Vietnam Veterans of America announced on March 3 that it applauds Congress for passing a resolution recommending the President posthumously award U.S. Marine Colonel John Ripley the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.
The organization said the recognition is significant because it honors extraordinary heroism and leadership displayed by Colonel Ripley, particularly during a critical moment in the conflict.
According to Tom Burke, VVA National President, "Vietnam Veterans of America applauds Congress for passing a resolution on March 3, 2026, to recommend the President posthumously award U.S. Marine Colonel John Ripley the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War." The resolution now awaits President Trump's signature.
Colonel Ripley was known as "the Marine who blew up the Dong Ha Bridge." Then-Captain Ripley was awarded the Navy Cross for destroying the bridge during the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive. On April 2, 1972, North Vietnamese forces launched an offensive involving 20,000 troops with tanks and artillery toward Dong Ha bridge. Assigned as an advisor to the 3rd Vietnamese Marine Battalion stationed nearby, Ripley recognized its strategic importance. His son, U.S. Marine Tom Ripley, said, "There were 300 men in the battalion with one U.S. Marine advisor, [my father]. Across the river were tens of thousands of North Vietnamese soldiers and over a hundred tanks."
Ripley spent about three hours under enemy fire attaching explosives to destroy the bridge and halt enemy advancement. He credited his survival to members of the battalion who provided cover fire; fewer than 60 survived out of 300 who entered battle. His son said Colonel Ripley's actions illustrated his mantra: "Mission first, Marines always."
Burke said that Colonel Ripley is among only a few men to earn 'Quad Body' distinction by completing four rigorous military training programs and that his story has been used as a leadership lesson for young Marines. Burke added that although Colonel Ripley did not live to see this recognition, his son continued advocating for it: "Over 50 years after his display of extraordinary heroism and leadership, he is finally being recognized. One of his surviving brothers-in-arms from the battle put it best: ‘It’s about damn time.’" More information can be found at the official roster page.
