Rep. Ralph Norman Reintroduces H.R. 3377 to Award the Medal of Honor to Major James Capers, Jr.

Washington, D.C. - On Tuesday, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) reintroduced H.R. 3377 to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Major James Capers, Jr., a retired United States Marine and decorated combat veteran whose record of valor and sacrifice has inspired generations of servicemembers.

Rep. Norman has introduced legislation to award Major James Capers, Jr., the Medal of Honor during the 117th and 118th Congresses.

Background

The Medal of Honor is awarded to a military service member who: "distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty

1) While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;

2) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or

3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party."

Major James Capers, Jr., born in Lee County, South Carolina, exemplified actions above and beyond the call of duty, more than meeting the requirements for a Medal of Honor when he led his team of nine out of an ambush where they were outnumbered 3:1 during the Vietnam War.

Thanks to the selfless sacrifice by Major Capers, all nine members of the team were brought to safety and survived the attack, though all members of the team, including Major Capers, were injured.

During his career, Major Capers and his team conducted over 50 classified missions in Vietnam, amphibious assaults, covert missions to rescue POWs, and a recovery mission for a downed B-57 bomber, while enduring countless injuries, including a broken leg.

Major Capers was previously nominated for the Medal of Honor, but due to administrative shortcomings and delays, he never received the recognition he earned in combat. Despite receiving the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and many other commendations, the full measure of his heroism remains unjustly overlooked.

Rep. Norman remains committed to ensuring H.R. 3377 is passed to authorize the presentation of the Medal of Honor, correcting a decades-old oversight.

Statement

"Mr. James Capers, Jr. isn't just a hero, he's a living legend in every sense of the word," said Rep. Norman in a statement on Tuesday. "His courage in Vietnam, his humility throughout life, and his unwavering devotion to this country are second to none. It's an honor to reintroduce this bill, because a man like Major Capers deserves nothing less than the Medal of Honor."