from Amazon.com; accessed 11/2/10)

Marine Colonel John W. Ripley was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic action during the Easter Offensive of 1972 in Vietnam. Facing 200 North Vietnamese tanks and 30,000 troops, Ripley was ordered to "hold and die" at Dong Ha Bridge. Ripley destroyed the bridge to prevent the enemy from crossing.

Norman Fulkerson will speak at Bishop McNamara on November 11.