Medal of Honor Awarded to Retired Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump presented the Medal of Honor to retired Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr., nearly six decades after his heroic actions during a violent ambush in Vietnam.
The 88-year-old, often referred to as the “Father of Marine Corps Special Operations,” dedicated the award to the younger service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. “I can’t say I’m happy to be here because this award belongs to so many young people who followed me and died on battlefields around the world for a country that respects this flag,” Capers remarked during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.”
During the ceremony, which took place in the East Room of the White House, Trump not only honored Capers but also recognized three other veterans: two who served in Vietnam and one from Afghanistan. Retired Army Major General Nicholas Dockery received the Medal of Honor, while it was posthumously awarded to Marine Corps Colonel John W. Ripley, who passed away in 2008.
Capers served valiantly during the Vietnam War, where he managed to save fellow Marines during dire circumstances. In 1967, his unit faced an ambush in the jungle, resulting in severe injuries, including to Capers himself.
Even after suffering a gash in his stomach and a broken leg, he maintained his resolve. “I just kept pushing forward to help my men,” he explained, recalling how the support of his fellow Marines was crucial during that harrowing time.
Capers also holds the distinction of being the first African American to command a Marine Corps reconnaissance company on a battlefield mission. Although he has now been officially inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, he admits to feeling a sense of survivor’s guilt about receiving the award.
He candidly shared, “It was a tough time for me. Sometimes, I felt I didn’t truly deserve this recognition.” Despite these conflicting emotions, he expressed gratitude, highlighting the honor it brings to all the men and women who have served.
Reflecting on the personal toll of his service, he mentioned losing many friends and family members along the way. “I fought in two wars and lost soldiers in combat— it’s hard to feel satisfied about winning a medal when you carry such grief,” he said.
President Trump, speaking at the ceremony, expressed deep appreciation for the unique service of these veterans, stating, “We will never, ever forget you.” Capers’ story has been documented in “Iron Major: James Capers Jr.,” available for streaming.
Last November, he received the Salute of the Year Award at the annual Fox Nation Patriot Awards, another reminder of the contributions he and so many others have made.
