Hometown Heroes: Featuring Major James Capers, Jr.
It feels good to be writing again. Once this new administration got settled in, it has been Life in the Fast Lane, buddy. Even as I write this, the decisions are still rolling in hot. Yet, I wanted to take the time to tell you about another Home Town Hero, Major James Capers, Jr. With your help, he just might receive the Medal of Honor. Better late than never, right? Him and Michael Buras are birds of a feather, if you ask me.
I can only imagine that some of you reading this are also familiar with The Shawn Ryan Show. A few months ago, Shawn hosted Major James Caper, Jr. To put it lightly, Capers is a certified bad ass. In 1967, then Second Lt. Capers was on a patrol near Phú Lộc, South Vietnam. Capers was the first black Marine to command a reconnaissance company. His new promotion came out of necessity to survive, i.e., a battlefield commission, attached to the Third Force Reconnaissance Company. Almost wrapping up their mission, ready to head back in hopes of some cold hot beer, maybe even a USO concert, a claymore exploded, which began an assault on Capers and his men. Capers himself was wounded from the explosion. Two broken legs, bleeding heavily, Capers continued to command the situation, directing a counterattack, all the while coordinating fire support and a helicopter evacuation. “While struggling to maintain consciousness and still under attack, Major Capers demanded continuous situation and status reports from his Marines and ensured the entire team was evacuated before himself…” “Barely able to stand, Major Capers finally boarded the helicopter and was evacuated,” his citation reads.
During the firefight, Capers, in two instances, gave up his seat on a ride out, so it could instead take others. Capers eventually received a Silver Star for those actions.
That’s where the controversy picks up. A similar event occurred nearly a year later. As a result, Second Lt. Terrence C. Graves did receive a Medal of Honor—for nearly identical actions. But, so far, nothing for Capers. Thankfully, however, that blue ribbon may be in sight for Capers, with a little help from Congress, and maybe even yourself. In May, H.R. 3377 was introduced to “authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr., for acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War”. There is also an online Petition.
I think what is most interesting here is no one disputes that both men did heroic things. It also highlights what I have known since I began doing this kind of work, ordinary people who have done extraordinary things for our Country are not that uncommon. Especially during this era. Men were drafted to do a job for their Country, for our Country, and they did it well, and they did it to the best of their ability. Capers is no different. Neither is Terrence. Both men went above and beyond of what was asked of them. So far, though, Capers hasn’t gotten the same recognition he deserves. But, perhaps with your help, that just may change. I can’t think of a better reason to call your Congressman’s office. Capers deserves it, just like Terrence does. Our Country is better off because of both men.
The wheels of justice may turn slow, but they’re always turning.
Godspeed.
