Leonard Rippa
U.S. Air Force Officer, Navigation Innovator, Gemini/Apollo Project Officer,
Distinguished Flying Cross
During Lt. Col. Rippa's illustrious Air Force career heserved the United States of America in many capacities. As an innovator in navigation, the Air Force implemented one of his ideas for the recovery of John Glenn's space capsule, which Lt. Col. Rippa was directly involved.
In addition to many awards and decorations, Lt. Col. Rippa also received the Distinguished Flying Cross while participating in the rescue of a downed aviator in Vietnam in 1968. He continued to serve his country in many impressive capacities following his retirement. He was buried at Arlington
National Cemetery with full honors in 2001.
Len's military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, The Air Force Commendation Medal, WWII Victory Medal (Coast Guard), American Campaign Medal (Coast Guard), Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (Coast Guard), Armed Forces Campaign Medal (Coast Guard), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Combat Readiness Medal.
In addition to his service in the Coast Guard, the Air Force Commendation Medal was awarded for his service during the Gemini/Apollo Manned Spacecraft Program. He was a Gemini/Apollo Manned Spacecraft Project Officer with the Air Force responsible for aircraft deployment to vast remote
areas in many foreign countries for Gemini. In addition, he was instrumental in developing a navigational plotting board used by air crews of jet interceptors in IFR conditions for the Air Force.
Len Rippa also served on the staff of the Deputy Secretary of Defense as an advisor on aviation and military matters.
