A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MAJOR JAMES CAPERS JR. FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM AND LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM FOR RECEIVING THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS ACTIONS IN VIETNAM.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Major James Capers Jr. for receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam; and

 

Whereas, a native of Bishopville, Major James Capers Jr. was born in 1937 and raised in a family of sharecroppers. He joined the Marine Corps in 1956 and broke barriers throughout his military career. He became the first Black Marine to join Force Reconnaissance, the first Black Marine to receive a battlefield commission in Marine Special Operations, and later the first Black Marine to command a reconnaissance company; and

 

Whereas, during the Vietnam War in 1967, Major Capers led his elite reconnaissance team, "Team Broadminded," on a mission near Phu Loc, north of Da Nang, where he demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty; and

 

Whereas, during a ferocious enemy ambush, Major Capers sustained severe wounds, including shrapnel injuries and multiple bullet wounds, yet he continued to fight, direct supporting fire, and protect his fellow Marines until they were safely evacuated; and

 

Whereas, his valor and leadership under fire saved lives and exemplified the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces; and

 

Whereas, for his exemplary conduct, Major Capers has received the Bronze Star and the Silver Star. On June 18, 2026, he received the Medal of Honor; and

 

Whereas, after retiring in 1978, Major Capers devoted himself to veterans, mentoring marines and sharing his experiences through public speaking and his memoir, Faith Through the Storm. His Medal of Honor recognizes not only extraordinary courage in combat, but a lifetime defined by service to others; and

 

Whereas, Major Capers' story, character, and sacrifice serve as an inspiration not only to South Carolinians but to all Americans; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that Major Capers has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Major James Capers Jr. for his extraordinary heroism and lifetime of service to the United States Marine Corps and to congratulate him for receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Major James Capers Jr.

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