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Radford Today
By the People, for the People
Radford Native and Vietnam War Hero Recommended for Medal of Honor
Congress has recommended Col. John Ripley, who destroyed the Dong Ha bridge during the Vietnam War, for the prestigious award.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:56pm
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Congress has recommended Col. John Ripley, a Radford, Virginia native who destroyed the Dong Ha bridge during the Vietnam War, for the Medal of Honor. Ripley, who died in 2008, would receive the award posthumously for his heroic act of rigging the bridge with explosives to prevent enemy forces from crossing.
Why it matters
Ripley's selfless actions during the Vietnam War are being recognized decades later, highlighting the importance of honoring the sacrifices of military heroes, even long after they have passed. His hometown of Radford has already memorialized Ripley's legacy, and the Medal of Honor would serve as the nation's highest military decoration for his bravery.
The details
During the Vietnam War, Ripley, then a colonel, single-handedly rigged the Dong Ha bridge with hundreds of pounds of explosives, destroying it to prevent enemy forces from crossing. This act of heroism was no surprise to Ripley's longtime friend Daniel Jett, who recalled the two climbing bridges together as teenagers in Radford.
- Ripley destroyed the Dong Ha bridge during the Vietnam War.
- Ripley died in 2008.
- Congress has now recommended Ripley for the Medal of Honor, which he would receive posthumously.
The players
Col. John Ripley
A Radford, Virginia native who served in the Vietnam War and is being recommended for the Medal of Honor for his heroic act of destroying the Dong Ha bridge to prevent enemy forces from crossing.
Daniel Jett
Ripley's longtime friend who grew up with him in Radford and joined the Marines 14 months after Ripley.
Gary Harris
The former Commander of the Radford Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, who says Ripley's service is beyond worthy of the Medal of Honor.
What they’re saying
“Everything about him was Marine. He was a devout Catholic, he believed in this country and this award [is] long overdue.”
— Daniel Jett, Ripley's longtime friend
“It takes a special person to do what you've got to do to win it. You don't go into a firefight or a battle or a fire thinking you're going to do something because I'll get the Medal of Honor, you do it because that's the right thing to do at that time.”
— Gary Harris, Former Commander of the Radford Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
What’s next
The Medal of Honor recommendation for Col. John Ripley will now go through the formal approval process, with the final decision resting with the President of the United States.
The takeaway
Ripley's heroic actions during the Vietnam War, which were recognized decades later, serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by military service members and the importance of honoring their legacies, even long after they have passed. Ripley's hometown of Radford has already taken steps to memorialize his legacy, and the Medal of Honor would be the nation's highest recognition of his bravery.
