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Long-Awaited Medal of Honor Ceremony for Retired Marine Major James Capers Jr. Set for Thursday at White House
Retired Marine Major James Capers Jr. will receive the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony on Thursday, June 19, 2026, for heroism during the Vietnam War. The 88-year-old veteran saved fellow Marines during a 1967 battle in Phu Loc despite being wounded multiple times.
Quick Facts
Who
James Capers Jr.
What
Medal of Honor ceremony
When
Thursday
Where
East Room of the White House
- Medal of Honor ceremony
- legislation passed authorizing the medal
- signed into law
- James Capers Jr.
- Donald Trump
The Medal of Honor ceremony for retired Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr., an 88-year-old Vietnam veteran from Jacksonville, North Carolina, is scheduled to take place Thursday at 4:00 p.m. in the East Room of the White House. The event follows the passage of legislation by Congress earlier this month that authorized the award, which was subsequently signed into law by President Donald Trump.
Capers is being recognized for extraordinary heroism during a battle at Phu Loc in 1967, where he is credited with saving the lives of Marines under his command despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds. His actions in that engagement have been described as acts of valor that went unrecognized at the highest level for decades.
Over his 23-year Marine Corps career, Capers earned three Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, and two Bronze Stars, marking him as one of the most decorated combat veterans of his era. Efforts to secure the Medal of Honor for him have been ongoing for years, with WITN reporting on the campaign as early as June 2025.
The ceremony has been described as a long-awaited recognition of Capers's sacrifice and leadership. The White House event will be attended by dignitaries, military officials, and family members, underscoring the nation's gratitude for his service.
Why This Matters
This ceremony marks the culmination of decades-long advocacy to honor a Vietnam War hero whose valor was initially overlooked. The event not only recognizes Capers' personal sacrifice but also signals a federal commitment to revisiting and righting historical oversights in military awards, potentially affecting similar cases moving forward.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1967
WireBattle at Phu Loc where Capers saved fellow Marines under fire.
Jun 1, 2025
WireWITN reports on efforts to award Capers the Medal of Honor.
Jun 1, 2026
WireCongress passes legislation authorizing the Medal of Honor for Capers.
Jun 18, 2026
WirePresident Trump signs the authorization into law.
Jun 19, 2026
WireMedal of Honor ceremony scheduled at the White House East Room.