The Groundwork: Production Sites and the Creative Coalition
Documenting a turning point in history requires an immense footprint. Our team has deployed to key sites across Vietnam and the United States—mapping the exact geography of the 1972 Easter Offensive while collaborating with the surviving COVAN and Soi Bien brotherhood to ensure every detail is historically grounded.
Filming Locations
Washington DC: The White House
The production will include the posthumous Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House.
Annapolis, Maryland: The U.S.
Naval Academy
From enlisted Marine to officer, John W. Ripley arrived at United States Naval Academy already forged by the ranks—but it was Annapolis that sharpened his intellect, discipline, and sense of duty into something we still talk about today.
Fort Benning, Georgia: Army Ranger School
Army Ranger School taught Colonel John Ripley the precise art of bridge demolition—mastering how to use minimal explosive charges for maximum effect to destroy the Dong Ha Bridge.
Lympstone, England: Royal Marines Commando Centre
Serving as an exchange officer with the British Royal Marines, Colonel John Ripley completed the legendary Commando Course at Lympstone, which proved critical to his demolition of the Dong Ha Bridge
Dong Ha, Vietnam: The Bridge at Dong Ha
We return to the Dong Ha Bridge 55 years later to stand on the ground where John W. Ripley risked everything—and to see what time has changed, and what it hasn’t. Some acts of courage don’t fade with history—they echo—and this film goes back to the bridge to understand why that moment still matters now.
The Team
TOM RIPLEY
Executive Producer
Tom Ripley, son of Colonel John W. Ripley, grew up in a proud Marine family deeply inspired by his father’s legendary service. A former U.S. Marine infantry and special operations officer himself, Tom is now co-founder and partner of the private equity firm Ames Watson.
STEPHEN RIPLEY
Executive Producer
Stephen Ripley, the eldest son of Colonel John W. Ripley, was raised in a Marine family shaped by his father’s extraordinary courage and dedication to service. A former U.S. Marine infantry officer who served from 1988 to 1992 and part of a three-generation Marine legacy, Stephen continues to honor his father’s memory while building his own career in leadership and professional development.
JESS ATKINSON
Director
Jess Atkinson is the director of the upcoming documentary on Colonel John W. Ripley. A former NFL kicker turned filmmaker, Jess has spent the last 23 years uncovering the humanity behind legendary figures. Through intimate personal interviews and a keen eye for detail, he helps audiences understand the true character of icons—ranging from sports legends like Bill Belichick and his father and baseball prodigy Bryce Harper to military heroes like James B. Stockdale and the Vietnam POWs.