James Capers Jr.

Official Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Team Leader with 3d Force Reconnaissance Company, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion in the Republic of Vietnam from 31 March to 3 April 1967. Tasked to locate a North Vietnamese regimental base camp southwest of Phu Loc and provide observation for the flank of Company M, 3d Battalion, 26 th Marines, Second Lieutenant Capers maneuvered his nine-man team on a four-day patrol through rugged enemy territory. The team had contact with 20 enemy soldiers on the first day of patrol, and two additional contacts on the second day, resulting in one severely wounded team member. Despite being outnumbered by enemy forces, Second Lieutenant Capers relentlessly pursued his vigilant and tenacious adversary, and called for fire on an enemy base camp to thwart an impending attack on Company M. On the last day of the patrol, his team was engaged by a numerically superior enemy force with an initial attack from claymore mines, coupled with direct and indirect fire. Despite severe pain and blood loss caused by the multiple fragmentation and gunshot wounds he sustained, Second Lieutenant Capers bravely continued to lead his team and maintain the initiative. Even after being administered morphine, he continued to coordinate supporting fires and his team’s movement to a helicopter extraction site. While struggling to maintain consciousness and still under enemy attack, Second Lieutenant Capers maintained command of the situation to ensure all of his Marines were evacuated before he, barely able to stand, finally boarded the helicopter. By his bold leadership, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Second Lieutenant Capers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.