Lawmakers Push for Medal of Honor for Vietnam War Hero James Capers Jr.

Nearly 50 congressmen have asked President Donald Trump to give former Marine Maj. James Capers Jr. the Medal of Honor for his Vietnam War courage. Military.com obtained the bipartisan letter detailing Capers' heroic fighting deeds and Marine Corps accomplishments.

Capers, who was seriously wounded in Vietnam in 1967, led "Team Broadminded," a nine-man reconnaissance mission, through the dangerous jungle near Phu Loc. Despite considerable blood loss, Capers coordinated airstrikes, artillery, and mortar fire to repel a more significant enemy force ambushing his battalion.

According to his Silver Star citation, capers resisted evacuation and ordered his Marines to safety. After running out of rifle ammunition, he fought the attackers with his handgun till the end.

Capers' acts satisfy Medal of Honor requirements, as stated in the letter to Trump: "His selfless actions, leadership, courage, and initiative uphold the highest traditions of the United States armed forces."

On top of two Bronze Stars for valor and three Purple Hearts, Capers got the Silver Star in 2010—one of the most decorated Marines in Force Reconnaissance history.

The 2023 Medal of commemorate measure led by Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) failed to pass after over a decade of work to commemorate Capers. The February 12, 2025 letter, signed by 47 members, including two Democrats, is the most nonpartisan ever.

The United American Patriots (UAP), a military member advocacy group, has supported Capers. Republican senators criticized the service academies for rejecting a Capers booklet for the 2024 Army-Navy game.

UAP CEO Lt. Col. David "Bull" Gurfein (Ret.) said the organization wrote more letters to Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting Capers' recognition.

"Maj. Capers is a trailblazer, a hero, and a symbol of the enduring principles of service and sacrifice," lawmakers said.

Despite his many honors, Capers, 87, has never received the nation's highest military distinction. Supporters think this next endeavor will cement his legacy.

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