Military Life
Rippon enlisted in the Navy on November 24, 1942. He was initially enlisted as a Second Class Electrician's mate, however he worked his way up to first class by the time of his death. His Serial # was 608-91-68. He was enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve, a unit that was established in 1915 and exists to this day. As a reserve force, the USNR exists to train soldiers who may need to see combat, and as a result much of Rippon's stationing took place in US states, such as New York.
As an electrician mate, Rippon would have worked to maintain the electrical systems aboard the ships he was stationed on. This includes pretty much any of the electrical equipment on naval ships, such as generators, switchboards, and other electrical equipment.
Rippon died on June 6th, 1944, and is interred at the American cemetery in Normandy
This is the engine/boiler room of the USS Slater, a ship used in World War II. Rippon would have done electric work in a room similar to this on the several ships he was stationed on throughout his career.
The US Naval Amphibious Training base at Fort Pierce, in Florida, one of the last locations Rippon was stationed at before D-Day in 1944.
Rippon's draft card after enlisting. You will note much of the basic information covered in this section and others on the card, such as his address, Mother, and Date of Birth. You may also observe unique information such as the signature of the officer who oversaw Rippon's enlistment.
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