[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 146 (Friday, August 14, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        MAJOR JAMES CAPERS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 14, 2020

  Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor one of the greatest 
heroes our country has ever seen in combat--my constituent, and Lee 
County's very own, Major James Capers, Jr.
  Many may not know who Major Capers Jr. is, but he became the first 
black Marine officer nominated for the Medal of Honor and ultimately 
received the Silver Star.
  He is not only a hero in the Marine Corps, but also for his 
unwavering service in the Special Operations community, as well. Born 
in Bishopville, South Carolina, in the era of Jim Crow, Major Capers 
willingly enlisted in the military to serve a nation that did not have 
his interest at heart. That, in itself, is heroism.
  Regardless, after finding a home in the Marine Corps, he became the 
first African American to get a battlefield commission in the Marine 
Corps Force Recon and was promoted from Staff Sergeant to Second 
Lieutenant, giving him control over the unit.
  During the Vietnam War, Capers' team, who called themselves ``Team 
Broadminded'' conducted covert missions many of which nearly took his 
life to save his men. Soon after, Major Capers, a trailblazer for 
African Americans in the Marine Corps, became the face of their 
recruiting campaign called ``Ask a Marine.''
  Capers lost his wife and son to cancer, both of whom are buried in 
Arlington National Cemetery, but he still regularly receives visits 
from his fellow soldiers and other young Marines.
  However, he finally got the recognition he rightfully deserved. In 
2010, Major James Capers Jr. was one of only 14 members inducted into 
the inaugural class of U.S. Special Operations Command's Commando Hall 
of Honor at a ceremony in front of USSOCOM headquarters at MacDill Air 
Force Base.
  Between the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and 
countless other medals, Major James Capers, Jr. exemplifies what it 
truly means to be a hero--it is not the medals, but someone who stands 
face to face with adversity and is willing to sacrifice his own life 
for those of his brothers in Christ.
  It is my hope that every person of future generations can see and 
hear of his story, and be willing to do what he has done, and that is 
to be a hero. With that Madam Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to 
recognize Major James Capers, Jr.

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