Major James Capers Jr. Awarded Medal of Honor

Nearly sixty years after leading Marines through a perilous ambush in Vietnam, retired Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Donald Trump. The ceremony took place at the White House, honoring Capers and two others for their service.

Capers, now 88, is celebrated as the ‘father of Marine Corps Special Operations.’ He dedicated his medal to those who sacrificed their lives for the United States. Speaking on ‘Fox & Friends,’ Capers expressed that the award represents the young men who followed him and died for their country.

I can’t say I’m happy to be here, because this award belongs to a lot of young men who followed me and died in battlefields around this world for a country that we honor this flag, Capers said.

The ceremony bestowed the nation’s highest military honor on three veterans, including a posthumous recognition for Marine Col. John W. Ripley. Trump also honored retired Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery for his service.

During the Vietnam War, Capers heroically saved his fellow Marines. In 1967, his unit faced a fierce ambush, leading to severe injuries for many, including Capers himself. Despite sustaining multiple wounds, he led his men until they were safely evacuated. Capers highlighted the bond with his comrades as his driving force in those dire moments.

When your men are in peril, and you have an opportunity to save your men, then that’s what I chose to do, Capers reflected.

Capers broke barriers as the first African American to lead a Marine recon company and receive a battlefield commission. Now a member of the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, he acknowledged feelings of survivor’s guilt despite the honor.

He shared the personal losses he endured, including the passing of his son and wife. The burdens of two wars and the loss of his Marines weigh heavily on him.

I lost a lot of good men in battlefields and I fought two wars and suffered 19 bullet holes and along the way out of the battle zones, Capers stated.

The military community provided support during his toughest times. Capers was grateful for their solidarity, emphasizing the military’s collective strength.

So I feel honored to have the support that I find today. I’m honored, and I give gratitude to the ones who made this happen, he said.

Trump praised the veterans for their service, ensuring their legacy is remembered. Capers’ lifelong dedication is also showcased in the documentary “The Iron Major: James Capers Jr.”, available on Fox Nation.

In 2025, Capers received the ‘Salute to Service Award’ at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards, acknowledging his exemplary service and commitment.