The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC John Kenneth Ripel, who died in the service of his country on February 16th, 1968 in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Friendly Fire. At the time of his death John was 20 years of age. He was from Sparrow Bush, New York. John is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 39E, Line 65.

The decorations earned by PFC John Kenneth Ripel include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

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John was mistaken for enemy and shot while on combat patrol.

John is buried in SPARROW BUSH CEMETERY, SPARROW BUSH, NY

Walter Von Ignatius

ATSF100@hotmail.com

classmate, boyhood friend

PA

aahhh, Johnny, we hardly knew ya!

John Ripel was a good hearted, gentle, but strong all around American boy, from a tiny town, going to high school in a little town. He was good natured, and a friend to all. I miss him, and so do my classmates from PORT JERVIS NEW YORK CLASS OF '66 !

Monday, November 25, 2002