CPT Russell B. Rippetoe

3 April 2003, Iraq

Rangers

A Colorado native, Captain Russell B. Rippetoe died on 3 April 2003 of wounds sustained when a Vehicle-Borne improvised explosive device detonated at a checkpoint southwest of Haditha Dam, Iraq.

Rippetoe was commissioned in the Army as a Field Artillery Officer in 1999 after graduating from Metro State College in Denver, Colorado. He served in 3rd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before joining 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia, in 2002.

CPT Rippetoe deployed with 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment as a Fire Support Officer and was supporting Operation IRAQI FREEDOM at the time of his death.