(Washington, D.C.) — “Vietnam Veterans of America commends Congress on the final passage of H.R. 3377 “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,” said Tom Burke, VVA National President. The legislation, introduced in the House last May and just passed in the Senate on March 4, 2026, now heads to President Trump’s desk for signature.
“Major Capers is one of the Marine Corps’ most revered warriors — a Force Recon legend whose leadership and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of Marines. His heroism is not in question,” Burke stated. “Awarding him the Medal of Honor now would right a historic wrong and honor all Vietnam veterans whose service and sacrifice were never acknowledged. It is past time for Major Capers to receive the Medal of Honor he earned on the battlefield nearly sixty years ago.”
In 1967 during a mission near Phu Loc, then-Second Lieutenant Capers led his nine-man Force Recon team through four days of intense combat against a far superior enemy force. Despite suffering grievous wounds, he refused evacuation, directed close-air, artillery, and mortar strikes within 50 meters of his position, and personally led counterattacks that saved every Marine on his team.
General Bruno Hochmuth, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam, had intended to nominate Capers for the Medal of Honor before his death in 1967. Subsequent reviews by other Marine generals, as well as eyewitness accounts confirm that Capers’ actions exceeded the standard for the nation’s highest award for valor.
“Major Capers, now 88-years-old and in declining health, is a living legend to Marines and Vietnam veterans,” Burke noted. “Endorsing him receiving the Medal of Honor today would serve as a reminder to the country that bravery, selflessness, and loyalty to our country’s soldiers are enduring qualities deserving of our highest honor.”
