Attention to orders, America! In a time of bureaucratic paralysis and cultural confusion, there are still warriors who show us what courage really looks like. Chief among them: Major James Capers Jr., USMC (Ret.), a Marine Special Forces legend whose valor in Vietnam belongs in the pantheon of Marine heroes.
For too long, this warrior has been denied the Congressional Medal of Honor (MOH), our nation’s highest recognition of valor. It’s time to cut through the red tape, silence the doubters, and give this man his due. Anything less dishonors every patriot who ever bled for Old Glory.
The Battle of Phu Loc
In 1967, a newly battlefield-commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, Capers led “Team Broadminded,” a nine-man Force Recon unit, deep into enemy-held jungle at Phu Loc – a territory swarming with entrenched North Vietnamese Army regimental headquarters, hundreds strong.
After three days of combat operations, in which he killed over 20 of the enemy and marked assault routes, Capers was ordered to retrace the same ground. Against his better judgment, he obeyed. The team was ambushed. Claymores detonated, bullets ripped flesh, and every Marine was hit. King, Capers’ war dog, was killed.
Capers’ abdomen was torn open and his legs shredded, but he stayed in command, calling in airstrikes and artillery within 50 meters of his position. He ordered his assistant patrol leader to evacuate the most seriously wounded while he personally led a counterassault, firing rifles, grenades, and sheer willpower until the enemy broke.
As his men reached the helo landing zone, the enemy attacked again. Capers fought on – first with his rifle, then with his pistol when his ammo was gone – until he collapsed. Marines dragged him onto the helicopter, but when the overloaded aircraft struggled to lift, Capers tried to sacrifice himself, saying: “Leave me behind! Get my Marines out of here!” He had to be physically restrained to keep him aboard.
Every single one of his Marines survived! They owe their lives to Capers’ courage and leadership.
Maj. Gen. Bruno Hochmuth, Capers’ division commanding general visited them at the hospital and told Capers’ Marines that he would nominate them for the Medal of Honor. But when Hochmuth was killed in a helicopter crash, the MOH recommendation was lost in decades of bureaucratic bungling.
The Fight Continues
Today, 47 senators and representatives have written to President Trump about Capers, as have dozens of retired senior enlisted leaders from all branches of the armed forces. A few generals have pressed the case. U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) secured a House amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizing Trump to award the MOH, while U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced a matching Senate amendment. These amendments must stay in for the final draft of the NDAA.
However, even that won’t provide the president the authorization to secure that blue ribbon around Capers’ neck until the first quarter of 2026.
If Secretary of War Pete Hegseth could fast-track a standalone bill, however, then the president could award Capers the MOH by Nov. 10, 2025 – the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. Perfect timing for a Marine who is so deserving!
Bigger Than One Man
Capers represents the essence of a warrior who honorably served the Corps he joined for the country he loves. A son of Bishopville, S.C., rising from humble beginnings to a trailblazer in Force Recon, his story is pure American exceptionalism. His platoon sergeant, Ron Yerman, put it best: “Maj. Capers doesn’t deserve the Medal of Honor. He earned it twice over!” He’s right.
The Marine Corps’ senior leadership (active and retired), starting with the commandant, must step up! The duty is clear: push this through. The secretary of the Navy should be asking hard questions about failed processes and policy flaws in its award procedures.
Critics may whine about “revisionist history” or “politics.” That’s smoke and mirrors. This is about righting a wrong. Awarding Capers with the MOH sends a thunderclap message: Valor knows no color, no era, no expiration date. It’s a rebuke to those who tear down statues and rewrite our past.
I’ve seen combat in Baghdad and in places where chaos reigned and steel met flesh. I’ve earned my own scars and decorations. But what I faced pales beside Capers. He fought wounded, nearly bled out, and still led assaults that saved every man on his team. His valor stands shoulder-to-shoulder with legends like Audie Murphy, Dan Daly, and Smedley Butler.
How Does This Involve the Alabamian?
Two reasons. Most importantly, Capers is not a Vietnam hero, not a black hero, nor a Democrat or Republican hero, he is an AMERICAN HERO worthy of the MOH. It’s our duty as Americans to make sure our Congress knows that.
Secondly, Sen. Tuberville chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee subcommittee on Personnel so he plays a considerable role with Capers’ MOH.
The reader must judge. Check out this MOH comparison chart and see if you agree that there is no more worthy warrior, no more deserving American!
Troy Carico is a former infantry enlisted soldier (11B) and infantry officer with branch qualifications including counterintelligence (35E) and military intelligence (35D). He served with distinction in the U.S. Army for more than 22 years and is highly decorated and service-connected disabled. He also has prior service as a civilian intelligence officer for the Defense Intelligence Agency Great Skills Program and has served in numerous clandestine assignments throughout the world.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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