Ezra H. Ripple '98: From Cadet to Command

Ezra H. Ripple, Jr., a member of PMC’s Class of 1898, answered the call to service before completing his studies. In May of that year, as the nation mobilized for the Spanish-American War, Ripple—then a Cadet Lieutenant—left campus to enlist as a private in Company D of the 13th Regiment of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Like many of his classmates who entered service, he still received his degree in civil engineering.

Ripple joined his regiment at Camp Hastings for training. At the time of muster, the 13th Pennsylvania consisted of thirty-six officers and 604 enlisted men. In May, the regiment was ordered to Camp Alger, near Dunn Loring, Virginia, where it became part of the 2nd Army Corps, First Division. The unit remained there until August, when it was ordered back to Pennsylvania’s Camp Meade near Middletown. The war came to an end on August 13, and the 13th Pennsylvania did not see combat.

Following his military service, Ripple worked as a mine surveyor until 1900, when he chose to pursue a career in law. He entered the law department of the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 1904. The following year, he was admitted to the Lackawanna bar.

Ripple’s commitment to military service continued well beyond his early enlistment. In 1916, he commanded the 13th Pennsylvania during the Mexican Border Campaign. During World War I, he was drafted into service and assigned to Headquarters, 55th Infantry Brigade, 28th Infantry Division—once again answering the call in a time of national need.

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