presents:
This Month's Featured Medal of Honor Hero
Medals of Honor (from left to right) for U.S. Army, U.S Navy / U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force
for April 2017
[In light of this important religious month, here's a fitting tribute to a divine Medal of Honor Hero]
Father Vincent Capodanno (aka "The Grunt Padre")
Medal of Honor recipient:
CAPODANNO, VINCENT R.
(U.S. Navy Chaplain - Lt. Vincent R. Capodanno)
Born: 13 February 1929, Staten Island, N.Y.
Rank: Lieutenant
Organization: U.S. Navy, Chaplain Corps, 3d Battalion
Assigned to / Serving with: 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Place and Date of Action: Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 4 September 1967
Medal of Honor
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Chaplain of the 3d Battalion, in connection with operations against enemy forces.
In response to reports that the 2d Platoon of M Company was in danger of being overrun by a massed enemy assaulting force, Lt. Capodanno left the relative safety of the company command post and ran through an open area raked with fire, directly to the beleaguered platoon. Disregarding the intense enemy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire, he moved about the battlefield administering last rites to the dying and giving medical aid to the wounded. When an exploding mortar round inflicted painful multiple wounds to his arms and legs, and severed a portion of his right hand, he steadfastly refused all medical aid. Instead, he directed the corpsmen to help their wounded comrades and, with calm vigor, continued to move about the battlefield as he provided encouragement by voice and example to the valiant marines. Upon encountering a wounded corpsman in the direct line of fire of an enemy machine gunner positioned approximately 15 yards away, Lt. Capodanno rushed a daring attempt to aid and assist the mortally wounded corpsman. At that instant, only inches from his goal, he was struck down by a burst of machine gun fire.
By his heroic conduct on the battlefield, and his inspiring example, Lt. Capodanno upheld the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Chaplain of the 3d Battalion, in connection with operations against enemy forces.
In response to reports that the 2d Platoon of M Company was in danger of being overrun by a massed enemy assaulting force, Lt. Capodanno left the relative safety of the company command post and ran through an open area raked with fire, directly to the beleaguered platoon. Disregarding the intense enemy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire, he moved about the battlefield administering last rites to the dying and giving medical aid to the wounded. When an exploding mortar round inflicted painful multiple wounds to his arms and legs, and severed a portion of his right hand, he steadfastly refused all medical aid. Instead, he directed the corpsmen to help their wounded comrades and, with calm vigor, continued to move about the battlefield as he provided encouragement by voice and example to the valiant marines. Upon encountering a wounded corpsman in the direct line of fire of an enemy machine gunner positioned approximately 15 yards away, Lt. Capodanno rushed a daring attempt to aid and assist the mortally wounded corpsman. At that instant, only inches from his goal, he was struck down by a burst of machine gun fire.
By his heroic conduct on the battlefield, and his inspiring example, Lt. Capodanno upheld the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.
Memorial to Father Vincent Capodanno at Ft. Wadsworth, NY (public domain image)
Featured Videos about the Life and Heroics of "The Grunt Padre"
To find out more about the Medal of Honor - it's origin, history, and recipients,
visit the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website
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Credits: Unless otherwise noted here, photos displayed on this site are public domain images, pictures by Sean Sweeney, or used by permission.
