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Veterans Urge Trump to Honor Marine Corps Hero With Medal of Honor Amid Biden Administration’s Oversight
A coalition of veterans and lawmakers is calling on President Donald Trump to bestow the Medal of Honor upon an 87-year-old Marine Corps war hero who has been overlooked by former President Joe Biden. Maj. James Capers, a revered figure among Marines, served valiantly during the Vietnam War and is widely regarded as a legend.
Capers made headlines for his exceptional bravery during a conflict in Phú Lộc in 1967, where he played a pivotal role in saving seven fellow Marines during an ambush by North Vietnamese troops. According to accounts from surviving Marines, Capers’ unit faced a harrowing assault in the dense jungle, suffering devastating injuries from explosive claymore mines.
Amidst the chaos, then-Lt. Capers sustained severe injuries with wounds to his stomach and a broken leg. His determination shone through as he continued to command his men, leading two Marines in a defensive effort long enough to await their extraction by medevac.
During this perilous mission, the evacuation helicopter encountered difficulties during takeoff. Capers exhibited a selfless attitude, attempting to sacrifice himself by jumping from the aircraft, insisting that the team leave him behind. Ultimately, he was pulled back aboard by the medevac crew chief, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his comrades.
Throughout the encounter, Capers suffered multiple gunfire wounds and endured 19 pieces of shrapnel. Despite his significant injuries, his efforts ensured the survival of his entire unit.
Acknowledgment Overlooked
For his valorous actions, Capers was initially awarded the Bronze Star, which was later upgraded to the Silver Star. However, many assert that his heroism warrants the nation’s highest military accolade, the Medal of Honor.
Capers, unaffected by the lack of recognition, continued his service in the Marine Corps after the war. He became a prominent figure in the “Ask a Marine” program, where he shared his experiences and motivated many young Americans to enlist and serve their country.
For years, a collective of Marines and fellow veterans has advocated for Capers to finally receive the recognition they believe he deserves. Despite these persistent efforts, Capers, notably the first African American to serve in a recon battalion in Vietnam, has faced neglect from the Biden administration.
Growing Concerns About Recognition
Worries have intensified among Capers’ friends about his health and advanced age, leading them to fear that he may never receive the acknowledgment they feel is rightfully his.
However, with Trump now in the Oval Office, Bill Cortese, a supporter of Capers and fellow Marine Corps veteran, expresses optimism for a favorable outcome. Cortese highlighted the potential impact Capers could have as a unifying figure for the nation.
“When you are overseas, when those bullets start flying, no one’s a Democrat or a Republican. No one’s a conservative or a progressive,” Cortese shared. He emphasized Capers’ exemplary character and resilience, having overcome severe racial discrimination to serve in the Corps. “This is someone who led the way, and I think we can rally around his story.”
Political Implications
Despite this fervent support, Cortese expressed frustration over the previous administration’s reluctance to upgrade Capers’ honors, describing it as “mind-boggling.”
He speculated that Biden may have overlooked Capers due to perceived political incompatibility with his narrative. “Anyone who knows Maj. Capers knows that he is not someone who bought into any of the woke ideology the last administration was pushing,” Cortese explained.
The lawyer continued, “He wouldn’t sing the song that they wanted, which is sad and unfortunate.” Cortese remains hopeful that the current administration will take the necessary steps to correct this oversight.
“We know President Trump cares about our veterans. We know he understands the importance of recognizing their heroic actions,” Cortese added. He believes this recognition carries significant implications for the veteran community and the country as a whole.
Grassroots Support Builds
The movement advocating for Capers has gained momentum, particularly with the support of 47 members of the U.S. House and Senate, who formally signed a letter urging Trump to confer the Medal of Honor upon him.
“We firmly believe that Major James Capers, Jr., has met the stringent criteria for the Medal of Honor,” the letter states. “His selfless actions, leadership, courage, and initiative uphold the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces. The valor displayed by Major Capers during his missions in Vietnam serves as a shining beacon for all servicemen and women, deserving the highest recognition.”
Honoring Legacy and Tradition
Cortese expressed his gratitude for the lawmakers who have joined this critical push, applauding their commitment to honor Capers. He emphasized the broader significance of the movement, stating, “We stand on the shoulders of people like Maj. Capers.”
As a Marine Corps veteran, he values the importance of recognizing those who paved the way for future generations. Cortese believes maintaining traditions of honor within the Marine Corps is paramount, underscoring the necessity of recognizing heroes like Maj. Capers.
