We’re doing a design for the Naval Academy Preparatory School. The barracks for the Marines there are named after Col John W. Ripley who is the subject of the T-shirt design. What struck me was the awe of Col Ripley that was clearly in evidence in the voice of LCpl Vick as he described the design he wanted. The design depicts Col Ripley in the middle of blowing up a bridge in Viet Nam while under direct arms fire. The dramatized drawing is based on his real life exploit that earned him the Navy Cross.
I found his enthusiasm contagious and not being familiar with Col Ripley, I asked LCpl Vick for more information. He recommended the following link:
The biography recommended a book about the action that resulted in Col Ripley’s Navy Cross, which can be found here:
The current generation of Marines rightfully admires those who have gone before. Ironically, whenever I speak with Vietnam vets or Gulf War vets about the new breed of Marines, the comment is always the same: They assess with admiration that the country is in good hands. Clearly, the hero worship goes both ways.
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