By Capt Joseph R. John, November 10, 2023

On November 10, 2023, U.S. Marines around the globe will celebrate 248 years of success on the battlefield, and reaffirm their commitment to their Corps' proud legacy of honor, courage, and commitment. This year, at the end of the below listed video, that can be watched by clicking on the below listed link, the Commandant of the US Marine Corps, General Eric M. Smith, USMC and the Sergeant Major of the US Marine Corps, Carlos A. Ruiz, USMC remind us all that Marines are professional warfighters who have earned their reputation of discipline and lethality in the crucible of combat.

On this special day, I pay homage to a Marine’s Marine, who was in my Plebe Summer Crew, selected as our Brigade Commander during Plebe Summer, was in my Naval Academy Company for four years, we went to so many Navy football games and communicated regularly for over 50 years.  Colonel John W. Ripley, USNA ’62, USMC (Ret) (Navy Cross, Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with Combat “V”, Purple Heart, and more), was selected as a Distinguished Graduate of the US Naval Academy, and is honored in the US Marine Corps Museum at Quantico for his heroics on the Bridge at Dong Ha. 

John went to Iwo Jima, 43 years after the American Flag was raised atop Mount Suribachi, and sat on that very spot, as he wrote these words.  “75,000 Marines fought here, 25,000 Marines suffered wounds here, and 7000 Marines gave their blood and lives to the black soil---in that rich earth, that richer dust conceals.  Their hopes, their happiness, their dreams ended here.”  I have great respect, admiration, and received lasting inspiration from John, and still miss my good friend, fellow classmate, and close confident today---his fidelity, loyalty, and friendship can never be matched.  Captain Joseph R. John, USNA ’62, USN (Ret)

The Commandant of the United States Marine Corps’ message to all US Marines.    

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/901860/248th-marine-corps-birthday-message  

God Bless The US Marine Corps.  Happy Birthday Marines! 

Semper Fidelis, 
Joseph R. John, USNA ‘62
Capt         USN(Ret)/Former FBI
Chairman, Combat Veterans For Congress PAC
2307 Fenton Parkway, Suite 107-184
San Diego, CA 92108