South Carolina S 511: Major James Capers, Jr.

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 511 Text of Previous Version (Mar. 27, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 511

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MAJOR JAMES CAPERS JR., A 
NATIVE OF BISHOPVILLE, FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM AND LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO 
THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS AND TO RESPECTFULLY URGE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED 
STATES TO AWARD MAJOR CAPERS THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS ACTIONS IN VIETNAM.

Whereas, Major James 
Capers Jr., a native of Bishopville, is a highly decorated United States Marine 
and a trailblazer who overcame the barriers of segregation and discrimination 
to become the first African American to lead a Marine Reconnaissance company 
and to receive a battlefield commission; 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 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, despite 
receiving the Bronze Star and later the Silver Star, numerous attempts to 
upgrade his commendation to the Medal of Honor have yet to be approved; and

Whereas, Major Capers' 
story, character, and sacrifice serve as an inspiration not only to South 
Carolinians but to all Americans; and

Whereas, it is past 
time to formally recognize Major Capers' heroism with the highest military 
decoration of our nation.; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by 
this resolution, recognize and honor Major James Capers Jr. for his 
extraordinary service and sacrifice and respectfully urge the President of the 
United States to award Major Capers the Medal of Honor.

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution 
be forwarded to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, 
the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, the members of South 
Carolina's Congressional delegation, and Major James Capers Jr.

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This web page was last updated on March 27, 2025 at 11:34 AM