Almost 60 years after leading his unit through a challenging ambush in Vietnam, retired Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr. received the Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump. Known as the ‘father of Marine Corps Special Operations,’ Capers, now 88, dedicated the award to the young men who sacrificed their lives for the country.
In an interview, Capers emphasized, ‘This award belongs to many young men who followed me and died for this country we honor.’
On June 18, 2026, President Trump presented the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony. The event recognized three veterans for their service, including two from the Vietnam War and one from the Afghanistan War. Among them was retired Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery, as well as a posthumous award for Marine Col. John W. Ripley, who passed away in 2008.
Capers demonstrated outstanding bravery during the Vietnam War. Despite being severely wounded, including a stomach wound and a broken leg, he continued to lead his men and repel enemy forces until medical evacuation was possible. He explained what motivated him: ‘When your men are in danger, you save them.’
In addition to his Medal of Honor, Capers was the first African American to lead a Marine recon company and receive a battlefield commission. Now inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, he expressed feelings of survivor’s guilt, stating, ‘I felt guilty because many didn’t survive.’
The toll of his service was heavy. Capers lost many comrades in battle and suffered personal losses. He shared, ‘I lost many good men, suffered 19 wounds, and also lost my son and wife.’
Despite these losses, the support of the military community has been crucial. Capers acknowledged, ‘The military steps up when needed, and I am honored by their support.’
During the ceremony, President Trump praised the veterans’ service, declaring, ‘We will remember you.’ Capers’ story of courage continues in ‘The Iron Major: James Capers Jr.,’ available on Fox Nation.
He was previously honored at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards, receiving the ‘Salute to Service Award.’
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