South Carolina

Major James Capers Jr.

Force Recon Marine who fought in the Vietnam War.

I always love to read history of the Vietnam War especially the MACV SOG Warriors of Army Special Forces, Rangers Marine Force Recon, Navy SEALs and CIA paramilitary ops forces. I believe that Major James Capers Jr will finally earn his Medal of Honor that should have been earned. I also saw the Shawn Ryan podcast a couple of months ago about his story from growing up in South Carolina, his missions in the Marine Corps from his deployments in Lebanon, earning his respect from the Force Recon Marines in Vietnam battling against the Vietcong terrorist/guerrilla forces and North Vietnamese Army forces. He also did over 50 classified missions in Africa, Middle East and Eastern European countries plus he has a great book called “Faith through the Storm.” He is a Real American Patriot, Warrior and legend in the Force Recon and Marine Raiders. My salute to him and the rest of the Shadow Warriors of Force Recon and Marine Raiders. 🦅🌎⚓🎖

Location: Bishopville, South Carolina

Submitted by: Dion Thomas

Major James Capers Jr. (cont.)

Marine Recon Legend

A true Marine Corps legend, Major James “Jim” Capers Jr. has lived a life defined by courage, sacrifice and quiet leadership. Born in Bishopville, South Carolina in 1937, he rose from humble beginnings in the segregated South to become one of the most decorated Reconnaissance Marines in history.

During the Vietnam War, Capers led more than fifty long-range reconnaissance missions with the famed “Team Broadminded,” earning a reputation for fearless leadership and unwavering dedication under fire. Severely wounded in combat, he refused evacuation to ensure the safety of his men, a selfless act that would later earn him the Silver Star. Across a 22-year career, he amassed an extraordinary record of valor, including two Bronze Stars with “V” for heroism, three Purple Hearts and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Capers shattered barriers within the Corps. He became the first African American to command a Recon company and the first Black Marine to earn a battlefield commission, setting a precedent for generations to come. Beyond combat, he served in classified Cold War operations and became a national face of Marine recruitment through the iconic “Ask a Marine” campaign.

After retiring in 1978, Capers continued to serve the veteran community with the same steadfast commitment he demonstrated in uniform. He chronicled his journey in his memoir, “Faith Through the Storm,” advocated tirelessly for veterans’ welfare and was inducted into the U.S. Special Operations Command’s Commando Hall of Honor. He has mentored countless young Marines and remains a fixture in documentaries, interviews and historical profiles, celebrated not just for what he achieved but for how he achieved it, with humility, integrity and courage.

In 2025, a bipartisan congressional contingent renewed calls for Capers to receive the Medal of Honor, a recognition of heroism his peers have long championed. That so many have advocated for him over decades is a testament not only to his extraordinary courage on the battlefield but to the lasting mark he has left on the Marine Corps and all who have been inspired by his example. Now 87, Major Capers stands as a pioneering Marine, devoted family man and enduring symbol of resilience and leadership. His story continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps, proving that true valor is measured not only in actions on the battlefield, but in a lifetime of service, mentorship and unwavering character.

Location: Bishopville, South Carolina

Submitted by: N/A

Col Matthew G. St. Clair

Throughout his nearly 30-year career, Col St. Clair commanded several of the Marine Corps’ most dynamic and complex units such as an Infantry Battalion Landing Team (3^rd Battalion, 8^th Marines), a Marine Air Ground Task Force (26th Marine Expeditionary Unit), the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force (GCEITF), and one of the Marine Corps’ Recruit Training Regiments. He also served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense with his last tour as the chief of staff of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot / Eastern Recruiting Region, Parris Island, South Carolina. Matt completed numerous operational deployments to include combat tours in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Location: Greenville, South Carolina

Submitted by: Richard Andrew Farrer