Testimonials

To those privileged to know him well, John Ripley unquestionably manifested many of the personal and professional characteristics and qualities associated with the noblest of those who are called to the profession of arms.   He was, indeed, a modern day Knight, and a Marine leader well above “standard issue”.  Marines idolize the icons of our Corps:  Lejeune, Puller, Daly, and a few others.  History should, and I have no doubt will, include John Ripley on that short list.  He stands tall among the best of the best who bear the title Marine.

Norman Fulkerson has produced a fine book which provides well-deserved tribute to a great man.

General Carl E. Mundy, USMC (Ret.)
30^th Commandant of the Marine Corps

I knew Colonel John W. Ripley like a brother for 42 plus years, but the facts are that I learned still more about my Marine buddy from Norman Fulkerson’s book An American Knight. Norman goes into family and early life details that started this Marine on his most successful Marine career as well as John’s perception of the obligation and performance of his duties in uniform. This is a “must read” for all desiring to be a leader, especially those desiring to lead Marines.

Colonel Wesley Lee Fox,  USMC (Ret.)
Medal of Honor Recipient
Author of Marine Rifleman: Forty-three Years in the Corps and Courage and Fear.

In his new book An American Knight, Norman Fulkerson has vividly captured the extraordinary active journey in life of Colonel. John Ripley. In this first ever biography, of a truly legendary Marine, the reader will see a man of many images; a gentle person who was comfortable with people of all stations of life, a caring father, a faithful husband, and a Marine capable of doing the seemingly impossible when I ordered him to destroy the Dong Ha Bridge.

Because of his compelling and uncommon level of service to this great nation Colonel John Ripley truly deserves to be held up as a role model for all to follow. Norman Fulkerson’s book will help ensure this.

Colonel Gerald Turley, USMC (Ret.)
Author of The Easter Offensive

An American Knight by Norman Fulkerson is an outstanding tribute to one of the finest men to ever wear a uniform of the United States of America.

Commander Paul Galanti, USN (Ret.)
POW for seven years

“I have never known anyone with enduring repetitive courage who was not also a person of faith. In combat my faith was for me a substitute for fear; it was a source of comfort, calm and courage — it allowed me to do things that for me would have otherwise been impossible. John Ripley was also a man of faith. It was clearly the source of his extraordinary physical and moral courage. He was a true hero, not a celebrity. Not only a person who performed acts of courage, rather he was a good person who performed acts of courage. Only when you combine courage with goodness do you have a true hero.  His goodness crowned his courage and defined his character which marked him as an extraordinary example for those who follow the warriors path.

“It is for this reason that I highly recommend Norman Fulkerson’s book on John Ripley, An American Knight, to all who seek to understand heroism.

General Pat Brady US Army (Ret.)                                                                                                                                                                      Medal of Honor Recipient

“An American Knight, by Norman Fulkerson tells an inspiring story of a brave soldier, true leader and devout Catholic. I believe, as Mr. Fulkerson narrates so well, that his faith in the one true Savior, and in the Church He established, was the source for Colonel Ripley’s brave actions. Truly he was a great warrior who led by example.”

Major General Billy J. Ellis USAF (Ret.)