S 1221

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 1221
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A concurrent RESOLUTION
TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MAJOR JAMES CAPERS JR. FOR
HIS EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM AND LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE
CORPS AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM FOR RECEIVING THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS ACTIONS
IN VIETNAM.
Whereas, the members of
the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Major James Capers Jr. for
receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam; and
Whereas, a native of
Bishopville, Major James Capers Jr. was born in 1937 and raised in a family of
sharecroppers. He joined the Marine Corps in 1956 and broke barriers throughout
his military career. He became the first Black Marine to join Force
Reconnaissance, the first Black Marine to receive a battlefield commission in
Marine Special Operations, and later the first Black Marine to command a reconnaissance
company; and
Whereas, during the
Vietnam War in 1967, Major Capers led his elite reconnaissance team, "Team
Broadminded," on a mission near Phu Loc, north of Da Nang, where he
demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his
own life above and beyond the call of duty; and
Whereas, during a
ferocious enemy ambush, Major Capers sustained severe wounds, including
shrapnel injuries and multiple bullet wounds, yet he continued to fight, direct
supporting fire, and protect his fellow Marines until they were safely
evacuated; and
Whereas, his valor and
leadership under fire saved lives and exemplified the highest traditions of the
United States Armed Forces; and
Whereas, for his exemplary
conduct, Major Capers has received the Bronze Star and the Silver Star. On June
18, 2026, he received the Medal of Honor; and
Whereas, after retiring
in 1978, Major Capers devoted himself to veterans, mentoring marines and
sharing his experiences through public speaking and his memoir, Faith
Through the Storm. His Medal of Honor recognizes not only extraordinary
courage in combat, but a lifetime defined by service to others; and
Whereas, Major Capers'
story, character, and sacrifice serve as an inspiration not only to South
Carolinians but to all Americans; and
Whereas, the members of
the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that
Major Capers has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now,
therefore,
Be it resolved by the
Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the
South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Major
James Capers Jr. for his extraordinary heroism and lifetime of service to the
United States Marine Corps and to congratulate him for receiving the Medal of Honor
for his actions in Vietnam.
Be it further resolved that
a copy of this resolution be presented to Major James Capers Jr.
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This web page was last updated on August 11, 2026 at 12:11 PM