Sen. Tim Scott congratulates Major James Capers, Jr. on earning the Medal of Honor

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) congratulated Major James Capers, Jr. today on earning the Medal of Honor for his incredible acts of valor when his Marine Corps special operations team was ambushed during a mission in Phu Loc, Vietnam in 1967 during the Vietnam War. “Major James Capers, Jr. overcame humble beginnings to become an American hero,” said Sen. Scott. “His sacrifice and selflessness on behalf of his brothers in arms embody the American spirit and what it means to go above and beyond the call of duty. The Palmetto State is proud that this great South Carolinian has rightfully been recognized with the Medal of Honor.” Background: The Medal of Honor is awarded to a military service member who: “distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.” Thanks to the selfless sacrifice by Major Capers, all nine members of the team were brought to safety and survived the attack, though all members of the team, including Major Capers, were injured. Major Capers, who now resides in North Carolina, served 22 years in the Marine Corps. He served in combat infantry during the Vietnam War, followed by his re-enlistment where he became the first African American to serve in the Marine Corps’ elite special operations unit, Force Recon. During his career, Major Capers and his team conducted over 50 classified missions in Vietnam, amphibious assaults, covert missions to rescue POWs, and a recovery mission for a downed B-57 bomber, while enduring countless injuries including a broken leg. He continually sacrificed himself before his team, earning three Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and Combat V, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, three Good Conduct Ribbons, Battle Stars, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, CG Certificate of Merit, and multiple letters of Merit, Appreciation, and Commendation. Upon returning to the U.S., he then became the face of the “Ask a Marine” recruiting campaign and continued his public service by mentoring young Marines. ###