Graham Celebrates Passage of Legislation Authorizing President Trump to Give Medal of Honor to South Carolina Veteran

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today celebrated the Senate's passage of a House bill (H.R. 3377) that would authorize President Donald J. Trump to present the Medal of Honor to Major James Capers, Jr. for his valiant efforts during the Vietnam War. Graham introduced the Senate version of this legislation last month and helped work to ensure the bill was sent to President Trump's desk.

The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest military award, recognizing heroism in combat, and must be presented to the recipient within five years of their action. This bill, however, waives the time requirement for Major Capers, Jr.

"Major James Capers, Jr. has served his nation with great distinction and is an inspiration to all Marines," said Senator Graham. "As someone who courageously answered the call to serve his country and broke barriers along the way, Major Capers, Jr. is someone all Americans can admire. I am pleased that the Senate has approved this legislation that provides President Trump the authority to bestow this South Carolina hero with the recognition he has earned."

Background on Major Capers' service:

James Capers, Jr. was born in South Carolina in 1937, and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age eighteen. During the Vietnam War, Capers led a prisoner of war (POW) rescue mission ordered by President Johnson and commanded attacks on the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. As a trailblazer, he was the first African American to lead a Marine Reconnaissance company and receive a battlefield commission. In 2010, Major Capers, Jr. was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third highest award for valor.

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