Marina del Rey, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2015 -- Vietnam War hero, Colonel John W. Ripley is portrayed by Eric St. John in director Fred Koster's new film, "Ride the Thunder." Based on the best-selling book by Richard Botkin, the film features the true story of the brotherhood between US Marine Colonel John Ripley and Vietnamese Marine Lieutenant Colonel Le Ba Binh during their fight against the Communists and then their experiences in the aftermath of the war. Ripley comes home to a divided America while Binh is imprisoned in a communist re-education camp.Colonel John W. Ripley is one of America's greatest war heroes, who stunned the world with his efforts to destroy the bridge at Dong Ha on Easter Sunday morning, 1972. The premiere of "Ride the Thunder" is this Friday 3/27/2015 at Regency Theater 6721 Westminster Blvd, Westminster CA 92683. The movie will continue showing through April 2nd, 2015.More information on the lead actor, Eric St. John, is available at http://www.imdb.me/ericstjohn

Ride The Thunder Official Trailer: https://vimeo.com/123174476

"The film is our effort to try to right the historical wrongs, to leave a more positive record of the American fighting man and also our Vietnamese allies," - Richard Botkin, Executive Producer.

"Once you set a goal, you must never surrender. When life becomes difficult, that's the time to buckle down, focus and work harder." – Colonel John W. Ripley

"It is a tremendous honor for me to be playing the role of Colonel John W. Ripley. He is a true American war hero and I am so grateful to be representing this great man and his incredible acts of courage in 'Ride the Thunder.'" – Eric St. John, actor, "Colonel John W. Ripley"

"Ride the Thunder" portrays the events of Easter Sunday morning (1972) that made a Marine into an American Legend. On that day, Colonel John W. Ripley placed himself in harm's way repeatedly in an effort to destroy the vital bridge at Dong Ha. Because of his success, the North Vietnamese Army was hampered in its efforts to move southward and invade South Vietnam.

Eric St. John, an experienced and gifted actor, has been cast in the lead role, using his physical prowess and honed acting skills to portray this American Legend. St. John, with multiple accomplishments in martial arts, is one of the few actors in Hollywood truly able to portray the physicality of that Easter morning in 1972, as well as being able to provide the depth of character that Colonel Ripley truly deserves.

About Eric St. John
Eric St. John is an American actor residing in Los Angeles. He is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts New York. Some of his Television and Film credits include General Hospital, Passions, It's a Miracle, Being American, and most recently Bullet, with Danny Trejo, Jonathan Banks, and John Savage. As a model Eric has worked for clients including Nike, Chrysler, Men's Fitness and Corbis. He is highly skilled in multiple Martial Arts and won the Gold medal in the Black Belt Division in Taekwondo in the Jr. Olympics.

Website: http://www.ericstjohn.us
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eric-St-John/413032732066555
Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialEricStJohn
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/actorericstjohn
Google+: http://www.plus.google.com/105197652393023838494
Blog: http://www.ericstjohn.blogspot.com
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Media Contact :
Eric St. John
Actor – "Ride the Thunder"
310-775-7707
actorericstjohn@gmail.com
http://www.ericstjohn.us