Ripcord Association — Firebase Ripcord — Vietnam 1970
Table of Contents
Everything on the Ripcord Association website — find any page from here
The Ripcord Association
Home Page
Latest news, reunion info, newsletter, and new book — the front door to the site
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History of the Ripcord Association
How Chip Collins founded the Association in 1983, the first reunion in 1986, and 40+ years of bringing veterans together
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Board of Directors
Meet the board members and support team who lead the Association — with photos and bios
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Association By-Laws
Official governing documents of FSB Ripcord Association, Inc. — incorporated in New Jersey, approved February 12, 2015
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Membership Application Free
Join the Ripcord Association — free membership open to veterans, family members, and friends
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Member Roster
All 729 active members listed by name and unit — searchable and sortable alphabetically
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Donations
Support the Association — donations fund the newsletter printing, mailing, and reunion costs
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Contact Us
Questions, stories, or information about Firebase Ripcord — Frank Marshall responds within 48 hours
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Facebook Group
Join our Facebook community — over 1,100 followers sharing memories, news, and updates about Firebase Ripcord
→ facebook.com/groups/ripcordassociation
Reunions & Newsletter
2026 Reunion Register Now
Myrtle Beach, SC — October 25–29, 2026. Agenda, hotel reservations, registration form, and costs
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Past Reunions New
Every Ripcord reunion from 1986 to 2025 — all 38 gatherings with photos from each year
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Newsletter Archive — All 143 Issues
Every Ripcord Report quarterly newsletter since 1985 — searchable by year with PDF download links
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Reunion Yearbooks
14 official yearbooks from Ripcord Association reunions — portraits, group photos, and memories from 2005 through 2024
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The Battle of Firebase Ripcord
Facts About the Battle
Key facts including 138 KIA, 3 MIA, 3 Medals of Honor, 25,000 NVA in the A-Shau Valley — the battle the world never knew
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Operation Texas Star
Official declassified operations narrative by General John J. Hennessey — April 1 through July 23, 1970
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2/506th Infantry Unit History 1970
The official history of the “Best of the Currahees” — from January 1970 through the evacuation of Ripcord and beyond
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Units Involved in the Battle
Every unit assigned, under operational control, or in support of the 3rd Brigade — infantry, aviation, artillery, and more
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KIA Casualty List — 138 Men
In honored memory of every American killed in the Battle of Firebase Ripcord — searchable by name, unit, and date
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20 Deadliest Battles of the Vietnam War
Firebase Ripcord ranks #10 — see where it stands among the costliest engagements of the entire Vietnam War
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Honors & Recognition
Books, Videos & Media
The End of the Rope — New Book 2026 New
James R. Smither’s new book releasing May 1, 2026 — 50% discount for Association members
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Books About the Battle
All 8 books written about Firebase Ripcord — with covers, descriptions, and purchase links
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Videos About the Battle
9 videos including documentaries, National Geographic, War Stories with Oliver North, and Ghosts of Ripcord
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Firebase Ripcord Diorama
A stunning 1/72 scale model of FSB Ripcord built from period photographs — with 6 construction videos
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GVSU Veteran Interviews
138 Ripcord veterans interviewed by Dr. James R. Smither of Grand Valley State University — links to GVSU Digital Archive and YouTube
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Coming Soon
Biographies of the Men
Personal stories and biographies of the veterans who served at Firebase Ripcord
⏳ Coming Soon
Day-by-Day Battle Reports
Firsthand daily accounts of the battle written by those who were there
⏳ Coming Soon
2026 Reunion Signup List
See who has registered to attend the 2026 Reunion in Myrtle Beach
⏳ Coming Soon
Ripcord Members by State
Interactive map showing how many Ripcord Association members are in each state across the country
⏳ Coming Soon