“Colonel John W. Ripley USMC (Ret) addressed a 3/3 All Hands Formation… [and] was the guest speaker at the Battalion Officer Mess Night.” — Source: 3/3 Command Chronology for the Period 01 July to 31 December 2005
3/3 Chronology
“The Battalion observed a short break in training during the last week of July and was privileged to host a distinguished visitor. Colonel John W. Ripley USMC (Ret), known for his heroic actions that destroyed the Dong Ha bridge in Vietnam, was the Battalion’s distinguished guest for the week. His visit included an all hands brief to the Battalion, a Staff NCO Professional Military Education (PME) presentation, and a speech at the Battalion Officers’ Mess Night.” — Source: 3/3 Command Chronology for the Period 01 July to 31 December 2005