Table of Contents

Latest news, reunion info, newsletter, and new book — the front door to the site

How Chip Collins founded the Association in 1983, the first reunion in 1986, and 40+ years of bringing veterans together

Meet the 5 board members and 2 support team members who lead the Association — with photos and bios

Official governing documents of FSB Ripcord Association, Inc. — incorporated in New Jersey, approved February 12, 2015

Join the Ripcord Association — free membership open to veterans, family members, and friends

All 729 active members listed by name and unit — searchable and sortable alphabetically

Interactive map showing where Ripcord Association members live today — all 50 states represented

Support the Association — donations fund the newsletter printing, mailing, and reunion costs

Questions, stories, or information about Firebase Ripcord — Frank Marshall responds within 48 hours

Distinguished and Honorary Members of the Regiment — 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Bill Heath and Jim Smither among the 2026 inductees.

Myrtle Beach, SC — October 25–29, 2026. Agenda, hotel reservations, registration form, and costs

See who has already registered for the 2026 Reunion in Myrtle Beach — updated as registrations are received

All 144 issues of the Ripcord Report quarterly newsletter since 1985 — searchable by year with PDF download links

14 official yearbooks from Ripcord Association reunions — portraits, group photos, and memories from 2005 through 2024

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

Official declassified operations narrative by General John J. Hennessey — April 1 through July 23, 1970

The official history of the "Best of the Currahees" — from January 1970 through the evacuation of Ripcord and beyond

Every unit assigned, under operational control, or in support of the 3rd Brigade — infantry, aviation, artillery, and more

In honored memory of every American killed in the Battle of Firebase Ripcord — searchable by name, unit, and date

Firebase Ripcord ranks #10 — see where it stands among the costliest engagements of the entire Vietnam War

James R. Smither's comprehensive history of the Ripcord Campaign, based on 15 years of veteran interviews — now available from Casemate Publishers

All 8 books written about Firebase Ripcord — with covers, descriptions, and purchase links

9 videos including documentaries, National Geographic, War Stories with Oliver North, and the Ghosts of Ripcord

67 photographs taken on Firebase Ripcord in July 1970 by Chris Jensen, photographer with the 221st Signal Company. The only known photographs taken during the battle.

A stunning 1/72 scale model of FSB Ripcord built from period photographs — with 6 construction videos

138 Ripcord veterans interviewed by Dr. James R. Smither of Grand Valley State University — the firsthand accounts behind The End of the Rope. Links to GVSU Digital Archive and YouTube.

Personal stories of the veterans who fought in the Battle of Firebase Ripcord — Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and HHC — in their own words. Listed alphabetically. New stories added as members submit them.

If you served at Firebase Ripcord, your story belongs on this site. Download the form, fill it out at your own pace, and mail or email it to Frank. Every company, every man is welcome.