Major James Capers: Marine Recon legend & Commando Hall of Fame member

[rangerrebew]

 Major James Capers: Marine Recon legend & Commando Hall of Fame member
by Steve Balestrieri   
 

We’ve all seen those Hollywood films where the protagonist has a resume that is so full of incredible feats of derring-do that it can’t possibly be true. Well, in regard to Major James Capers, every word of it IS true. Major Capers is a legend, not only in the Marine Corps but in the Special Operations community as well.

Capers’ biography does in fact read like a Hollywood script and what is even more incredible is that it probably is understated. Capers fought plenty of our nation’s enemies during the course of his storied and amazing career. He also fought against racism and prejudice in our own country, where some NCOs and Officers refused to believe that he was worthy of being counted among the best in Special Operations.

Capers was recommended for the Medal of Honor but it was downgraded to the Silver Star. There is now an active push to get his award upgraded but it remains to be seen whether or not it will ever happen during the Major’s lifetime. He’s now 82 years old.

https://sofrep.com/news/major-james-capers-marine-recon-legend-commando-hall-of-fame-member/

[sneakypete]

After reading the full story,I think he MIGHT have earned the MoH. Him getting a SS instead means nothing and has nothing to do with racism. I personally knew several white soldiers that were put in for a MoH and had it reduced to a Silver Star.

It's the "big one",and there are many factors that come into play,ranging from how well the award is written,WHO writes it,how many witnesses there are that sign-off on it and WHO the witnesses are. For example,the written testimony of a team member that was there with you isn't worth as much as a written report by a helicopter pilot that witnessed it. The team member report does add "weight" to the "strictly witness" report.

Besides that,politics are involved. If your award happens to hit DC at the same time anti-war rioters are in town,it's going to get put in a file cabinet and forgotten.

On the other hand,if your award recommendation hits DC at a time when there are no anti-war protests and the military and the President want a "ratings boost",you are going to get it even if it is a "little iffy".

Remember,the Medal of Honor is the only valor award that has to be approved by civilians,most of whom have only heard shots on tv and in movies. Even after they read it,they don't know what the hell it is "saying".

Speaking of politics,this guy IS going to finally get a MoH. He is a genuine hero,he is black,and this is 2020. It's a done deal.