Medal of Honor
The highest award for Valor in action against an enemy, which can be bestowed upon an individual
serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the
President of the United States of America in the name of Congress.
Jim Capodanno received the
Medal of Honor (awarded posthumously) for his brother Vincent on
January 7, 1969
Bronze Star
Instituted in 1944 for all branches
of service. The criteria for this Medal: exceptional heroic or
meritorious achievement or service
not involving participation in aerial flight.
Father Vincent Capodanno was recommended
for this medal on May 22, 1967 for his actions with the
1st Battalion, 7th Marines from
May to December 1966. Jim Capodanno received the Bronze Star for
his brother (awarded posthumously)
on October 19, 1998.
Purple Heart
George Washington established this
medal in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. The Order of the
Purple Heart is awarded to members
of the Armed Forces of the United States who are wounded or
killed by an instrument of war
in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the
name of those who are killed in
action or die of wounds received in action.
Father Vincent Capodanno earned
the Purple Heart when he died, September 4th 1967.
National Defense Service Medal
Issued to members of the Naval
service for honorable active service between 1961-1974. Established
by President Eisenhower in 1953.
Designed by Mr. T. H. Jones, the eagle, our National emblem,
together with the shield of the
Coat of Arms of the United States, is used to symbolize the defense of
the United States. The combination
of the oak and palm leaves signify strength and preparedness.
Father Vincent Capodanno received
authorization for this medal on May 11, 1967.
VietNam Service Medal
Established by President Johnson
in 1965 for all members of the Armed Forces who served in
Vietnam or in that area, such as
Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, or directly connected with the war from
other bases such as Okinawa, Japan,
etc. between 1965-1973. Designed by sculptor Thomas H.
Jones, the suspension ribbon reflects
that of the flag of the former South Vietnam - yellow with three
red stripes. The green trim at
the edges is suggestive of the jungle nature of the conflict.
Father Vincent Capodanno received
authorization for this medal on May 11, 1967.
Vietnamese Gallantry Cross With
Device
Issued by the South Vietnamese
Government for gallantry under fire. This is one of the highest awards
by that government.
Father Vincent Capodanno's Citation:
"Lieutenant Capodanno is an excellent
Chaplain. During the operation FRESNO, he disregarded all
difficulties to go to the front
line in order to console, excite the spirit and increase the combat morale
of all operational units. He shared
a remarkable merit in the triumph". Awarded: Oct. 17, 1966
Republic of VietNam Campaign Medal
Issued to Members of the Armed
Forces who participated in combat operations in the Republic of
South Vietnam
Navy-Marine Corps Presidential Unit
Citation (ribbon only)
Issued by the President to Units
of the Armed Forces for extraordinary heroism in
action against an armed enemy.
The Unit must display such gallantry and determination in
accomplishing its mission under
extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart
from, and above, other units participating
in the same campaign. Each branch of service has its own
award. President Franklin D. Roosevelt
originally established it in 1942 as the "Distinguished Unit
Citation" and it was officially
changed to "Presidential Unit Citation" in 1966.
Father Capodanno was awarded the
Presidential Unit Citation for his participation with the 5th Marine
Regiment, of the 1st Marine Division.
Information presented by Ray Harton
USMC Ret.
At 4:30 am, September 4th, 1967 , in the Thang Binh District of the
Que-Son Valley, elements of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines found the large
North Vietnamese Unit, approx. 2500 men, near the village of Dong Son.
Operation Swift was underway. The out-numbered and disorganized Company D was
in need of reinforcements. By 9:14 am, twenty-six Marines were confirmed
dead. The situation was in doubt and another Company of Marines was committed
to the battle. At 9:25 am, the 1st Battalion 5th Marine Commander requested
assistance of two company's of the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, "M"and "K"
Company.
During those early hours, Chaplain
Capodanno received word of the battle
taking place. He sat in on the
morning briefing at the 3rd Battalion's Combat
Operations Center. He took notes
and listened to the radio reports coming in.
As the elements of Company "M"
and "K" prepared to load the helicopters.
"Fr.Vince" requested to go with
them. His Marines needed him. "It's not going
to be easy" he stated. As Company
"M" approached the small village of Chau
Lam, the North Vietnamese opened
up on the 2nd Platoon, which was caught on a
small knoll, out in the open. The
fighting was fierce, hand to hand at times,
and the platoon was in danger of
being overrun.
This is just a small part of what
happened on this day, September 4th 1967.
Father Capodanno's inspiration
and dedication to "his" Marines goes much
further. His story continues to
touch many lives even today.
This picture was taken on Sept. 4th 2000 at Ft. Wadsworth at Staten Island, NY.
It was the 32nd anniversary of Father Capodanno's death.
From left to right:
James C. Capodanno, brother of Father Capodanno
Tom Forgas, Cpl. USMC S-2 on Operation Swift, Retired FBI photographer.
Jim Hemfield, LCPL, USMC Machine Gunner with "D" 1/5 on Op. Swift.
Cpl. Ray Harton USMC Ret.
Attending the ceremonies were the NYC Police
Dept. drum and bugle corps, and presenting the wreath was the
FOPH from State of NJ. Also attending
were the Members of the board of dir. of the Capodanno Foundation,
Ret. Col. Dick Alger, Ret. Col. Pete Hilgartner,
Col. Fitzgerald USMC Ret. along with Fr.Daniel Mode author of
the book. "The Grunt Padre".
The statue was funded and paid for by the USMC Reserve detachment, Staten Island NY, in 1994.