Naval Academy Graduate Recommended for Medal of Honor

Col. John Ripley's heroic actions during the Vietnam War to be recognized with nation's highest military honor

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Marine Corps Col. John Ripley, a Naval Academy graduate known for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War, has been posthumously recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor. Ripley was originally awarded the Navy Cross after placing himself in harm's way to destroy a bridge in South Vietnam in 1972, an act that was instrumental in saving many lives. Congress has now passed a resolution recommending that President Trump upgrade Ripley's honor to the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration.

Why it matters

Ripley's actions during the Vietnam War have long been considered deserving of the Medal of Honor, the military's highest award for valor. If approved, he would become the first Naval Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor since 1976, making this a significant recognition of his heroism and sacrifice.

The details

In 1972, then-Marine Captain Ripley was stationed near the city of Dong Ha with a garrison of about 300 North Vietnamese troops. To stop the advancing enemy, Ripley devised a plan to destroy a bridge over the Cua Viet River. In a 'deliberate and extraordinary act of heroism,' he repeatedly swung hand-over-hand under the bridge while taking fire, planting explosives the whole time. His actions delayed the invasion of South Vietnam for several years and were 'instrumental in saving an untold number of lives.'

  • On April 2, 1972, Ripley destroyed the Dong Ha bridge in South Vietnam.
  • In 2008, Ripley passed away at his home in Annapolis.

The players

John Ripley

A Marine Corps Colonel and Naval Academy graduate known for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War, including the destruction of a key bridge that delayed the North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who would need to approve the upgrade of Ripley's Navy Cross to the Medal of Honor.

John Phelan

The Secretary of the Navy, who has endorsed the recommendation to upgrade Ripley's award.

Tom Ripley

The son of Col. John Ripley, who has said the Medal of Honor 'is really the completion of a circle' for the military family.

Frank Thorp

An Annapolis Alderman and fellow Naval Academy graduate who called the recommended elevation of Ripley's Navy Cross to a Medal of Honor 'well deserved and awesome.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“So many midshipmen see him as a role model. I'm guessing if you stood on Main Street and asked mids, they would know his name and know his story.”

— Frank Thorp, Annapolis Alderman and Naval Academy graduate (thebanner.com)

“The Medal of Honor 'is really the completion of a circle' for the military family, which has long thought Ripley's actions deserved the recognition.”

— Tom Ripley, Son of Col. John Ripley (thebanner.com)

What’s next

The White House has not yet responded to the recommendation to upgrade Ripley's Navy Cross to the Medal of Honor. If approved, Ripley would become the first Naval Academy graduate to receive the nation's highest military decoration since 1976.

The takeaway

Col. John Ripley's heroic actions during the Vietnam War, including his daring destruction of a key bridge that delayed the North Vietnamese invasion, have long been considered deserving of the Medal of Honor. This posthumous recommendation is a significant recognition of his bravery and sacrifice, and will serve as an inspiration for future generations of Naval Academy graduates.