Legislation from U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman clears the Senate and heads to the president, authorizing the Medal of Honor for a Marine wounded in Vietnam combat.
Based on a release from U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05).
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate has passed legislation from U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., authorizing the president to award Major James Capers Jr. the Medal of Honor for acts of valor during the Vietnam War, according to the Office of Congressman Ralph Norman.
Capers, a native of Bishopville, South Carolina, served in the U.S. Marine Corps. In the spring of 1967, while leading a Marine reconnaissance team near Phu Loc, Vietnam, Capers and his unit came under intense enemy fire, according to Norman’s office. Despite suffering severe wounds, Capers repeatedly exposed himself to danger to direct his Marines, actions his office said saved lives.
The bill, H.R. 3377, now heads to the president’s desk. Once signed, the legislation will authorize the formal awarding of the Medal of Honor to Capers, according to Norman’s office.
Norman has led the effort to secure the recognition for Capers, according to his office.
“Major James Capers, Jr. demonstrated extraordinary courage and leadership during the Vietnam War, risking everything to save his fellow Marines while severely wounded,” Norman said. “His heroism has been known for decades, but the recognition he deserves has been far too long in coming.”
“I’m proud Congress has acted to send this legislation to the President’s desk to ensure Major Capers receives the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award for valor, and the gratitude of a nation he served with honor. We applaud you, and our nation thanks you for your service,” Norman said.
