GRAHAM WELCOMES PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNING BILL INTO LAW PERMITTING SOUTH CAROLINA VETERAN TO RECEIVE MEDAL OF HONOR

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today praised President Trump for signing into law legislation (H.R. 3377) that makes Major James Capers, Jr., a South Carolina Vietnam War veteran, eligible to receive the Medal of Honor. Graham introduced the Senate version of this legislation in February 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.

"I am grateful to President Trump for signing this legislation into law, which paves the way for Major James Capers, Jr. to receive the Medal of Honor. We have a solemn duty to honor our veterans. Now that this legislation has become law, we are one step closer to honoring this South Carolina hero with the recognition he has earned," said Senator Graham .

The Senator continued , "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."

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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