January 19, 2025
Major James Capers: A Hero Who Defies Identity Politics
By David Gurfein
Amid the chaos of Phu Loc, Vietnam, with shrapnel tearing through his body and gunshot wounds threatening his life, Major James Capers Jr. stood firm. The screams of his wounded men pierced the air, but he refused to back down. Surrounded by a numerically superior North Vietnamese force, Capers risked everything to ensure his Marines survived. This is the essence of heroism -- a story of courage and self-sacrifice.
Throughout American history, there have been heroes whose stories challenge ignorance and prejudice. Major James Capers Jr., a Marine Corps legend, is one such hero. His life is a testament to integrity and triumph -- not only on distant battlefields but also against individual racists and political ideologues at home.
As one of the first black Marines to serve in the elite Force Reconnaissance Companies, and the only one to receive a battlefield commission -- from Staff Sergeant to 2nd Lieutenant -- Capers led his team on dozens of near-impossible missions. His extraordinary actions at Phu Loc, where he received 17 shrapnel wounds and was shot twice, were marked by gallantry, intrepidity, and self-sacrifice far above and beyond the call of duty.
Despite being recommended for the Medal of Honor by his Marines and a general officer in Vietnam, the recognition was blocked by his commanding officer, who was not even present at Phu Loc. Instead, he recommended a lesser award, the Bronze Star with Combat “V.” The CO’s motives -- whether personal animus, jealousy, or racism -- remain unclear. However, his disdain was evident, reportedly saying of the Medal of Honor recommendation: “Not only no, but hell no!”
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/01/major_james_capers_a_hero_who_defies_identity_politics.html
