Random Interesting Bits of History

[AWP]

#OTD in 1972, Captain John W. Ripley, USMC, single-handedly halted an NVA offensive by destroying Dong Ha Bridge. Facing heavy enemy fire, he spent 3 hours swinging under the bridge to place 500 lbs of TNT. He received this "bill" from Hanoi for the cost to replace the bridge. pic.twitter.com/GMKaxpXrty

— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) April 2, 2024

I will never understand why he didn't receive the MoH.

 

[Devildoc]

I will never understand why he didn't receive the MoH.

He was a Marine. He gets a NAM. Anyone else, any other branch, it's a MoH.

 

[Blizzard]

Not sure where exactly this one should go, so I'll drop it here:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1776234344647946394

 

[Marauder06]

#OTD in 1972, Captain John W. Ripley, USMC, single-handedly halted an NVA offensive by destroying Dong Ha Bridge. Facing heavy enemy fire, he spent 3 hours swinging under the bridge to place 500 lbs of TNT. He received this "bill" from Hanoi for the cost to replace the bridge. pic.twitter.com/GMKaxpXrty

— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) April 2, 2024

<reads bio>
1stLt Ripley was transferred to 2d Force Reconnaissance Company where he completed Airborne, Scuba, Ranger, and Jumpmaster courses, then deployed overseas with his platoon.

damn that's a lot of qualifications. Who does this Marine think he is, @Teufel ? <reads closer> nah, not enough Purple Hearts.

I will never understand why he didn't receive the MoH.

If he would have died instead of survived, he probably would have.

 

[Gunz]

#OTD in 1972, Captain John W. Ripley, USMC, single-handedly halted an NVA offensive by destroying Dong Ha Bridge. Facing heavy enemy fire, he spent 3 hours swinging under the bridge to place 500 lbs of TNT. He received this "bill" from Hanoi for the cost to replace the bridge. pic.twitter.com/GMKaxpXrty

— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) April 2, 2024

Colonel Ripley was a beast. I think he's the only Marine in the Ranger Hall of Fame. I remember when he passed, in '08. He was only 69.

 

[AWP]

Colonel Ripley was a beast. I think he's the only Marine in the Ranger Hall of Fame. I remember when he passed, in '08. He was only 69.

He was the first, but not the only Marine.

 

[Teufel]

I will never understand why he didn't receive the MoH.

At the time there was a requirement for two living witnesses and he only had one American witness.

 

[Blizzard]

 

[Blizzard]

They don't build enough men like him anymore:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1798459236759810270

 

[Devildoc]

They don't build enough men like him anymore:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1798459236759810270

They could have renamed Ft Bragg after him (or any number of SF/airborne heroes), but no.... we got 'Liberty'.

 

[Blizzard]

80th Anniversary D-Day post...

https://twitter.com/x/status/1798415968177385637

Journals from soldiers who were there are humbling:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1797719603801403410

 

[Box]

They could have renamed Ft Bragg after him (or any number of SF/airborne heroes), but no.... we got 'Liberty'.

Ft Liberty is a sign that not only does America now buckle to pressure from those with no honor - we then follow it up by making excuses for our moral cowardice.

 

[Devildoc]

80th Anniversary D-Day post...

https://twitter.com/x/status/1798415968177385637

Journals from soldiers who were there are humbling:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1797719603801403410

In one of my 500 books that my wife wants me to get rid of, I have some figures. I believe the 29th ID (comprised of mostly men from the south) suffered the most casualties and deaths. I can't recall the number, but I do recall it being staggering.

The enormity of what happened those few days (June 5, 6, 7) is still hard to grasp.

 

[Devildoc]

Interesting article about the Marines and the ETO, and the rivalry with the army:

Rivalry At Normandy | National Review

 

[AWP]

In one of my 500 books that my wife wants me to get rid of, I have some figures. I believe the 29th ID (comprised of mostly men from the south) suffered the most casualties and deaths. I can't recall the number, but I do recall it being staggering.

The enormity of what happened those few days (June 5, 6, 7) is still hard to grasp.

Bedford, VA sent 44 off to war on D-Day. By the end of the week 23 would be dead. (I've also seen 23 of 35)
The Bedford Boys – Citizen-Soldier
About The Memorial & Bedford - National D-Day Memorial.
The Virginia Town Devastated by D-Day

 

[Devildoc]

I will put this here. Former Marine CMC Al Gray estate auction. A lot of history here.

Estate of 29th Commandant Gen. A.M. Gray USMC Auction on Jun 14, 2024 by Quinn's Auction Galleries in VA

 

[Blizzard]

Was never really Star Trek fan but when I did see it I liked Scotty best. Maybe this was why:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1798858153242816709

 

[Jaknight]

Interesting article about the Marines and the ETO, and the rivalry with the army:

Rivalry At Normandy | National Review

I wonder if the Marines had helped the Rangers that day on the cliffs how would that have affected their legacy.

 

[Topkick]

 

[Blizzard]

I never tire of Robin Olds stories, even if I've them a hundred times. The man is a legend.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1846458783087972429