In Memoriam Capt. John (SpineRipper) Waples

Tailhookers,

It is with a heavy heart that I pass bad news about John (Spineripper) Waples from his brother Bill. John was killed in a single car accident Wednesday on his farm in Pulaski, TN.
 
Capt John M Waples was a superlative Naval Aviator and a  true Attack Pilot. He started in Spads, transitioned to the Skyhawk, commanded an A-7 squadron, an Airwing on the Ranger, and fleet oiler. He was known for his direct approach to problem solving, with near God like clarity and reasoning. John was an inspiration to the JO's, was highly respected by his contemporaries and known up the chain of command as forthright, dependable and aggressive.
 
Spineripper was a true warrior. He would take the air battle to the enemy, no target was too hard, no threat too great. He was my wingman in May, 1967 during the first USN attack on a NVN Mig base, Kep, and rolled up a pair of MiG-17,s on the runway during the raid. Two months later in the middle of the strike group, he called bandits at the Ironhand six-oclock, alerting the Gators, and in the ensuing fight, it was F-8,s- 3, MiGs -0. John was born and bred to fight. He would steam and stew in ops monitoring any strike he was not on , suited up, ready to launch and make any survivors burn, bleed and blow up. He was the original shock and awe combat leader.
 
Wapes was one of the greats of Naval Aviation. He had over 1300 carrier landings, over 400 at night, all the hard way, and a bunch of combat missions. I'm sure there are many Waples fans on distribution who can weigh in with TINS tales about the Spineripper. May he rest in peace.   

TR

Comments

[Randall Hardin]

I served under capt John waples in Jacksonville Fl NAS Cicle Field VA 83. He was the most impressive officer in my five years in the Navy that I had every servied under.I am very saddened to hear of his passing he was truley A great man and leader of men.My prayers go out to his familey

[Tom Dussman]

Spineripper dead??? Doesn't seem possible...

If he was in a car and hit a tree or a train or a mountain, anyone who knew him would assume the car and train or tree or mountain would be dead--not SpineRipper. He'd walk away from the carnage untouched, light up a stoogie and make his tee time.

Before there were "Chuck Norris stories", the stories were about John Waples--and they weren't fiction.

RIP.

[Dave Thompson]

Was a great Skipper on the CAMDEN - straight forward and no bull. Great American - sorry to hear about his passing.

[Chuck Dyer cgd..navcad@verizon.net]

I met John in April 1958 in Navcad Class 14-58 and we were together the whole way, getting our wings on the same day in Sept 1959, staying in touch thru the years and following his marvelous career closely. I was shocked when I saw his name in the Hook's "Last Cut" and was just given this wonderful link today,..so many stories..one of my favorite memories is riding with him in his MG, each with one of his pistols ( .44 Magnum; .357 Magnum ) for miles on the beach at Padre Island trying to shoot sandpipers while driving at high speed.a great Naval Aviator if there ever was one! God Bless you, John

[Rockie Rahn]

I appreciate all the kind words that are posted! It is nice to read how many lives my father touched! tluvjr8@aol.com "ROCKIE"

[AVCM Thomas Cantrell (AW)]

What a loss. He was my CAG on the Ranger in 1980, or put another way, I was his AVMo. Great inspiration in every word, every action. I send his family every condolence and wish for solace.

[Dane Landwehr Sgt USMC]

Wapes is gone but not forgotten. I was down last year to go hunting with him. It was the first time I had seen him since I was a little kid. It was truly an honor to be able to spend time with him. I just hope there is enough Irish Whisky in heaven. My best wishes to your family.

Dane Landwehr Sgt USMC

[Shannon Turek]

John Waples was the best friend my father (John Landwehr) ever had. I can remember the joy my father had everytime he went down to visit Wapes. Their favorite thing to do was sit out on the front porch, smoke a cigar, drink an irish whiskey and shoot the breeze. I am eternally thankful to Waples for being such a wonderful man and role model. He will be truly missed.

[Captain Fast Eddie Fishburne, SC, USN (RET)]

I was SPINERIPPER's SUPPO on CAMDEN and spent hours on the bridge wing with him during UNREPS. I heard many stories about many of you and I re-told them over and over again after our tour together. I am even sure that some of what he and I told were even true! RIPPER was a great person to work for and above all was a fabulous and very unique leader. The crew of CAMDEN respected him and loved him. There will never be another one like him.

I cherish the hours and hours we spent together and his legacy will live on forever. We remained good friends after he retired and we spoke often and the conversations always made their way back to our stories and those of his aviator friends.

I am proud to have known him and delighted to be one who truly understood his greatness. He is "My Most Unforgettable Character."

Sincerely and with deepest respect and sympathy,

Fast Eddie

[Rockie Rahn]

My father, Capt. John "SPINERIPPER" Waples, will truly be missed. In this difficult time, it is nice to read such wonderful stories about my father. His time in the military meant everything to him. There was never a time spent with him, you didn't hear a story, 2 or 3 regarding his time in the US Navy!
Rockie Rahn

[Matthew Waples]

Capt John M Waples, my uncle, was a great person to me and my family and will be greatly missed. My son and I were fortunate to have spent some time with him and his family just weeks before he died and made it back for his funeral services.
Respectfully
Matthew Waples