CALLS ARE GROWING LOUDER TO AWARD MAJ. JAMES CAPERS JR. WITH A MEDAL OF HONOR
The Vietnam War called on warfighters to endure hell on Earth. Retired Marine Veteran Maj. James Capers Jr., like many others, answered the call. His service has been recognized, but many believe the 87-year-old deserves more. Once again, the ongoing fight to provide Maj. Capers Jr. with the military’s highest honor is being brought to light by lawmakers. President Donald Trump could decide whether or not Capers Jr. receives the Medal of Honor for his heroics in Southeast Asia.
Will Trump Award Maj. James Capers Jr. the Medal of Honor?
Around 50 politicians have written to President Trump asking him to award Maj. James Capers Jr. the Medal of Honor for his actions while serving during the Vietnam War.
A letter was sent on February 12, 2025; however, this is far from the first time, lawmakers have been trying for the honor to be bestowed upon the Marine for over a decade—legislation was even drafted in January 2023, unsuccessfully.
The request is bipartisan and support can be found in both the House and the Senate as Congress works to provide this hero with the award many believe is rightfully his.
Honoring a Hero
An idea for a tribute would cause controversy after over 20 Republican lawmakers criticized the service academies for not allowing a pamphlet honoring Major James Capers Jr. at the Army-Navy game.
As the first Black man to lead a Marine Reconnaissance company and receive a battlefield commission, the pamphlet detailed his brave actions while serving in Vietnam in 1967, where, despite being badly wounded, he fought off a larger enemy force and ensured his team’s safety before his own.
His selfless actions would earn Capers the Bronze Star, which was formally upgraded to the Silver Star in 2010, along with two Bronze Stars with "V" devices for valor, three Purple Hearts, a Navy Commendation Medal, and a Navy Achievement Medal.
Why There’s a Push for the Medal of Honor
During a dangerous mission, Team Broadminded, led by then-2nd Lt. Capers, was tasked with clearing and patrolling dangerous jungle trails outside of Phu Loc, Vietnam.
Unfortunately, the team experienced an ambush, causing serious injury to Capers who lost so much blood, that he required morphine just to deal with the situation.
Despite these incredible injuries, Capers called in for air support along with strikes from artillery and mortar fire. By doing so, he was able to stop enemy forces from advancing closer to his position.
Meanwhile, Capers continued to fight for others, ordering some of the Marines to move to the landing zone (LZ) to be evacuated, while he and two other troops fought on.
Enemy forces attacked again and once he ran out of ammo with his rifle, Capers pulled out his pistol and continued while fighting the urge to pass out.
His men tried to stop him but Capers fought on until all of the Marines under his command were safely aboard the helicopter before boarding himself.
Maj. James Capers Jr. Is a Testament to Overcoming
Poverty didn’t stop Capers. The Jim Crow era, systemic barriers, and unthinkable adversity couldn’t stop Capers. Even enemy forces tried their best but failed to prevent Capers from achieving what he set out to do.
There has been a lot of talk and action in the political realm to eliminate diversity and inclusion, yet the history of the Marine Corps, and all of the military, continues to show just how much trailblazers have contributed to our nation’s defense.
Maj. James Capers Jr. understands what it means to sacrifice and persevere for others. Hopefully, those benefiting from those sacrifices will honor him with an award that feels well overdue.
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